BIBA remembers those members of the association who are no longer with us
Their Barbershop spirit, together with their memories, remain with us always
Gail Grainger
1958 - 2025
Gail was involved Barbershop from 1989.
After moving to Spain in 2004, she soon became involved singing barbershop and later directing Spangles Chorus, leading the chorus to successfully winning three gold medals.
Gail was part of the group that formed SABS back in 2008. Although she was unable to attend the inaugural meeting, she became fully involved very soon after. Initially serving as membership secretary, after the first year she took on the role of vice president to Nicolas Peñas. Two years later, Nico stepped down as President and Gail acceded to the role of president. Working closely with Lyn Baines as her vice president to ensure the annual ‘En Armonia’ convention was a success.
By that time, SABS was firmly established in the Barbershop community and Harmony Colleges were added to the association’s already busy and successful schedule.
In 2015 Gail stepped down as SABS President and was very humbled to accept an honorary membership.
Very soon after, Gail and her husband returned to live in the UK. Although no longer an active singer, Gail remained very involved with LABBS. A trustee of the association, she also served as membership director. Gail was also a qualified member of the Administrative judges and Barbershop was never be very far from her life!! Gail sadly passed away in 2025 and will be sorely missed.
Anthea Prentice
1946-2024
Anthea, together with Lyn Baines, founded Spangles in 2004, with five members. Just seven years later, under the direction of Gail Grainger, they won their first SABS chorus competition and became one of the most successful choruses in Spain. Spangles was instrumental in the foundation and promotion of SABS and went on to win several more medals.
Popular with all SABS members for her warmth, naughty wit and love of wine and song, Anthea will be sadly missed by everyone whose life she touched
(photo courtesy of Eric Ideler)
Ralph Keenan
1957 - 2024
Ralph's wife, Sylvy, was the driving force for Barbershop music in Portugal. She started Bella A Cappella (name now changed to Bella Acapella) back in 2008 and invited Ralph to join them as a Bass. Ralph had never sung barbershop before and was hooked from day one. He became an accomplished bass singer and medal-winner both with Bella and his quartet, Cleftomania.
Sylvy and Ralph returned to the UK in 2016. Bella Acapella awarded them honorary membership and the chorus members welcomed them whenever they visited.
We remember Ralph as a positive, fun spirit with a wicked sense of humour and a great singer! With his energetic presence, dry humour and musicality, he made quite an impact. Ralph will be missed as a singer and as a friend.
Adrian Chorley
1945 - 2023
Adrian ‘accidentally’ fell into barbershop when his wife Jill talked him into helping Spangles chorus!
He became a valued member of the En Armonia convention team, willingly storing the shop stock before moving back to the U.K.
Adrian then served as convention Courier Manager in 2017 and as Contest Administration Manager in 2018.
Adrian is sadly missed by everyone who knew him and had the privilege of working with him.
Carol Webster
1949 - 2022
Carol was a valued member of Spangles Chorus from April, 2016 until a few years later, she suddenly became very ill.Pictured here in happier times with some of her Spangles friends, Carol never recovered and eventually had to move to Malaga to be cared for by her family until she finally passed away in 2022.A shining star with a great personality, Carol is sadly missed.
Alex Honrubia
1999 - 2021
Alex was a member of Popcorn quartet. A friend of Metropolitan Union and Hanfris Quartet, he joined with some of them to sing in the Cor Jove of the Palau de la Música.
Always in love with barbershop music, unfortunately COVID took him from us before he had the opportunity to compete at En Armonia.
His fellow Barbershoppers miss him greatly.
Graham Lewis
1942 - 2021
The M.D. of Torrevieja Harmonisers for many years, Graham was also a founding member of SABS.
An avid ambassador of Barbershop music, Graham introduced his wife Liz to the genre. In addition to being a celebrated musician and music teacher, Liz became a member of Spangles Chorus and Pilarmonics and continues to support our conventions when she can
Ever popular within the Barbershop community, Graham is sadly missed
Anne Phillips
1940 - 2019
Anne was a proud member of Spangles chorus for many years, winning two gold, one silver, and one bronze medal performing with the chorus at En Armonia. With Spangles chorus, Anne also competed at EBC in 2013 and IABS in 2016.
Attending every SABS convention since 2009, Anne, with her husband Mike, also represented SABS at the Pan Pacific convention in 2011.
Anne is sadly missed by her friends and family, but most especially by her husband, Mike.
