IN its 30-year history men's barbershop group, Great Western Chorus of Bristol, has hit some high notes not least being six times British Champion.

The group, which attracts singers from both mid and South Gloucestershire, has travelled to the US and Europe and takes part in events nationwide.

Gazette feature writer Kirsty Ramsden met the group's only singing founder member, Yate man Terry Barton, to find out what keeps the chorus in tune.

AFTER having seen and admired barbershop singing in the old movies, Terry Barton was inspired to see a visiting American choir.

He was immediately hooked by the music and realised it was the style of singing he wanted to do.

Names were taken at the concert, which took place at the Victoria Rooms, Bristol, of men who would like to form a similar choir in the area.

Mr Barton put his name down and in 1974 the Great Western Chorus was formed.

When he joined the chorus he was already singing with Yate-based Parnell's Male Voice Choir and with Yate Choral Society.

Singing with three choirs and other commitments meant Mr Barton was out most nights so decided to concentrate on his Great Western Chorus singing.

Since joining the chorus he has also belonged to several quartets formed through the group.

He has also served on the chorus's executive and music committees.

The chorus is 50-strong and membership varies in age from 12 to 80 plus, although the average age is about 55.

Mr Barton describes members as from all walks of life including plumbers, electricians and businessmen.

Mr Barton, who is now retired, worked at a Yate factory for 27 years in quality control in the press shop.

His father's family was musical. Indeed, he explained, his grandfather was conductor of the Hambrook Band and his grandfather's six brothers played in the band.

As well as weekly rehearsals at Fishponds, Bristol, the chorus regularly takes part in "sing outs".

In March the choir is performing at the Mid Somerset Festival in Bath.

The chorus has also travelled to countries including the US, Canada, Germany and Holland to sing.

The chorus is six times winner of the National Convention of Barbershop Singers and, revealed Mr Barton, the group had never been placed below fifth in the competition.

The chorus took part in the Welsh International Eisteddfod at Llangollen in July last year coming second by just one point to the world champion Cambridge Choral Company.

It also sang at the Irish Association of Barbershop Singers' Convention in Dublin in 2004.

The chorus sings a selection of popular songs from the last 100 years, including numbers made famous by Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Billy Joel, Matt Monro, Billie Holiday, Al Jolson and The Drifters, as well as unforgettable show-stoppers from the world of musical theatre, the music hall era, sacred songs, and much more.

The chorus is always keen to recruit new singers. Prospective members need a love of singing but being able to read music is not essential.

Great Western Chorus has singers from throughout the region including Thornbury, Chipping Sodbury, Yate, Dursley, Stroud and Wotton-under-Edge.

And despite being a chorus of men, the group's musical director is in fact a woman, Linda Corcoran.

Mr Barton described her as "great" and said: "She really knows her music." Mr Barton voiced the joy of belonging to the chorus.

"It is great fun," he explained. "I love music and I love singing. It is great to be in that crowd of guys with the music around you."

For details about joining the chorus e-mail contact@singbristol.com, visit its website www.singbristol.com or call 0117 966 5610.