Our Board

Jill Cook

Chairman

Jill studied music at school and played piano and percussion in the orchestra. Her singing career consisted of belting out hymns until she discovered Barbershop and got hooked. Jill initially sang in a London chorus and joined Spinnaker after moving to Chichester in 2013. “There’s nothing to beat the buzz from singing in a big chorus and feeling an emotional connection with the audience”, she says, “barbershop singing seems to bring out my inner diva!” When she’s not singing Jill is vice-chair of governors at Chichester University. She is an organiser of the Chichester Festival and volunteers at HMP Ford. She writes under the nom-de-plume Jill King.

Colleen Potter

Vice Chairman

Colleen enjoyed singing in Gilbert and Sullivan productions as a child but got the barbershop bug a few years ago with another chorus. She attended a Spinnaker rehearsal in January 2015 and was instantly impressed. “I was amazed by the incredible wall of sound,” she says, “and just knew I had to join!” But for Colleen Spinnaker is about a lot more than singing. “The friendship and support creates a strong bond,” she explains, “and I love the learning and the challenge that being part of the chorus provides.” When she’s not singing Colleen loves to travel with her partner as well as the theatre, walking and calligraphy.

Nuala Hobden

Treasurer

Nuala once sang solo at Bath Abbey with her school choir, but in later life confined herself to the odd Karaoke evening. Then in 2005 she spotted a singing course run by Spinnaker. “I was recovering from cancer at the time,” says Nuala, “and this seemed just what I needed to get my mojo back. I was welcomed with open arms, and proudly competed at convention in 2006 when we won the best mid-size chorus award.” Nuala is clear that singing is more than a hobby. “I’ve tried swimming, Pilates and yoga,” she says, “but singing with Spinnaker is the best way to relax I know.” Nuala has a career in Finance and enjoys her family and friends, live music and cinema.

Kathryn Bowes

Secretary & Music Librarian

Kathryn sang for many years as a child with the church choir. She progressed to a folk group in secondary school (all paisley frocks and guitars) and then performed some Gilbert &Sullivan (with flowing locks and frilly dresses). She later sang with Portsmouth Choral Union before joining Spinnaker Chorus on a Come & Sing course. Kathryn came along on her own but found the group really friendly. She originally joined the bass to avoid too many scary high notes! After a time with London City Singers, performing in many wonderful venues, Kathryn returned to Spinnaker. When the Chorus learnt Ain’t No Mountain she was instantly converted to joining the Baritones. Singing Motown had, it transpires, always been her ambition.

Tracy Daniel

PR Officer

Tracy’s singing career started in the school choir where she enjoyed performing in Gilbert & Sullivan productions. She attended a Spinnaker ‘Learn to sing’ course in 2013, and loved it so much she joined the chorus. “Initially I didn’t think I’d be good enough,” she says, “but on my first visit I couldn’t stop smiling and I became determined to pass my audition.” Since then Tracy hasn’t looked back. “Spinnaker is a very special part of my life,” she explains. “Rehearsals are so much fun and I’ve made lots of lovely friends. We are one big happy family.” Tracy enjoys working as a Midday Supervisory Assistant and School Escort as well as spending time with her friends with a cappuccino and some cake!

Elspeth Smith

Membership Secretary

Elspeth has always loved singing and enjoyed going along to Spinnaker concerts to watch one of her dear friends perform. She was so impressed she attended a Spinnaker workshop which she loved. When she retired Elspeth attended a ‘Learn to Sing’ course and joined the Chorus in December 2012. “Being in Spinnaker means having a laugh, belonging to a great sorority of women and challenging myself to do new things,” she says. “I love it when we go away for family free weekends and get the chance to dress up in our performance costumes.” When she’s not singing Elspeth enjoys playing golf, Nordic walking, cycling and kayaking.

Tracey Buckley

Bookings Officer

Tracey started singing in the school choir when she was 12 and hasn’t stopped since – she’s sung in some impressive places including The Savoy, the Ritz and the Café Royal in London.

She came along for the Spinnaker Advent a Capella programme in 2018 and describes herself as “dumbstruck” by the amazing sound of the Chorus. She caught the bug and became a Spinnakerette and enjoys singing with a bunch of fantastic, uplifting and slightly irreverent women! Her favourite repertoire song is One Day Like This by Elbow.

When she’s not singing Tracey enjoys time with her son, meeting friends, gardening, studying genealogy and running her local Neighbourhood watch. In 2012 she was proud to be a GamesMaker volunteer for the London Olympics.

Wendy Ranft

Fundraising Team Coordinator

Wendy joins Elspeth in this important role. Wendy has always had a love of singing – whether it be in school choirs, at church, around the house or in the shower. In fact, she’s known at the NHS hospital where she works, as the Sister who sings all day long. So when a colleague was looking to recruit for the chorus, Wendy was the obvious choice. She attended a Spinnaker ‘Learn to Sing’ course and joined the Chorus in 2013. “I’ve tried many hobbies,” Wendy says, “but nothing comes close to being part of Spinnaker. It’s where you find challenges, friendships, support, lots of laughter and the chance to learn new skills.” Wendy is a mother and grandmother and a member of her local church.

Lesley Clements

Makeup

Although Lesley claims to have little background in music, her mum’s family all sang regularly in the local pub, and three of her nieces were backing singers for Cliff Richard! So a passion for singing is in her genes. Lesley started singing Barbershop around fifteen years ago and was one of the founder members of Spinnaker. She describes it as “simply the best.” When she’s not singing Lesley enjoys spending time with her four daughters and three grand-daughters. She loves her job, working with people with learning disabilities, and relaxes by making things and painting and decorating.