Andy Aberle and thirty one years of Barbershop

BHA President, Ian Mulholland speaking at the function

A function was recently held to farewell Andy Aberle, BHA and Men In Harmony Life Member, who has retired from active barbershop singing after 31 years and at almost 92 years “young”. Andy is our oldest active BHA member.
 
Many of you will know Andy. He was one of the founders of AAMBS (now BHA) and was Convention Chairman for the 1993 and 2003 Perth Conventions. Andy was also a talented show producer, and was a stalwart in that capacity for Men In Harmony for many years.
 

BHA Life Member, Bruce Okely, speaking at the function

The function gathered together as many of Andy’s past and current barbershop buddies as could be mustered and was a special occasion for all. Speeches were given by BHA President and Life Member, Ian Mulholland, and AAMBS Founder, inaugural Secretary and BHA Life Member, Bruce Okely. They reminisced about Andy’s time in barbershop and entertained the assembled throng with stories of Andy’s involvement.
 
Andy returned fire with a stirring rendition of the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle poem, “Bendigo” which enthralled the crowd. In his speech Andy said that he only started barbershop singing when he retired from full-time work. He remembered the start of AAMBS back in 1985 and the book he wrote “The First Twenty Years of AAMBS, 1985-2005”. After the event Andy spent some time signing copies of his book for his adoring fans. Andy also gave recognition to his wife Gwen, who has always supported him in his barbershop activities.

It was a wonderful afternoon, and while we will miss Andy singing with us on the risers, we’re sure he’ll still be coming to concerts and barbershop events in the future. We wish Andy well in his retirement from retirement.

Andy giving his return speech

The assembled throng