Our Small Groups
Discover the Abbey Belles’ small groups — a cappella and barbershop quartets based in Selby, North Yorkshire. Learn more about Eclipse, Happy Days, Jabberwocky, Picardy Fourth, Sic Note and Bella Donna, including their history, members, achievements and performances.
Within the Abbey Belles chorus, several smaller ensembles rehearse and perform together. These groups explore different styles of harmony, develop their musical skills, and often compete or perform at local events. They are an important part of our musical community and a lovely way for singers to grow in confidence.
Our current small groups include:
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Eclipse
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Happy Days
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Jabberwocky
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Picardy Fourth
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Sic Note
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Bella Donna
We also occasionally assemble the AbbeyBella Orchestrella — a joyful collection of Abbey Belles who play (or used to play) musical instruments. It’s always a cheerful rabble and great fun at our shows!
Eclipse
Eclipse formed in 2009, debuting at the Abbey Belles Show in Howden. After a change in line‑up, the current six members — Carol, Jamie, Jo, Della, Janet and Anne — continue to perform together.
They sing in a mix of styles, both a cappella and accompanied, with repertoire in two, three and four‑part harmony. Eclipse love trying new things, from beatboxing experiments to playful choreography, and they’re known for bringing energy and fun to every performance.
Outside of singing, they enjoy a curry, a cake and an escape room — sometimes all in one evening.
Happy Days
Happy Days were formed from the remaining members of Hullabaloo, following the passing of their much‑loved bass, Anne, in early 2022. Hullabaloo sang together for 20 years and achieved notable success, including two 9th‑place finishes at the LABBS national quartet competition.
One of their proudest moments was performing the Upshares Downshares theme on BBC Radio 4 in 2009. Their recording later featured on a Children in Need charity CD which sold over 7,000 copies.
Happy Days continue to sing with warmth, friendship and the spirit of Hullabaloo at their heart.
Jabberwocky
Formed in 2018, Jabberwocky is made up of four Abbey Belles members:
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Victoria (Tenor)
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Catrina (Lead)
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Amy (Baritone)
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Natalie (Bass)
They’ve enjoyed many performances together, including a packed Christmas concert at Harlow Carr and winning their first trophy at the Pontefract Music Festival in 2019. Jabberwocky were awarded Most Improved Quartet at LABBS Quartet Prelims in 2022 and achieved their best ever score at Prelims 2025, earning a place in the LABBS Convention semi‑finals.
Find out more on their Facebook page: facebook.com/JabberwockyQuartet
Picardy Fourth
Picardy Fourth formed during a retreat weekend in September 2023. The quartet consists of:
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Janet (Tenor)
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Sueperb (Lead)
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Della (Baritone)
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Liz (Bass)
Originally created to build confidence, they soon discovered a shared love of singing together. Their journey has taken them from quiet rehearsals to public performances, growing in skill, friendship and musical joy.
Their name is a playful musical reference — ask them for the explanation!
Sic Note
Sic Note came together spontaneously at a summer BBQ in 2023, when four Abbey Belles realised they shared the same sense of humour, musical taste and love of harmony. What began as a fun idea quickly grew into a committed quartet.
They stepped onto the competition stage for the first time at LABBS Prelims 2024, returning again in 2025 with renewed confidence and 3rd place most improved score.
Sic Note’s blend of friendship, fun and musical ambition makes them a joyful part of the Abbey Belles community.
SMALL GROUP PHOTOS...
Click each picture to expand the view
 Picardy Fourth before their first performance :) |  Performing at our Ukraine Concert in Sep 2022 |
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 Jabberwocky celebrating Most Improved Quartet from LABBS Prelims 2022 and Ladies Barbershop Quartet Class at Cleethorpes Music Festival 2022 |  Jabberwocky celebrating a well earned drink after LABBS Prelims Jun 2019 |
 Jabberwocky competing at LABBS Quartet Prelims Jun 2019 |  Jabberwocky at Pontefract Music Festival Mar 2019 |
 Eclipse Oct 2018 |  Eclipse at Rothwell Music Festival Mar 2017 |
 Hullabaloo singing at Abbey Belles Show May 2016 |  Eclipse practising for Abbey Belles Show May 2016 |
 AbbeyBella Orchestrella playing at the Abbey Belles Show Sep 2012 |  AbbeyBella Orchestrella playing at the Abbey Belles Show Sep 2012 |
 Hullabaloo singout with Scunthorpe Male Voice Choir Nov 2007 |  Hullabaloo competing at LABBS Convention Oct 2006 |