History

The Honeybees came together in Sydney in 1996 when Tony Backhouse's Tuesday night singing class decided to become a performing group.

Some of the Bees had been singing with Tony since about 1994 and felt confident to take the next step. The details of the decision are little vague.  According to most reports, the notorious Different Drummer wine bar in Glebe was involved and also, presumably, some of its products.

In recognition of Tony's role in bringing the group together, an attempt was made to come up with a name that resembled Tony's initials. From this came "The Honeybees". Clearly, it must have been a long night.

Since those misty dark days, the Bees have sung:

• at music festivals, weddings, parties, funerals and memorial services
• at charity events for organisations such as Amnesty International
• for blue chip corporations
• at book launches
• in churches, theatres, gardens, upmarket hotels and everything in between
• with the brilliant James Morrison at the re-opening of Grace Bros' Sydney
• variously, for our members and their friends and families

In late 2001 we began a new journey as Tony finished his able stewardship of the Honeybees. In 2002 we moved our regular rehearsals from Glebe to East Sydney. And in 2003 we welcomeed Dynes Austin as our Musical Director followed by Stephen Clarke in 2010.  Under the direction of Stephen, Jenny and the rest of the management committee, The Honeybees continue to evolve, grow, inspire and have fun.

More history:

Recent History  What's been happening this year and last

Posters & Flyers  That catalogue the rise of the PC, design software & home printing

Photographs  Watch the fashions change all the way back to 1996

Mary Lou Shiel  A tribute by Lyn Mason-Norman

Reflections & Memories From Honeybees members past & present