Sea Shanty Singing
When? Every Tuesday 10am to 12 noon.
Where? St Lawrence Church Hall, 71 Broad Street, Chipping Sodbury, BS37 6AD.
Next to the Squire Inn.
Free parking at the town car park in Wickwar Road.
Who for?
Anybody who wants to sing for the pure fun of it. From those who have not sung since primary school, to shanty singers looking for a home.
Cost?
Depending on numbers, a subscription of £1 per meeting, should cover the cost of hiring the hall, and light refreshments. If members require printed song sheets, they will be charged separately at cost. Song sheets will be e-mailed to members, where necessary.
Leader? Richard Heelis
What’s it all about?
Unaccompanied singing of shanties and sea songs from the age of the great merchant sailing ships, before the advent of steam and diesel power.
These are work songs which were sung to coordinate the efforts of the sailors, as they carried out arduous tasks such as turning a capstan or raising a sail. A shanty man would maintain a steady rhythm and ensure everyone pulled on the beat. Their popularity is down to the rousing choruses, and the invitation to sing loud and strong, as in South Australia and Blow the man down. There are also more lyrical songs, like Shenandoah, or plaintive laments, like Lowlands, but they all raise the spirits and create togetherness.
Why not come and try it, and be uplifted by the power of shanties. All are welcome, and we hope to have as great a range of voices as possible. No previous experience of shanties or choirs necessary.
Contact Richard using the blue icon on the right.