June Shanty Report

June 18th saw this months shanty session at the Ye Olde House at Home. The numbers were lower than usual but we still managed to muster at least 25 hands on deck. The evening commenced with a quick briefing from Emily regarding the Newhaven Festival that had now been confirmed as Saturday 31st August. They event organisers have been discussing the structure of our support and they are looking at shanty sessions, a workshop and possibly an early evening concert by the group. Initial indications that we have sufficient numbers who wish to take on the event as from the session we have already managed to secure 15 names for the event.
With all the formalities over the singing commenced with a rousing version of 'Spanish Ladies'. This was closely followed up by a version of 'John Kanaka'. The next part of the evening was working through a group of songs which included harmony parts. The songs included 'Its Time to Go Now'. 'Old Fid', and 'Mingulay Boat Song'. Even with the numbers available they really sounded great and brought audience attendance from the other room. Just before the break Emily introduced us to a new song called 'Randy Dandy-O'. The song was well received by the group and it was decided to take it forwarded within the group with an additional couple of verses added by yours truly. Lyrics of this song are available on the New Songs Page. At this point is a good time to take a refreshment break. During the break it was announced about event lists would now become available for the events.
Following the break practiced Loyal Lover with the whole group and then a version of ladies only was sung. This met approval within the group.
Emily made a suggestion that we may wish to pick up one of the songs from the Belloc, Broadwood and Beyond project called 'Duke William'. As this was new to some members she sang through the verses supported from those members who knew it. The song will be tried out at future sessions (lyrics will appear on the New Songs Page).
The final part of the evening was completed by the singing of  3 songs 'Grey Funnel Line. 'Roll the Old Chariot' with individuals sing each verse and finally finishing with a rousing version of 'Health to the Company'. The evening being over all hands headed for the liberty boat and made their ways home.