Littlehampton Waterfront Festival

Littlehampton Waterfront Festival schedule has now arrived. We currently have 26 people on the 'singers' list.

The full event will last from 11am to 5pm but we will not be expected to perform for the whole that time. We have 4 sets consisting of 20 minutes for each set.

Timings and stand locations

1100 to 1120
Just east of the Public Slipway at the lifeboat station (there is an area against the railings overlooking the slipway from the east)

1215 to 1235
Harbour Office Garden

1315 to 1335
Erica’s Deck/Visitors Pontoon – making the most of the higher tide so that you can be seen/heard

1445 to 1505
Harbour Office Garden

Notes:

1.  ERICA is Harbour Working Boat which will be moored in a pontoon on the River. Erica can only accommodate about 10 on her deck. The pontoon she will be tied up on is quite narrow and will be the main thoroughfare for visitors but they will temporarily close the pontoon to visitors during one out performance therefore they are able to accommodate us all along the pontoon and the Erica’s Deck. 


2. It has been suggested by the event organisers that we meet for each in the Harbour Office garden 5 minutes before each timing so that you can move down together? Particularly for the performance from the pontoon, it would need to be in coordination with event marshals.

July Shanty Report

Due to changes to the darts fixtures at the YOHAH there was and to reschedule the Shanty Session for July to the 9th July. The upside of this is we have managed to secure an additional session in July; on Tuesday 30th July. As a consequence we had a number of emails saying people may not be able to attend this session. It was quite  surprise when we had 27 members turn up!!
The evening started on time by Emily who gave an update on current scheduled appearances of the SSS at Arundel, Littlehampton, Newhaven and SDFF. She also explained about the format of the Big Sing which 7 groups will be singing two songs at the South Downs Folk Festival together.
All the notices out of the way we started the singing with a hearty version of 'High Barbaree'. This was quickly followed up by a rendition of 'John Kanaka' where each verse was sung by individuals within the group. At this point of the evening we were introduced to a new song by David G, the song being 'Bold Riley'. David explained the format of the song and sang it through to the group. We all then joined in a group version of the song. Emily asked if it was something we were interested in introducing into our repertoire; the general consensus was yes. Following on closely the group sung a harmony version of 'Old Fid', We then through a version of the new song from the last session, 'Duke William' which was a Belloc, Broadwood and Beyond song but with reference to ships in the song it was considered suitable for the Shanty Sessions. After a well deserved refreshment break we were introduced to one of the songs for the Big Sing. The song called 'Ole Leloila'. The song which is a Yolk is a form of singing used by the Sami reindeer herders of Northern Finland to evoke a feeling, or expression of desire. A Yolk is a chant of sorts; it can have real words or just sounds or a combination of both. The song was run through by Emily then it was broken down into a rounds. We manage 3 separate groups to sing as a round. A copy of the recording is at the base of this report.
This song was followed up by singing another of last months new songs, Randy Dandy-o.
We now introduced to a second of David G's new songs, the song being 'We 3 Jolly Fisherman' a song picked up in Whitby by David. The group had a go at the song and it was received with acknowledgement. The final part of the evening was taken by the singing of the 'Mingulay Boat Song' and a further run through of 'Ole Leloila. The evening being over the group set sail and may fast their passage to their Home Port.

Listen to Ole Leloila Here

Change to Shanty session dates for July

Due to other events at Ye Olde House at Home the date for this months Shanty Session needs to change. The revised date is the 9th July. We have however been offered an additional practice session on 30th as well. We will therefore have 2 practices for month of July. Please pass this onto other members.

Turning Tides Summer Busk

We have been asked if we can perform between 2pm and 3pm on Saturday 6th July in Worthing. It is all part of Turning Tides Homeless Project. Details have been emailed to members. Please respond as per instructions. Though short notice if we can secure sufficient numbers we will go ahead with it. Please check and respond to emails soonest.

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.

June Shanty Session The June Secret Shore Shanty Session will take place at 'Ye Olde House at Home', Broadwater on Tuesday 18th June. Arrive for 7.30pm and get yourself settled in before singing commences at 8pm. Fun at enjoyment for all.

May Shanty Report

Shanty Session at Ye Olde House at Home on Tuesday 21st May

Report provided by Steve Wealthy

On Tuesday 21st May at Ye Olde House at Home, Broadwater, hosted 28 stout hearted land lubbers for our regular singing session led by Emily.

Kicked off by a rousing rendition of the ever popular A-rovin. we followed it closely with an equally enthusiastic version of Saucy Sailor.

Then we put our backs into perfecting the harmonies for Old Fid, Here's a Health to the Company, the Mingulay Boat Song and It's time to go now.

This was followed up by John Kanaka where with the exception of the first verse were song by Solo's by some of the menfolk.

Before the break there was a welcome return of the Bold Fisherman.

After the halftime refill break, we ran through the Loyal Lover a couple of times, the second time trying it out with just a few ladies singing the verses.

A couple of new songs were then brought to us by Mike, Colin and Dave. Mike gave us a solo of Farewell to Tarwathie, Colin and Dave gave us In Safe Harbour, with all of us chipping in with the chorus. (recordings available in earlier posting).

The complete crew then sang through Rolling Down to Old Maui before the evening was brought through to an end with the great favourite of Bonny Ship the Diamond.

Many thanks to Steve for his report. I am always looking for someone else to put together future evening reports. If you feel you would like to write if for the group then please speak to me prior to the start of each session. Dave