The Dog Watch (without the dog)

Photo: Simon Meeds

Last Friday we were reduced to just three singers. Mike made an early appearance but was on his way home rather than intending to stay. In the absence of Colin, Simon took over as MC.

The main purpose of Mike's brief visit was to ask that we publicise his now confirmed shanty performance evening from 7pm on 25 September at the Major's Retreat, Tormarton (GL9 1HZ). The Bristol Shantymen were asked to perform but only Mike will be available. He is therefore looking for a crowd of willing chorus singers on the assumption that the pub regulars won't join in without prompting.

When we were finally (barely) quorate, Simon kicked off the singing with Rout of the Blues (Roud 21098).

Derek gave us McCafferty (Roud 1148) which originated as a street-ballad about Patrick McCaffrey, executed in 1862 for the killing of two of his officers. Prompted by Geoff, Derek told how a rumour had arisen among gypsies that singing this song or the more recently Kevin Barry (Roud 3014) could be considered a treasonable offence, leading to imprisonment or even death. He assumes that it was indeed a rumour and had no base in fact.

Geoff's first song, commemorating the recent death of Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts, was You Better Move On (Arthur Alexander) which was the band's fourth single release (January 1964).

Given the small number present, Derek had suggested at the start that we limit ourselves to three songs each. When Geoff entered the room he came with the message that we were required to finish by 10:30pm. In the end Derek and Simon decided that we would go on until Geoff had finished his drink. That lasted through 16 songs and until about 10pm with Derek finishing off the evening by singing Pump Away (Roud 10338).

Now listen to a selection of songs sung during this session.

(Number of people present - 3, of whom 3 performed)