Shanties, Sunshine, and St. Piran's Day: A Nautical Adventure!

Hello, this is Ari Glassman and you're listening to Ship Shape and Bristol Fashion.

Ship Shape and Bristol Fashion.

Tie and lash em.

This vessel, she is certified ship shape from bristol fashion.

King James's men shall understand what foolish lads can do and have the hiss his 20,000 Cornish men will know the reason why.

Ghoul Perrin Loewin.

Yes, Happy St. Pyrran's Day.

Welcome to Shipshape and Bristol Fashion.

I'm Oggy, your host and a member of the Port of Bristol Shanty crew.

Yes, it's the 5th of March, 2026 and that means every Cornish man and woman up and down the country and around the world are celebrating the patron saint of Cornwall, St. Pyren.

Now, if this is the first time that you have discovered this podcast, then welcome.

Thank you for tuning in.

This podcast predominantly is designed to cover the work of the Port of Bristol shanty crew, but also to talk about the world of shanty singing across the uk.

And if you are a regular listener, thanks for coming back and of course a huge thank you for the positive comments and feedback from last month's episode where Nobby came along and to give us some of his nautical wisdom.

So how are you all doing?

Well, it's March, it's a few days into spring and it certainly is a lot better weather wise.

The sun is certainly out there now, which I think we probably all forgot what that looked like.

And of course the temperature is getting better.

And that means only one thing.

The shanty scene is back on.

And you will probably see not only on our own social media platform, but across all the different shanty crews across the UK that they're all getting ready to get very busy for 2026.

So what do we have on this month episode?

Well, it wouldn't be right if we didn't talk about the legend that is the Cornish shanty scene.

So we're going to join Thunderbox in the Captain's quarters.

It's going to give us an insight to what the Cornish shanty scene is all about.

We're also going to hear some songs from us.

Appreciate that you've not heard from us from a little while and if you like what you hear, then you'll be able to also hear from our signaler.

He'll give you news and reviews of where you can come and find us in the future.

And we'll finish with a little treat.

Our musical director Doc has been at it again.

He is so creative.

He has put together a little ditty called the Port of Bristol Shanty Gnomes.

Now, if you've been on our social media, you will see the video that accompanies this audio.

But we thought it would be lovely to feature on this episode.

So sit back and relax.

And here are some songs from us, the Port of Bristol Shanty Crew.

Oh, I thought I heard the old man say Leave her, Johnny, leave her for tomorrow you will get your pay and it is time for us to leave her Leave her, Johnny, leave her Leave her, Johnny, leave her for the work is done and the winds don't blow and it's time for us to leave her oh, the captain was bad but his mate was worse Leave her, Johnny, leave her he would cut you down with a spike on his curse and it's time for us to leave her Leave her, Johnny, leave her oh, leave her, Johnny, leave her for the voyage is done and the winds don't blow and and it's time for us to labor I played the wild rover for many a year and I've spent all my money on whiskey and beer and now I'm returning with going great soar and I never will play the wild rover no more and it's no day never, no day, never, no more Will I play O rover no, never, no more I went into an ale house I used to frequent and I told the landlady my money was spent I asked her for credit she answered me, nay, Cause she's a horse Said custom like yours I can get any day and it's no day never, no day never, no more Will I play the war rover no, never, no more Put my hand in my pocket Poured out sovereigns bright and the landlady's eyes open wide with delight she said we have whiskey and beer of the best but the words that I spoke sure were only in jest and when I was just a little lad oh, so me mammy told me Away, hole away we'll hole away, Joe if I didn't

kiss the girls my lips will go

home, oldy Away, hole away we'll hole away, Joe Hoo.

Hey, hey.

Hole away we'll hole away together Away, all away we'll hole away hey, Jo Hoo, hey, haul away we'll hope for better weather Away, haul away we'll haul away, Joe I used to have a Cornish girl but she turned fat and lazy Away, haul away we'll haul away, Jo.

And now I'm with the Bristol girl and she just drives me crazy Away all the way, all away joy hey, all the way we're all away together Away, haul away we'll haul away joy hey, haul away we hope for better weather Away, haul away we'll haul away.

Help me Bob, I'm bully in the alley hey bully in the alley Help me Bob I'm bully in the alley Bully down his shinbow now.

So help me Bob I'm bully in the alley way hey bully in the alley help me borrow my ship shape and bristle fashion boys along the RSI from avon gorge to wonderful will heal and hold alive.

Secure the barrels down below bind and tie em lash em this vessel she is certified ship shape and bristol fashion from her home in Bristol.

So we set out from the quay our ship is full of spices bound for America.

Sugar's in the hole below Empress makes up the crow sails unfurled and capstans raises off to see we go Ship shape and bristle fashion boys along the harbor side from Avon gorge to wonderful heathen hall secure the barrels down below bind and tie and lash them in south australia I was born heave away all the way South Australia round cape horn we're bound for south Australia all away you rolling kings heave away ha, you'll hear me sing we're bound for south Australia and as I woke up one morning fair heave away all away Then I met Vince Nancy Blair.

We're bound for south Australia haul away you roaring kings heave away haul away haul away you hear me sing we're bound for south Australia as I woke up one morning fair heave away all away then I met Ms. Nancy Blair we're bound for south Australia all the way you rolling kings heave away haul away haul away you hear me sing we're bound for south Australia.

Well, I hope you enjoyed that.

And if you'd like to hear more, then don't worry.

There are plenty of gigs within 20, 26 where you can come along and hear us.

So let's pop down to the captain's quarters where Thunderbox is taking center stage to talk to you about shanti singing in Cornwall.

Hello, shipmates.

Thunderbox here, native Bristolian, now living in Cornwall and proud member of the Porter Bristol shanty crew.

I'm going to tell you all about the shanty scene in Cornwall.

So grab a pint, settle down, and I'll begin.

You might notice the background noise of some seagulls here.

I haven't faked that.

They're flying past my window here near St. Austell bay.

So the background of shanties in Cornwall.

Well, I suppose if you go back far enough.

Singing in Cornwall started with the tin and lead miners as well as the fishermen and various sailors.

Nelson, for instance, favored Devon and Cornwall sailors above all others, he said on his ships.

This then led to male voice choirs in Methodist chapels where the guys would go after work in the mines.

For example, Mevergissy Mel Choir, my own choir, was founded in 1974 by workers at Mitchell's boatyard in Port Melon.

This led to a tradition of singing in pubs, which the Cornish call shouts.

There's a bit derogatory, but this, it's not as bad as it sounds.

It's not just shouting, it's quite musical, really.

This included traditional Cornish and some other songs, including sea shanties picked up from foreign voyages and other crewmates.

This tradition continues in Cornish pubs to this day.

You might find it in the Fountain Inn in Immerver Gissy, where my own choir sing after rehearsals on Mondays, the Cash within on Fridays with the Cash with singers, Lang Kelly's Shout, who sing around the Foy area.

There's also a Roseland shout.

What really led to the explosion in Cornish shanty groups was the emergence of our old chums, the Fisherman's Friends up in Port Isaac, which encouraged other groups to start singing in pubs, concerts and festivals.

It was a question of if they can do it, why not?

A quickly assembled list of groups includes the Southeast Cornwall Singers, Barrett's Privateers, Cousin Jack's Bass up in Bude on the north coast, what they call the Border Patrol up there, Press Gang around St Austell Bay.

Then of course you've got the famous Harry Glasson, composer of Cornwall My Home, who sings around the place of Will Keating as well as by himself Newquay Rowing Club as an example of a gig club, which led to another whole emergence of shanti singers, a stunt source, for instance, in Mevagissi also have their origins in gig rowers.

And every now and every year there's the hours of silly world gig championships.

And I know for a fact that a lot of shanty singers go over there and a good time is had by all.

Least said, soon as mending.

I think there's also for sale in the oggy Men a Cappella Moonshine, who are all based in Falmouth and countless others.

The keynotes in Mevagissi, of course, I've got to mention them good friends of mine.

This is not an exclusive list, so if I've left anyone out, I do apologize.

Don't upset anybody.

I got Olivia after all.

In addition, this has led to the emergence of many, many shanti festivals.

Falmouth is the best known the big international one.

People come to Cornwall to sing there from all over Europe and all over the world.

There have been Australian groups I've heard sing there, American groups, lots of Breton groups.

The Bretons love Cornwall and we love the Bretons very much.

Similar kind of Celtic background.

You also got Mergesy Shanty Festival, St Ives Shanty Festival, one of our favorites.

The Port Isaac Shanty Festival up on the north coast as well as Boscastle.

The emergency of one in the Lizard Village recently, which is always good fun.

Based around the Top House pub if you know that area.

And Foy have one in Gallant Sailing Club.

And there are one offs around the place you'll stumble across if you're down here mostly in pub gardens, usually advertised with a sign on a telegraph pole week before.

And it's very informal but good fun.

So what you like to hear in a.

In a pub show?

Well, you'll hear popular shanties.

You'll hear lots of traditional Cornish stuff and some music hall stuff.

You'll hear some popular songs, Nick from American Variety.

But shanties you're likely to hear will include South Australia.

You might hear Sloop, John B.

You might hear Holloway, Joe, John Kanaka, Farewell Shanty, the infamous pirate song.

Of course, being a pirate is all fun and games till somebody loses their hand and so on.

Nelson's Blood and countless others depending on what singers happen to be in that night.

It's a very random thing.

I've been to some pubs and I thought this is going to be a cracking night and no one's turned up.

On the other hand, I've turned up not expecting anything and it's kind of organic.

It just happens and that's the most wonderful thing about it.

Interestingly enough, when we sing in the fountain after choir stuff, we sing all these types of things and people are just blown away.

Holidaymakers often say to us, this is the last day of our two week holiday and you've made our holiday.

This is the most fantastic night we've had.

There's nothing like this where we come from.

And that is if I had a pound for every time I've heard that, well, I could retire if I wasn't retired already.

So where did we get to?

Going back in my own personal history when I sang with a press gang, we organised for several years festivals in the new Init Tower.

Jethro.

After a while there were so many groups we never had trouble filling out a program.

First couple of years feeling our way a bit, you know, five or six groups.

We were so lucky though.

Originally to have the help of seven whalers down there, gave them a leg up and they were starting and through them we had the longest johns actually headlined back in the day when they were not as well known or expensive to hire as they are now, shall we say.

And after a while, as I say, we never had any trouble finding groups.

Over the years, the quality of singing has risen greatly.

At the risk of sounding controversial.

Steady here, Bill.

I can say that in my opinion Cornwall is the best place for shanty groups in the country.

Falmouth festivals and impromptu pub singing.

Although I must say Bristol has taken off recently and they've got some good groups up there.

So if you find yourself in Cornwall, do try and seek out a festival or even just a pub scene, as the holidaymakers have said.

Nothing like this where we come from.

It's the best day around holiday.

I'm sure it'll be one of the best days of yours as well.

You'll be welcomed and who knows, with a pasty and a few pints of Cornish ale inside you, you'll probably discover you're in a shanty, man, just waiting to be heard.

Honorable mention here to some good friends of ours, Hilary Coleman and Sally Burley, who a while back wrote a book, a terrible piece of research they had to do.

The poor girls had to go around most pubs in Cornwall listening to pub singing and recording what they heard and writing about it.

What a terrible job, but someone's got to do it.

And the result of their extensive labourers was a wonderful book called Shout Kurno.

And if you want to know about pub singing in Cornwall with CDs and the recordings, look it up.

I'm sure you can get it in Waterstones or any big bookshop or online, maybe Shout Curnow.

And it's a very good source of information about this kind of thing.

Not just Cornish stuff, but lots of shanti singers are featured in there as well.

And my wife, who hates having her photograph taken, is actually photographed in there with Gideon Barrett from Barrett's Privateers having a raucous time.

So do find the book.

It's a great read.

So.

So this is me down in Cornwall and in typical Cornish fashion, looking out my window, the seagulls are wheeling, the rain is lashing down.

So I'm going to sign off here now and hope to see you around in Cornwall sometime on the shanty scene.

Very well,

thank you, Thunderbox.

That was most insightful.

And most of those shanty crews I've heard of, and I hope you guys had as well if you'd like to know how Thunderbox got his name, then rewind to a previous episode where he and Muff did a interview with me about their backstories and how they became members of the Port of Bristol Shanty Crew.

Okay, it's time to pop down to the Signaler and hear about the news and reviews and the gossip from the Port of Bristol Shanty Crew.

Yo ho, ho, me hearties.

It's the Signaler here with all the news of the fun and frolics from the Port of Bristol Shanty Crew.

Well, February saw us getting off to a good start by playing for the Thornbury Stroke association to a very, very packed hall, the biggest crowd that the Stroke association have ever had and a great gig.

But more importantly, some excellent cakes were enjoyed by everybody there.

On the 6th, we went off to support our friends from Oakland Construction, who were celebrating their 35th birthday at the Harbour Hotel.

As always, the guys there were very generous to the Teenage Cancer Trust.

We had a.

We had a lovely time and they seemed to be enjoying themselves hugely as well.

On the 21st of Feb, we were at the Tithe Barn in Nailsey to support the Tithe Barn Dementia Choir.

This was a joint gig with our good friends Highndry.

And again, everybody had a great time and really enjoyed what we do.

So March sees us moving on a bit further.

On the fifth, it's the Trelawney show, St. Perrin's Day, where we're getting together with about six or seven other groups at the Royal British Legion in Frampton cottrell to celebrate St. Perran's Day.

Tickets are available on the door.

It's going to be a great night.

Please come on down.

On the 13th, we are off to Earlswold hall in Chepstow.

Tickets are available for this gig, which is a fundraiser, and the entry to the gig will also include food.

And the only other thing that we're doing in March is, on the 30th, is celebrating our Christmas party.

This is just for the Shanty Crew ourselves.

It's been very difficult getting hold of Santa over Christmas because he's as busy as we are and he's been off gallivanting on the high seas.

We've only just managed to travel, track him down, so we're off to enjoy a Christmas party with Sam and his colleagues at the Nova Scotia.

Who knows, if you're down there, no doubt there'll be a bit of singing after we eat.

So that's it for the moment.

All the news from the Port of Bristol Shanty Crew, this is the Signiller up anchoring and setting sail for the high seas.

We'll see you again.

Till next time.

Bye bye.

So, like I mentioned at the beginning of the episode, our beautiful creative musical director Doc has put together a little poem about the port of Bristol Shanty Gnomes.

And here is the audio.

The port of Bristol Shanty Gnomes.

A merry little crew set off on an adventure to see what they can do to raise money for a charity that helps children who are ill. Singing Bristol songs and shanties penned by Nobby's Quill.

15 Wandering shanty gnomes all upright men and just sing with virtue et industria for Teenage Cancer Trust.

Rev wants to sing at Glastonbury it's always been his dream.

The pyramid stage beckons, so the crew are now 14.

Thunderbox, the shanty gnome visits the latrine.

He rests a while to read the news.

So then there are 13.

But 13 brings bad fortune as we all know ourselves.

So paddles, rows off in his boat leaving Luckier 12.

Skipper sings of Fiddler's Green.

It's shanty sailors heaven as usual he wanders off so the gnomes are now 11.

In the distance there's a mountain what the Scottish call a Ben Art's on a trek to climb it leaving only 10.

10 merry shanty gnomes pour a glass of wine.

Muff enjoys a bit too much now the number's down to nine.

Fish puts on his waders and grabs his rod and bait he's off to the quay to fish in the sea.

Then there were eight.

Chilly eats a pepper it's the hottest he's been given his top and bottom cheeks are burning now there's only seven.

Recording all the shanties Oggy puts them in a mix to play out on his podcast so the gnomes are down to six.

Six little shanty gnomes visit Chuffer's Hives he has to stop to tend the bees.

Then there were five.

Old Bill likes things Bristol fashion, shipshape and secure.

He stays to check the cargo and the gnomes are down to four.

Ash gets a message there's a match to referee.

He rushes home to find his whistle.

Now there's only three.

Doc has to go to work as all younger gnomes must do.

His poorly patients need him there so.

So the crew is down to two.

Two little shanty gnomes are looking for some fun.

Nobby sits to paint a scene.

And then there was one.

Herbie, the cabin boy is sitting all alone lost in the woods with his crewmates gone how will he find home?

Suddenly he hears a tune there's singing all around all the crewmates have returned he was lost but now is found 15 little shanty gnomes are merry Little throng sing Corn Crake, Juno Welsh Back Key and Nobby's other songs the gnomes are reunited Friends and brothers true they love to sing and all join in and hope that you will too I

sure will have good fun Drinking of a bottle of or see the Bristol town Load it down we run the O Or see the Bristol town Load it down with Grandio the Grandio or to see the Bristol town Load it down with Grandio or see the Bristol town Load it down with Grandio Grandio Brady Town Roll it down Brandy O Brandy oh

so that's it from episode 26 of Shipshape and Bristol Fashion.

I hope you enjoyed this episode and there's plenty more content to come.

If you would like to leave us a review, please do pop over to the podcast website shipshapepodcast.co.uk and you will see at the top right hand corner review.

We would love your review and we would love to hear from you.

And if you haven't already, then please do find us on Facebook.

There is an incredibly strong Facebook community page where we communicate with you directly, we celebrate your birthdays and we also share some other creative content.

You can find us on Facebook by searching Port of Bristol Shanti Crew.

We also have a mailing list and of course available on TikTok and all other social media platforms.

So you know what, you can't escape us.

Please do try and find us on any platform that you use and we would love to engage with you.

So that's it for this month's episode and it would be right to have a Cornish song to play us out on this very special Saint Perrin's Day episode.

And I'm going to hand over to our friend Will Keating who will be singing Cornwall My home in the Cornish native language.

Fair winds and following seas take care.

Queen's cruises away Watch you and

coco.

Giver.

Ray as is the sun all your interest brings.

Fourth P wow El Salon like bon.

Was summer vengerness bargain with farewell.

Ship shape and Bristol fashion boys along the harbor side from even gorge to underfall will even haul the line Skew the barrels down below bind them tie and lash em this vessel she is certified ship shape and Bristol fashion so haul away me laddy boys haul away you're free Haul away me ly boys and save a drink for me Haul away me li, boys.

Haul away.

You're free.

Haul away me loll, boys, and save a drink.