GREAT 'SINGERS FROM SHERINGHAM' MAKE A REMARKABLE
CONTRIBUTION TO THE RNLI CHARITABLE WORK IN SAVING LIFE AT SEA
The Sheringham Shantymen group was founded in 1990 and over the following 18 years has
developed its own style of performing songs of the sea constantly refining the music and
always trying to entertain the public and raising funds for charity.
The group has remained true to its roots and still maintains a very close connection with
the RNLI which is reflected in its membership. Billy Thirtle, ex crew member, has a record
of fifty years continuous RNLI service and other members include Brian Farrow the Lifeboat
Operations Manager, Dr John Barnett the Hon Treasurer (ex HMA) and Mick Holford the Dep
Hon Treasurer.
The Sheringham Shantymen are immensely proud to wear the RNLI badge on their uniform and
the only organisation, other than RNLI branches, that is allowed to use the RNLI badge on
their uniform. They support the RNLI in a myriad of ways donating a significant percentage
of their yearly fundraising directly to the RNLI as well as supporting and performing at
lifeboat stations around the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The Shantymen recently spent three years raising almost £20,000 to purchase a new 'D'
Class Lifeboat which the RNLI stationed in Wicklow in Ireland. In the autumn of 2007 the
Shantymen attended the official naming ceremony in Wicklow where their lifeboat was
formally named 'The Sheringham Shantymen'.
The Shantymen travel widely throughout the UK and Ireland supporting Lifeboat Stations in
their fundraising efforts and are always considering how they can help in fundraising
efforts by performing concerts.
The Sheringham Shantymen have visited Germany, Virginia USA twice, Ireland
three times and Holland twice. As well as hundreds of local performances the group has
entertained at prestigious Maritime Festivals at Bristol, Lincoln, Ipswich, Southampton
(start of the 2000 Tall Ships Race) and Portsmouth Festival of the Sea. They helped open
the International Boat Show at Earl's Court in 1995 and have appeared on national
television in 'The Big Breakfast Show', 'Highway' (with the late Sir Harry Secombe),
Children in Need, and 'Blue Peter' for which they have 'the badge'.
Since 1990 the group has completed over 750 public performances, made three videos and
recorded 5 CD's, the sales of which have enabled The Sheringham Shantymen to donate
£5,000 to £6,000 each year split between the RNLI and local charities.
Their excellent CD "SONGS FOR SEAFARERS" CLCD12803, RNLI Code No. 03956, has
consistently been one of the best selling by the RNLI. Its addition to the RNLI's very
well known list of recordings enhanced its already great reputation for fine quality
music, which has gained an enviable name as synonymous with many superb recordings.
Order on-line at www.rnlishop.org.uk
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Foodie town Festival a resounding success
Organisers of Aylsham’s 2008 Food Festival have hailed the event as another
resounding success. The annual Festival, now in its third year, is the creation of Slow
Food Aylsham, part of an international body which sets its sights on providing an
alternative to the modern fast food culture. Leader of the local group, Liz Jones, said of
the Festival, “We’ve set out to celebrate local food and those who grow it. The
tremendous help we have received from local businesses, local chefs and Aylsham High
School has again resulted in a wonderful event, something which has involved the whole
community.”
The three day Festival comprises a whole range of ‘foodie’ events, opening with
a lavish 5-course dinner at Aylsham High School featuring a menu which had been devised,
prepared, cooked and served by a group of some 50 students. Under the guidance of Jill
Willis, head of the Food and Catering faculty at the school, 90 guests were treated to a
sumptuous spread made almost entirely from local produce. Also on hand was Steven Norgate,
head chef at the renowned Beechwood Hotel in North Walsham, who had nothing but praise for
the youngsters. “They did amazingly well,” he said, “especially when you
consider that they had to fit all their preparation and training in around normal
lessons.”
After the dinner, held on the evening of October 3rd, guests were treated to entertainment
from local singer Barry Lee, followed by the up-and-coming local group “Attention to
Detail”. Both Barry and members of the group are former students at the High School.
Saturday 4th opened with Aylsham Farmers’ Market, recent winner of an EDP Award,
while the Town Hall hosted a free Cooking Theatre where five top local chefs demonstrated
some of their favourite dishes. Kevin Gardiner from the King’s Head in Coltishall
opened the proceedings and he was followed by Derroll Waller, an Aylsham resident who
specialises in contract catering. A French flavour was added by Laurent Joerger, head chef
at the Olive Branch in Tunstead while John Kenny, winner of ITV’s Britain’s Best
Dish programme again demonstrated, with the help of his 13-year-old son Joseph, the
wonders of local pork. Rounding off the 5 hour session was Steven Norgate who brought
along some of the budding chefs from the night before, helping them to demonstrate three
dishes from the dinner at the High School.
While all this was going on, some 24 children of primary school age were at John of Gaunt
school, getting an introduction to the joys of cooking and good food in a series of Kids
Cooking Workshops.
The 2008 Aylsham Food Festival concluded on Sunday with the renowned “Big Slow
Breakfast” in the Town Hall. More than 120 people, young and old, sat down to a
traditional English breakfast, cooked by a group of volunteers led by Liz Jones and Mo
Anderson-Dungar. This was an opportunity for getting together with old friends and making
new ones, all in a friendly family atmosphere. Commenting on the weekend, Liz Jones said,
“When an EDP Food Award in September, Aylsham was described as a ‘foodie
town’ and I think this year’s Food Festival has reinforced that status. The
Festival is all the work of volunteers and I am delighted that this year has seen another
truly successful event. Now we’ve got to start planning for 2009!” |
