History of the Sheringham Shantymen
The Sheringham Shantymen group was finally and formally launched in 1990 having been started some two years earlier in 1988 by a group of local lifeboat men and friends celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the private sailing and pulling Sheringham lifeboat the 'Augusta'. During the subsequent intervening years the group has developed its own style of performing constantly refining the songs and music trying always to entertain the public.
The group has always 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 MO) and Mick Holford the Dep Hon Treasurer. The Sheringham Shantymen are immensely proud to wear the RNLI badge on their uniform.
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. The Sheringham Shantymen 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'.
The Sheringham Shantymen have twice visited Virginia, USA and, more recently, Germany, Ireland and Holland.
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 between £5,000 - £6,000 each year to local and national charities.
The Shantymen have spent the last three years raising money to purchase a new 'D' Class Lifeboat for the RNLI fleet which the RNLI have decided is to be stationed in Wicklow in Ireland and later this year the Shantymen will attend the official naming ceremony where our lifeboat will be formally named 'The Sheringham Shantymen'.
'Lifeboats' and 'the fishing' are built into the bricks and mortar of our home town of Sheringham. It is the history of this town; it's where it all started.
Brian J Farrow
Musical Director