Chattering Teeth and Numb Bums in Carcassonne

AudeShantyMen caught in bitter northerly

The Crew, wrapped in as many layers as possible, braved the chill and wind on Friday evening when they assembled at the Stade Albert Domec.

The "Canaries", and their English visitors from Whitehaven, lined up for the National Anthems of both countries. The Crew sang the opening lines of "God Save The Queen" with some unaccustomed hesitancy but then managed to get their frozen jaws working so as to finish strongly! It was rather like what happened later on the pitch. The Cumbrians started slowly but came back with vigour to push ASC XIII, the Champions of France, very hard indeed before the hosts ran out victorious by 40 points to 30.

During the half-time interval the AudeShantyMen emerged from the warmth of their eyrie at the top of the main grandstand to entertain the crowd to a short but rousing medley of their shanties. Something of a novelty to French ears but well received, as can be seen from the photo above.

Making his début with the Crew that night was Tony ("Mutineer") Fletcher, pictured third from the left. Well done on your first warble. We promise you that most of our singing takes place in more hospitable surroundings!!

NEW YEAR'S HONOUR for the AUDESHANTYMEN

Her Majesty to receive homage from the Crew

 AudeShantyMen hugely proud to be invited to sing the National Anthem

Mme Magali Bardou, the President of AS Carcassonne XIII, whose Équipe Élite were crowned Champions of France 2012, has asked the AudeShantyMen to sing "God Save The Queen" before kick-off at the match between ASC XIII and their British opponents Whitehaven RLFC.

This friendly international match will be played at the Stade Albert Domec, Avenue Général Sarrail, in Carcassonne next Friday, 25th January with kick-off scheduled for 18H00.  In addition to their pre-match duty, at half-time the Crew will be performing (after the routine of the USC Pomponettes!) a short medley of their favourite crowd-pleasing shanties. Admission is free at the gate. Three great reasons to be there!

AudeShantyMen once again at muster stations!

Crew News

The festive period proved an active one for members of the AudeShantyMen. There were numerous comings and goings to and from loved ones on foreign shores. And much fun!

Greybeard, the Pirate, Columbus and Magellan helped form a mixed ten strong Christmas choir under the baton of Tony Bathurst. They gave a carol concert to a standing-room only audience in the beautiful church at Villelong d'Aude as a result of which €450.00 was raised for the charity Resto du Coeur.

The Crew reconvened for the first time in 2013 on the 9th January, followed by the AGM of the Association ASM on the 16th where Officers were re-elected, the accounts presented and objectives for the forthcoming year established.

Disappointingly it has become evident that two of our colleagues, Albatross and Gangplank, will no longer be able to figure in our concert line-up. Their long and continuing absence on business overseas has made it impossible for them to keep abreast of developments on home shores. They will, however, be welcomed back whenever they are visiting on extended shore leave, or indeed when they retire!

Meanwhile the Crew is delighted to welcome on board a new "recruit" in the person of Tony (Mutineer) Fletcher. Recently arrived in the Aude, he was drawn into conversation over a glass of grog by Magellan. Unaware that the Press Gang was lurking, the unfortunate Mutineer was dragged on board and has been released from his chains now that land is out of sight. We wish him well! His clear voice will be of great value to Pirate Pete in the upper register and a welcome addition to the rest of the Crew, too.