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!!