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. 

The AudeShantyMen are now on shore leave

Crew disband to enjoy the Festive Season

The members of the AudeShantyMen will be sailing single-handedly for the next few weeks as the year draws to a close. Time to be with loved ones on dry land after the many voyages of the last twelve months. They will be back, never fear, in the New Year.

In the meantime, every member of the Crew would like to wish our followers and fans a Happy Christmas and the best of Good Fortune in 2013.

Fine end of term report for the AudeShantyMen

Full house sees the AudeShantyMen sign off for 2012

€500.00 target for RNLI achieved

At  the Cafe de la Galloise last weekend the singing year came to a rousing end for the members of the Crew. There was not a spare dining seat in the house and Lin and Les did a fine job with the themed menu hitting all the right spots. The generosity of those present resulted in a collection of €120,21 on the night, pushing the total raised at the last few concerts beyond the target of  €500,00 which we have earmarked for the RNLI. Very many thanks to all those who have contributed to our chosen two charities this year.

Last chance to hear the AudeShantyMen in 2012

Final concert of the year

on Friday 9th November

at Le Café de la Galloise in Alaigne

from 20H00

Lin and Les (aka Lynette et Hugo) look forward to welcoming you and will be serving a specially themed three course menu at €15.00 per head.

To reserve your table please call them on 04 68 69 35 77

Another full house for the AudeShantyMen!

Most ambitious performance yet

In front of a packed house (those who did not have the foresight to reserve a table found themselves eating outside on the terrasse) the Crew took a little while to hit their straps in Léran on Friday night but  their rustiness soon gave way to a sterling performance. 

Their five themed sets of songs - including  a good deal of new material - was their most testing programme to date and the audience showed their appreciation heartily.

 Thanks to the generosity of those present an encouraging total of €141.49 was raised for the RNLI. This represents a major step forward towards the target of £500.00 for the RNLI which the AudeShantyMen intend to raise before the end of the year.

 A big "thank you" to all at "Le Rendezvous", especially to Marek and Shirley for making us so welcome. 

The AudeShantyMen are back on stage!

A date for your diaries ...

The AudeShantyMen will be entertaining fans old and new when they sing at "Le Rendezvous" in Léran, near Mirepoix, from 20H00 on Friday 28th September 2012.

Reservations are advised. To book a table call Marek or Shirley on 09 51 42 47 91

It's All for the Lifeboats !!

The AudeShantyMen at Station SNSM Gruissan

The AudeShantyMen were honoured to be invited by the President and members of the Gruissan Lifeboat Station to perform at their Open Day last Monday, 13th August.

 Alongside the AudeShantyMen were their friends from Ar-Vag who contributed hugely to the evening by singing their Breton Shanties as well as by selling crepes and cider to the appreciative passers-by, including many holidaymakers from different regions of France and other countries overseas.

With Gangplank and Albatross still in foreign climes it fell to Greybeard, Columbus, Magellan, Pirate and Powder Monkey to keep the "red duster" flying high.

The quayside setting, the fading Mediterranean light and the warmth of the crowd's reaction all combined to stimulate the AudeShantyMen to give a rousing performance.

Vive l'entente cordiale!

The AudeShantyMen back on deck!

Hear them in Gruissan on Monday 13th August from 19H00

The Crew to join ArVag at the Lifeboat Station

The doors of the Lifeboat Station SNSM de Gruissan will be thrown open to the public from 5-7pm on Monday next, the 13th August. Entertainment for locals and visitors alike will be provided by the shanty choir of Gruissan, Ar Vag, under its dynamic leader Pierre Cloarec, and by the AudeShantyMen who are looking forward immensely to meeting up again with the many friends they made on their previous visit in June. A grand evening in prospect!