Bumpy Landing for Albatross

Our thoughts and best wishes for a speedy recovery go to the unfortunate Albatross who has suffered a fall at home and broken his leg. And just when he had started to sing again with the AudeShantyMen after an extended period of duty overseas.

The Albatross lands at Le Moulin de L'Evèque

Welcome return for the globetrotter

The AudeShantyMen welcomed home an old friend when Ron Young joined them for his first warble since November last year. As if in homage to the Albatross for his work on all five continents a truly international audience gave a fine reception to the Crew. Amongst the countries represented were Australia and the United States of America, while nearer to home came folk from Poland, Sweden, France, the Republic of Ireland, Wales and Scotland.

The efforts of hosts Dorothy and André were greatly appreciated. This lovely venue is one which the AudeShantyMen would be delighted to revisit. The enthusiasm of the audience was reflected in the worthy sum of €101.93 which was collected for their twin lifeboat charities. Many thanks from the Crew to everyone who helped to make this performance one that will live long in the memory.

If anyone has any photos, please send them!

"Bastille Day" weekend concert for the AUDESHANTYMEN

Join the AudeShantyMen at Le Moulin de L'Evèque

Dine in style and hear the AudeShantyMen in concert at this prestigious restaurant just outside Rivel on Friday 12th July from 20H00. To make your reservation call 04 68 69 22 30. Start your Bastille Day weekend with a bang!

Poor weather fails to dampen spirits at Villelongue

The AudeShantyMen pierce the gloom at Le Verre à Soif

The Crew thank all those who assembled on a blustery night to hear them conquer the elements. Many new faces took their places amongst the "old faithfuls", singing along in the choruses and generally refusing to go quietly as our brave boys mastered their chattering teeth to give an entertaining account of themselves. Thanks to Bart for his fine hospitality, the "paella lady", and to all those who dipped into their pockets to raise a hearty €150 for RNLI and SNSM. Will summer ever arrive in the south of France?!

The AudeShantyMen a-roving the Razès

Busy weekend ahead for the Crew

On Friday evening, 28th June, the AudeShantyMen will be slaking their thirst at the appropriately named "Verre à Soif" in the lee of the impressive church at Villelongue D'Aude. Owner Bart has promised the Crew a typically warm welcome in their home port and a good crowd is expected to share in the music-making and the giant paella. No reservations are necessary but you are advised not to leave it too late to arrive if you want a grandstand view! Parking near the church is limited so it is best to park by the Mairie and head up the short distance to the bar on foot. 

Those who are supporting the Troubadours de Limoux at their garden party in Alaigne on Sunday afternoon will be treated to a guest appearance by the AudeShantyMen during the course of the festivities. The Crew are pleased to be doing their bit to help the Troubadours raise funds for the mystery Pantomime they are planning to put on later this year, especially as their very own Greybeard is at the helm of the production! It is still not too late to buy tickets for the garden party. Go to the Troubadours' website for details.

The AUDESHANTYMEN ignore storm warning at Léran

Crew create sparks at Le Rendezvous

It was the harmonies of the AudeShantyMen which created the electrical charge on Saturday night. Although thunderstorms had been forecast it was our gallant lads who made the lightning strike, running through their repertoire with aplomb before a large and appreciative audience. As ever at this "home port" the band were well catered for by their hosts, Shirley and Marek, to whom they are most grateful. A vote of thanks also to all those who gave so generously to support RNLI and SNSM by raising a total of €142.50. A fantastic result on the night!

Lively Night at the Galloise

The AudeShantyMen raise the roof at La Galloise!

Friday night's gig at the Café in Alaigne started somewhat disappointingly for the Crew. Greybeard et. al. were hoping for a balmy early summer's evening so as to be able to sing outdoors : alas the cold, rainy weather put paid to that! However the atmosphere in the bar was as warm as ever and our gallant Shipmates responded by giving a rousing performance and by encouraging the appreciative crowd to sing heartily in the choruses of the songs they knew and requested - which they did with gusto! Well done, everyone! A healthy total of  €105.00 was raised for our Lifeboat charities, for which the AudeShantyMen are truly grateful. Likewise a massive vote of thanks to Lin and Les for looking after the band so very well. Always a pleasure to be berthed once again in one of our "home" ports!

Next up for the AudeShantyMen

Two gigs back to back for the Crew

Make a note in your diaries as the AudeShantymen prepare to entertain you in two of their "home ports" in the next couple of weeks.

First up is the bustling Café de la Galloise in Alaigne where the Crew will be singing during the evening of Friday 31st May. Les and Lin will be happy to take table reservations on 04 68 69 35 77.

Seven days later, on Friday 6th June, the AudeShantyMen are due to moor alongside the popular Le Rendezvous in Léran. To book your table for the evening phone Shirley and Marek on 09 51 42 47 91.

We look forward to seeing you! 

Night out at Trèbes for the AudeShantyMen

Crew bid "au revoir" to Mutineer

In the five months he has been singing with us, Tony (Mutineer) Fletcher has very much earned his  red duster as an AudeShantyMan. Last night, at a Mess Dinner held in the quayside restaurant "La Poissonnerie Moderne" by the Canal du Midi, he was paid off in style. He and his wife, Ann, are hoping to return to the Razès before too long and we shall all welcome him warmly back. 

The Crew had long wanted to sing at this venue and kept their fellow diners and passers-by hugely entertained throughout the evening, even singing informally for the residents of the boats moored alongside. A grand night  all round!

Dog Watch for the AudeShantyMen

Charity Appearance for the Crew

Five of the Crew accepted an invitation to sing at the SPA charity Spring Fayre at Berriac on Sunday afternoon, the 5th May. Their contribution was much appreciated by the organisers of this association which provides support for unwanted and abandoned dogs. Indeed, one of our canine friends joined the AudeShantyMen in the chorus of "Whip Jamboree" - a fact noted with hilarity by those singing and listening! Thanks to the efforts of Julie Christian and the volunteers just under €1000.00 was raised on the day. Well done, everyone.