| Status: | Active, open to new members |
| Leader: | |
| Group email: | Shanty Singers group |
| When: | On Monday afternoons 2:00 pm-4:00 pm First and third Mondays of the month |
| Venue: | 1st Washington Scouts |
| Cost: | £2 per session (to cover cost of hall hire and refreshments) |
This group started on Monday 19th January 2026. We would welcome more members.
Why shanties?
- These are working songs for mariners - so no "special voice" or great singing ability needed - just some umph and gusto,
- They can be sung in different ways: in unison, as call and response, or with harmonies (and can be developed over time).
- No instrumentation needed (but can be added if desired).
Other working songs or folk songs might be added over time.
Expected format of a session:
- some warming up/breathing exercises
- singing,
- break,
- more singing (reprising what's been learned).
-
Shanty Group Resources
The Shanty Song Book. Slide Show (for group sessions), Songbook as a pdf: these are updated as we cover new songs. Audio (mp3) files for practice (tunes only, no words). Return to the Shanty Singers Group Page
Notes for those interested in joining any group.
1. Anyone can attend one monthly meeting and one interest group meeting before deciding whether to join Washington Village u3a. Annual membership from 1st April 2026 is £12 (from 1st October until 31st March it is £8). More information about membership is on our Join Us page. Please note that there is a fee to attend some group sessions.
2. Please contact the "Group Leader" BEFORE attending a group to ensure there is space (click on the name at the top of this page to send a message).