We went to a Bob Fox concert (Songman from War Horse) the other day, with our good friends Mick and Sylvia. It was an intimate little affair in Colyford village hall, with a small but appreciative audience and we were thoroughly entertained for a couple of hours with both song and humorous anecdote.
Anyway, Bob Fox opened his set with ‘Shoals of Herring’; an evocative folk song about a bygone industry. This song has been covered lots of times in various styles and with varying lyrics. The Bob Fox version is superb and there are some other beautiful cover versions on YouTube; sadly, this isn’t one of them…
Graham generally sees the funny side of life, which is just as well as he spent 35 years working for the telephone company. He started scuba diving with the British Subaqua Club at the age of 16, rode horses through his 20's, became an obsessive windsurfer in his 30's and had a go at free-diving in his 40's. While all of this was going on he rode a bike to keep fit and get to the pub. In later life, in an effort to stave off dementia he has taken up singing and dancing. You may see short stories about these pursuits, but don't expect to read about any degree of prowess as the experiences he can still remember generally relate to (in order) getting bent, crashing a horse (yes, crashing, not just falling off), Windsurfing stupidly in a storm 10, wreck diving without an aqualung, time-trialling with a hangover, singing out of tune and falling on his arse (dancing).
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4 thoughts on “Shoals of Pouting”
To reiterate Graham’s report on Bob Fox’s concert, it was a very enjoyable evening. . Graham, has the photo of Barry been put in the Rousdoner?
Not sure Sylvia; although the words of ‘Shoals of Pouting’ relate to Lyme Bay, the associated photos were taken a couple of years ago in Norway. I had looked to ‘Rousdon offshore Ramblers’ for suitable media, but bloody Hansell only takes photos of people holding fish, which don’t work with my lyrics.
You’re right mate… problem is, once I get a daft thought in my head I can’t help myself. And it’s getting worse as I get older. Must have a word with my carer.
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To reiterate Graham’s report on Bob Fox’s concert, it was a very enjoyable evening. . Graham, has the photo of Barry been put in the Rousdoner?
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Not sure Sylvia; although the words of ‘Shoals of Pouting’ relate to Lyme Bay, the associated photos were taken a couple of years ago in Norway. I had looked to ‘Rousdon offshore Ramblers’ for suitable media, but bloody Hansell only takes photos of people holding fish, which don’t work with my lyrics.
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Perhaps better stick to Bob Fox’s version! (Or The Jurassix)
Great new song Graham, see you later.
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You’re right mate… problem is, once I get a daft thought in my head I can’t help myself. And it’s getting worse as I get older. Must have a word with my carer.
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