Lyr Req: 'Aboard an Ocean Screw' Harry Boardman

Subject: Lyr Req: “Aboard an Ocean Screw” Harry Boardman
From: GUEST,Chris B
Date: 01 Jun 24 - 04:33 PM

They Brought The Sea To Manchester - is a ‘lost’ BBC Radio Manchester doco about the Manchester Ship Canal from 1969 - the 75th anniversary of its opening,

https://www.waterwaysongs.info/AV/sea_manchester.htm

https://www.waterwaysongs.info/AV/sea_manchester.htm

In this ‘lost’ doco Harry Boardman sings about the MSC with a chorus about being “Aboard An Ocean Screw.” Has this song been recorded or uploaded anywhere, and what are the full words? Thank you.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: “Aboard an Ocean Screw” Harry Boardman
From: Ian Hendrie
Date: 02 Jun 24 - 10:46 AM

First attempt at transcription :

To bring big ships to Manchester
is what we mean to do
If you delight in smaller craft
then paddle your own canoe

From Throstle Nest or Barton Bridge
just as it may suit you
You'll sail direct to any port
on board an ocean screw

Then love your neighbour as yourself
we'll sing while sailing through
The ship canal to Manchester
on board an ocean screw

You'll see great ships from distant climes
and men of every hue
The earth has planted at your feet
and take your goods in lieu

Then trade will flourish all around
and peace and plenty too
And every thrifty man you'll see
will paddle his own canoe

Then love your neighbour as yourself
we'll sing while sailing through
The ship canal to Manchester
on board an ocean screw

I'd be grateful to hear of any mis-hearings.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: “Aboard an Ocean Screw” Harry Boardman
From: Ian Hendrie
Date: 02 Jun 24 - 11:22 AM

I think this is correct :

To bring big ships to Manchester
is what we mean to do
If you delight in smaller craft
then paddle your own canoe

From Throstle Nest or Barton Bridge
just as it may suit you
You'll sail direct to any port
on board an ocean screw

Then love your neighbour as yourself
we'll sing while sailing through
The ship canal to Manchester
on board an ocean screw

You'll see great ships from distant climes
and men of every hue
Lay earth's vast bounties at your feet
and take your goods in lieu

Then trade will flourish all around
and peace and plenty too
And every thrifty man you'll see
will paddle his own canoe

Then love your neighbour as yourself
we'll sing while sailing through
The ship canal to Manchester
on board an ocean screw

Did Harry Boardman write this and what is it's title?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: “Aboard an Ocean Screw” Harry Boardman
From: Ian Hendrie
Date: 02 Jun 24 - 11:43 AM

More verses to be added.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: “Aboard an Ocean Screw” Harry Boardman
From: Reinhard
Date: 02 Jun 24 - 12:28 PM

It's in Sir Bosdin Leech's book History of the Manchester Ship Canal (1907), p.100-101, titled "Ship Canal Song" by Mr John Kirkham.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: “Aboard an Ocean Screw” Harry Boardman
From: Ian Hendrie
Date: 02 Jun 24 - 02:28 PM

Reinhard

My sincere thanks for this information. Though I spent some time transcribing it I am very pleased that I can now have the original words and the correct author.

The link to the page on the website is :
https://www.waterwaysongs.info/Songs/S/ship_canal_to_manchester.htm

but it will take me a few minutes to check and correct any mistakes.

Ian B

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: “Aboard an Ocean Screw” Harry Boardman
From: GUEST,Chris Brady
Date: 03 Jun 24 - 11:31 PM

Ian and Reinhard thank you for your hard work and results in identifying and transcribing yet another ‘canal’ song and a great one at that. It’s funny - the song as performed by Harry Boardman on a ‘lost’ BBC Radio documentary has been known about since 1969 when the programme was recorded. But it was not realised what a gem it was until just recently when a newspaper cutting from that time was discovered on Facebook. The cutting and radio programme was celebrating the 75th anniversary of the opening of the Manchester Ship Canal on 1894.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: “Aboard an Ocean Screw” Harry Boardman
From: Ian Hendrie
Date: 04 Jun 24 - 08:55 AM

A full recording of the radio documentary can be heard, and the newspaper article read here :

https://www.waterwaysongs.info/AV/sea_manchester.htm

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: “Aboard an Ocean Screw” Harry Boardman
From: GUEST,Chris J Brady
Date: 04 Jun 24 - 10:52 AM

Great and Mr John Dobson can also be heard on a YouTube video at:

YouTube ~ Construction of the Manchester Ship Canal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdqE9bi1sA4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdqE9bi1sA4

29,438 views May 31, 2019

This video slide show is a tribute to Mr John Dobson of Canal Side Cottage, Bob's Bridge, Moore who was one of the few remaining navvies at the time he was interviewed in the 1960's, an audio of the interview is incorporated in this video.

The video has been compiled for the purpose of education and historical research.

Chris B