Shellback Chorus Farewell

Subject: RE: Shellback Chorus Farewell
From: 8_Pints
Date: 14 Sep 09 - 01:23 PM

It was a privilege to be invited on stage together with Hissyfit for the last concert!

Can I also echo John Rouledge's thanks for Barbara's contribution over the years.

We hope to see many of you at future festivals...

Bob & Sue vG

Subject: RE: Shellback Chorus Farewell
From: Joan from Wigan
Date: 14 Sep 09 - 05:38 AM

I have very fond memories of my time with the Shellbacks, and am sorry they are disbanding. I'm sure there'll be reunions (at least partial ones, as members came from all parts of the country) here and there from time to time, and I'll look forward to bumping into and singing with Shellback friends in the future.

I've been wary about wearing my Shellback "uniform" since my departure, but will now dig it out and wear it once again with pride.

Love and best wishes to all Shellbacks past and present,
Joan

Subject: RE: Shellback Chorus Farewell
From: Little Robyn
Date: 13 Sep 09 - 03:45 PM

Some photos of Shellbacks on their NZ tour at Auckland Folk Festival

If you want to find it, you have to misspell the city as "Aukland" but it's there in the Events section of the members photos.

Love to you all,
Robyn

Subject: RE: Shellback Chorus Farewell
From: John Routledge
Date: 13 Sep 09 - 10:26 AM

Have just had a final read of this thread before letting it slide into the sea. Thank you for all the good wishes.

What is clear to all Shellbacks but may not at all be clear to others is the immense amount of time and effort but in over the last 8? years by Barbara Hindley in running the Chorus.

Without her involvement in the organisation my enjoyment and tenure would have been considerably reduced.

Many many thanks Barbara

Bumping into people is a way with singers/musicians and we will all be bumping into each other from time to time particularly if things are arranged that way :0)

Roll on the future.

Subject: RE: Shellback Chorus Farewell
From: Abuwood
Date: 08 Sep 09 - 01:08 PM

It was fun, there were some great times, it started me singing which I love.
We met some lovely people along the way and hope we will continue to meet up and sing with them on our travels.

Subject: RE: Shellback Chorus Farewell
From: Barry Finn
Date: 08 Sep 09 - 11:51 AM

Cowed? What do you mean by that? She not only pinched me songs ya know. With gleeful willingness, of course

Barry

Subject: RE: Shellback Chorus Farewell
From: SINSULL
Date: 08 Sep 09 - 08:52 AM

Fond memories of tiny Theresa belting out one song after another. She had Barry Finn cowed. LOL

Subject: RE: Shellback Chorus Farewell
From: Crane Driver
Date: 08 Sep 09 - 08:38 AM

This is starting to get embarrassing - LOL

I should point out that I was never a member of the Chorus, just a 'singer-in-law' due to my marriage to Carole. I did sing formally with the Chorus once, in Holland, and have sung informally with them many times. I count them all as good friends and am sure we will sing together many times to come.

Best wishes to you all, and long may the singing continue!

Andrew

Subject: RE: Shellback Chorus Farewell
From: Severn
Date: 08 Sep 09 - 08:04 AM

I got to know a few of them through Getaways and travels to the UK, and have good memories of those I know and hope to have more. I've stayed with the Ducks and heard how their Canadian listenership suddenly must have increased, was on a narrowboat trip with Alan W. singing sea shantys in the long canal tunnels where the acoustics are so good, sent a song that Teresa liked and requested to her and will never, alas, get to hear her sing it, and count Carole & Andrew as friends and have sung his songs. The one Shellback recording I own, I greatly enjoy.

I wish it could've continued and I wosh the whole lot could have made it back over to the States, but all good things must end for whatever reasons, and I'll hope to see whoever whenever and however in some context or another.

All done, yes, but both rare and well done!

Subject: RE: Shellback Chorus Farewell
From: karen k
Date: 08 Sep 09 - 04:09 AM

Boy, this comes as quite a surprise and I am sorry to see the group disband. Met the Shellbacks at the Getaway in 2003. Instant friendship. Was invited by several to visit England and a wonderful visit it was. I made friends with many wonderful people whom I consider lifelong friends even if just by e-mail, facebook and mudcat. The music on that trip was amazing. I have 2 cds to remind me of the wonderful music that you brought everywhere you went. I remember that most Shellbacks are solo performers and I hope that you will branch out on your own. It was a great run and I'm glad that I got the chance to know you all. I wish everyone well wherever the music takes you.

karen

Subject: RE: Shellback Chorus Farewell
From: stallion
Date: 08 Sep 09 - 03:29 AM

Have to say We / I had the priviledge of singing with the Shellbacks in the Postcard at Holmfirth two or three years ago, One of my boxes to tick, great bunch of people and will be sorely missed as a unit, take care everyone and see you around and about
Pete (2BS&S)

Subject: RE: Shellback Chorus Farewell
From: John Routledge
Date: 07 Sep 09 - 08:24 PM

We had a wonderful final festival. Couldn't have imagined better in my dreams.

For many of us singing with the Shellbacks was only a small proportion of our singing. So singing in the future is guaranteed :0)

Vic and Valmai need not worry about thank you's going to the appropriate places and giving credit where credit is due.

Derek can certainly take credit for founding The Shellbacks and getting them off the ground and for this he has my heartfelt thanks.

I have enjoyed a great nine years. The next nine years will also be great but different.!!

Subject: RE: Shellback Chorus Farewell
From: Barry Finn
Date: 07 Sep 09 - 08:04 PM

So sorry to see the Shellbacks have disbanded. You;ve had a long good run of it. My fisrt encounter with Derek was in Boston somewhere around late late 90's or the very early 2000's. He was not with the shellbacks but I beleive he was scouting out the north eastern seaboard in plans of having them over. It was great mmeeting him but sadley I don't think we ever met up later. He then sent me an e-mail about the Shellbacks coming over & I met up with them at the Getaway. I'm most grateful for the friendships that thus developed form those meetings, espically with Carole & Andrew & doubly with Theresa Tooley with whom I've had loads of musical memories with. My funniest moments were when, in the midst of a song jam Theresa pointed at either Ken Schatz or me asking one of us to sing "Won't You Help Me To Raise'Em" a song both of us lead & said "sing that one". Not a woman to refuse, we decieded we'd better both do the song , together. No sooner than the 1st verse Theresa was inbetween us in harmony. Ken & I liked the way the 2 of us sung together so that night at the concert we figured we'd do the same song in concert. We did & got Theresa up to join just like we had done earlier. As we were onstage singing behind my back THeresa get me by my butt & gave me a quick & sudden hard squeezed that make my voice hit an octave higher. My wife couldn't stop laughing & I had to struggle hard to not break out in laughter & keep on going. Last time I saw Theresa was at her place over the last summer with Carole & Andrew, she already knew the Shellbacks were gonna part. I think with all she's been through these last few years it was being part of the Shellbacks & her friends in the group that did her the most good & kept her spirits higher than most folks could ever hope for. I never got to hear her arrangements for "London Julie" & "Yangste River" but when we next meet I will get her back by hearing her sing them back to me & piching her butt while harmonizing with her.
Good Luck to all you Shellbacks

Barry

Subject: RE: Shellback Chorus Farewell
From: kendall
Date: 07 Sep 09 - 07:22 PM

All good things must end. Damn.

Subject: RE: Shellback Chorus Farewell
From: Aeola
Date: 07 Sep 09 - 03:03 PM

You will be missed as a group but I am sure some of you will meet up at various times in the many singarounds. I have thoroughly enjoyed knowing many of you and listening to the great sounds you produced.
Thank you!

Subject: RE: Shellback Chorus Farewell
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 07 Sep 09 - 02:48 PM

Good luck guys, sometimes things have to end in order to have new things begin-thanks for all your support over the years - you've been great. Keep singing-you sounded brilliant over the weekend and big hugs to everyone. Linda xx

Subject: RE: Shellback Chorus Farewell
From: GUEST,an ex Shellback
Date: 07 Sep 09 - 02:17 PM

I am really sad the Shellback Chorus is no more, although I left the chorus I did not do so with any 'ill will'.
I am glad Derek Seed founded the chorus and for the initial hard work that he put in, but the thanks must mainly go to Barbara for all the hard work and organization.
Hope we will sing together again soon
D

Subject: RE: Shellback Chorus Farewell
From: Barb'ry
Date: 07 Sep 09 - 01:57 PM

oops, half my post has disappeared

I think all the chorus would want to thank Derek for founding the Chorus, thus giving us the opportunity to sing in festivals in the UK, Europe, USA and NZ. We have all made great friends over the years and I, for one, will miss everyone.

Subject: RE: Shellback Chorus Farewell
From: SINSULL
Date: 07 Sep 09 - 01:38 PM

I too was lucky enough to see the Shellback Chorus at the Getaway and get to know several of them later. Good people all. And always welcome in Maine. Be well.
SINS

Subject: RE: Shellback Chorus Farewell
From: Barb'ry
Date: 07 Sep 09 - 01:38 PM

As the message comes not just from me but on behalf of all the Shellbacks, we are not including individual members for thanks - they are too many to mention - and, as Derek always says, the Shellback Chorus is more than any one person.
Derek founded the chorus ten years ago, and for the first few years organised things almost single-handedly until life and family circumstances forced him to take a back seat and his role as organiser was taken over by myself, Len Devey, Arthur Marsden, Clive Brooks and Theresa Tooley to name but a few.
Everyone who has sung with us, or has heard us sing, know that Derek is frequently mentioned and was thanked by all of us at the end of our last few festivals. However, Vic, they also know that thanks for the organisation of the chorus are due to more than one person for keeping the group together for at least the last 6 years.

Subject: RE: Shellback Chorus Farewell
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 07 Sep 09 - 01:32 PM

I have enjoyed my time with Shellbacks. We did manage to get over to the Getaway in 2005 along with a few others. I will miss all the friends I have made but hope we will still catch up and sing some songs from time to time. Thanks for all the hard work, Barbara x

Subject: RE: Shellback Chorus Farewell
From: Valmai Goodyear
Date: 07 Sep 09 - 01:02 PM

Good point: Derek's done a terrific amount of organising and generalship.

I won't be able to introduce him as owner, breeder and trainer of the Shellbacks any more, probably to the relief of many.

Valmai

Subject: RE: Shellback Chorus Farewell
From: Vic Smith
Date: 07 Sep 09 - 12:51 PM

I've never seen The Shellbacks, nor have I been a member, but I do know that the man who has done all the organising work is Derek Seed. How about some thanks for him.....

Subject: RE: Shellback Chorus Farewell
From: Pistachio
Date: 07 Sep 09 - 12:48 PM

Haul away...

Huge thanks to all who joined us on Syntan, in Ruscadors and at the Survivors session this weekend.
To those of you who didn't make it to Hull, we look forward to seeing you again - you've been such good friends to Linda and me.
Thank you.
Happy memories and some photos too.

Hazel.x

Subject: RE: Shellback Chorus Farewell
From: Ron Davies
Date: 07 Sep 09 - 12:14 PM

What a shock!    Your visit to the Getaway was the highlight of the Getaway---for years, as far as I'm concerned.

Sure hope, as Bill mentions, that individuals from the group can continue to come to the Getaway.

Subject: RE: Shellback Chorus Farewell
From: Bill D
Date: 07 Sep 09 - 12:01 PM

well...it sure was a delight the year you came to the Getaway. Several members came over again as individuals.

Good memories....thanks.

Subject: RE: Shellback Chorus Farewell
From: Alaska Mike
Date: 07 Sep 09 - 11:06 AM

The Shellbacks (you know who you are) made our trip to England and Wales one of the highlights of our lives. Thanks to all of you for your friendship, your generosity and your incredible singing. Tawmmie and I hope to see you again and share some more good times. May each of you find peace and joy in whatever you choose to do now.

Best wishes,
Mike

Subject: RE: Shellback Chorus Farewell
From: The Sandman
Date: 07 Sep 09 - 10:59 AM

so long its been good to know you.

Subject: RE: Shellback Chorus Farewell
From: Valmai Goodyear
Date: 07 Sep 09 - 10:45 AM

We had a splendid evening with the Shellbacks in Lewes a few years ago; all the best to everyone concerned, individually and collectively.

I'm glad to say that Carole Etherton and Andrew Mackay are appearing at the Lewes Saturday Folk Club on Saturday 17th. October. Carole and Andrew met in the Shellbacks.

Valmai (Lewes)

Subject: RE: Shellback Chorus Farewell
From: Tig
Date: 07 Sep 09 - 10:30 AM

You may not be going out as Shellbacks any more but keep on singing and remembering the good times.

Thanks for the last 10 years.

Love and hugs
Tig

Subject: RE: Shellback Chorus Farewell
From: Charley Noble
Date: 07 Sep 09 - 10:03 AM

Fare winds and following seas!

Charley Noble

Subject: Shellback Chorus Farewell
From: Barb'ry
Date: 07 Sep 09 - 08:29 AM

After 10 years together the Shellback Chorus is disbanding. On behalf of the chorus, I would like to thank everyone who has sung with us - past or present, helped us, supported us, booked us and listened to us - it has made the last 10 years a pleasure. We will also treasure the memory of all who have passed on to a chorus in some other place and who gave so much to the Shellbacks.

Hull was our final festival and we had an amazing send off - thank you to all involved.

I'm sure we will be getting together from time to time and can sing again - somewhere along the road.

love and thanks
Barb'ry - for the Shellbacks