Lyr Req: The SS Shieldhall (John Murphy)

Subject: Lyr Req: ss sheldhall
From: Tam the man
Date: 12 Aug 05 - 11:38 AM

I am looking for the words to a song about a great ship called the

SS Sheldhall, it was sung by the laggan.

Tom

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: ss shieldhall
From: MMario
Date: 12 Aug 05 - 11:58 AM

Tam - there is a yahoo group for the Shieldhall - they might be able to get the lyrics for you.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: ss shieldhall
From: Jim McLean
Date: 12 Aug 05 - 12:41 PM

Tam, it's on the Unity Creates Strength LP which I produced for the Upper Clyde Shipyard sit-in. If I get time and you don't already have them, I'll transcribe the lyrics for you.

Subject: Lyr Add: THE SS SHIELDHALL (John Murphy)
From: Jim McLean
Date: 12 Aug 05 - 01:17 PM

OK Tam, here goes:
THE SS SHIELDHALL Words and Music John Murphy

I'm the captain of a Civic ship
That sails upon the Clyde,
To wallow in my cargo I'm content,
We've a valuable load aboard
Which we're taking out to sea,
One hundred tons of human excrement.

CHORUS: We're the crew of the SS Shieldhall
       Pull your chain and we'll answer your call,
       A terrible aroma
       Will put you in a coma
       We're the crew of the SS Shieldhall.

When we come sailing by
We stink right to the sky,
The crew get nasal clothes pegs all for free,
When you see us you will learn
There's no seagulls at the stern,
It's only flies that follow us to sea.

CHORUS: We're ...

When the cargo is unloaded,
We dump it o'er the side,
In a heap that gets higher and higher.
We're building us an island out in the Firth o' Clyde
We'll live there when we all retire.

Last CHORUS:
            We're the crew of the SS Shiedhall ...SOME SHIP! (shouted)
            Pull your chain and we'll answer your call,
            A terrible aroma
            Will put you in a coma
            We're the crew of the SS Shieldhall.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: ss shieldhall
From: Tam the man
Date: 13 Aug 05 - 08:03 AM

Thank you Jim

Tam

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: ss shieldhall
From: Tam the man
Date: 13 Aug 05 - 09:21 AM

thanks Mmario

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The SS Shieldhall (John Murphy)
From: InOBU
Date: 02 Mar 09 - 05:21 PM

BRILLIANT!!!! I first and only heard this around the age of 18, I think, and have been looking for it ever since, Gorrah mile, mile, mile, maith agut!!!!!!!!!!!! Lorcan

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The SS Shieldhall (John Murphy)
From: bubblyrat
Date: 02 Mar 09 - 06:34 PM

I have been aboard, and sailed in, the SS Shieldhall. She looks like something from the early 1900s, or 1920s, but was actually built in about 1955, using rather dated technology and bits and pieces left over from the war!! Powered by 2 X triple expansion steam engines of about 650 ihp each (I am doing all this from memory!), and with a max speed of 11 knots, she was built to transport "Sludge" from Glasgow sewage works, out to sea to be dumped. The canny Scots, seeing an opportunity, had an extra deck-saloon added after launching, so as to accommodate up to 100(?) fare-paying passengers on trips down the Clyde. A trip (I went from Poole to Southampton) on this beautiful vessel is quite an experience—watching the engines down below, seeing the steam-engine that operates the rudder, looking at the vintage Decca radar, complete with polished copper wave-guide snaking down to the bridge from atop the monkey-island, and, above all, sensing the motion of the ship through the water with NO noise, and NO vibration....It's a steam enthusiast's dream!! Forget the clanking, frothing Waverley, ride the Silent Shieldhall instead, if you can!! (But keep clear of the funnel when they blow soot!).

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The SS Shieldhall (John Murphy)
From: bruceCMR
Date: 03 Mar 09 - 04:45 PM

... and by a strange coincidence, Celtic Music Radio, the UK's only radio station dedicated to traditional and contemporary folk/scottish/celtic-influenced music, broadcasts from Shieldhall wharf in Glasgow - the exact spot where the SS Shieldhall used to dock and load up it's "special cargo"!

The ship left the Clyde in the late 70s, and sludge-dumping ceased in 1998, due to an EU ruling on dumping of sewage at sea.

Shieldhall wharf, part of the sewage treatment works, has been unused for 10 years.

Celtic Music Radio's transmitter now lives in a building on the quayside, and the antenna is supported by the mast that originally held the navigation beacon. Fortunately, our studios are in a more pleasant location.

It would be great to get a CD copy of this track... :)

Bruce

http://www.celticmusicradio.net

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The SS Shieldhall (John Murphy)
From: Jim McLean
Date: 04 Mar 09 - 05:07 AM

I produced an LP called Unity Creates Strength for the Upper Clyde Shipyard workers in 1972 and I included this song, sung by the Laggan. It was produced as a fund raiser and sold by them (the UCS). I don't know when the song was recorded again or on which label but I have a file copy of the the NEVIS LP, NEVR 007. This may have been the first recording and the sleeve notes were written by Danny Kyle. I don't have the facility to transfer this to CD but if Bruce would contact me at [e-mail] I could send him the LP .. on loan.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The SS Shieldhall (John Murphy)
From: GUEST,MC Fat (at work)
Date: 04 Mar 09 - 05:46 AM

This song is still in my repetoire having learnt it off the above LP borrowed by my late father from Dumbarton Public Library. I was singing it one night a good few years ago at Wath Folk Club in South Yorkshire when there appeared to be lot more sniggering than usual. It transpired that one of the regulars in the audience worked on a similar 'Shit Ship' that went down the Humber form Goole. Glad to find out who the author was thanks Jim

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The SS Shieldhall (John Murphy)
From: sapper82
Date: 04 Mar 09 - 11:40 AM

A lad, Caz?? I knew at Eastleigh locoworks in the '80s was part of the volunteer workforce on Shieldhall.
Wonder if he's still involved?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The SS Shieldhall (John Murphy)
From: InOBU
Date: 04 Mar 09 - 03:59 PM

If a CD is ever made of this, let me know... ta,
Lorcan

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The SS Shieldhall (John Murphy)
From: Jim McLean
Date: 04 Mar 09 - 05:23 PM

here is a link to the original recording of the SS Shieldhall. http://www.theballadeers.com/fc_1972_untiy_creates.htm
I've copied the song onto a cassette and from that I can make a CD so if anybody's interested, either PM me or email at [e-mail].

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The SS Shieldhall (John Murphy)
From: GUEST,CupOfTea, no cookies
Date: 04 Mar 09 - 06:10 PM

The wonderful Canadian group Friends of Fiddler's Green do a bang up job of this (and everything else) on their Road to Mandalay album.

Joanne In Cleveland

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The SS Shieldhall (John Murphy)
From: GUEST,Son of the Clyde
Date: 22 Jun 09 - 05:27 AM

I took atrip on the Shieldhall yesterday from Southampton along the Solent and on the way back into Port they played this song over the P.A. system. Top Notch.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The SS Shieldhall (John Murphy)
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Jan 11 - 07:06 PM

scrap fred with it

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The SS Shieldhall (John Murphy)
From: ChrisJBrady
Date: 03 Jan 11 - 09:27 PM

The ship is about to be scrapped.

=====

The ss SHIELDHALL was built on the Clyde in 1955, and survives as an example of the classic riveted-construction steam ship. She is now maintained at Southampton and operated by volunteers of the The Solent Steam Packet Limited - a registered charity.

She will shortly have to be dry-docked and needs to raise £80,000 to pay for the costs. See:

http://www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk/Shieldhall/Appeal.html

=====

SS Shieldhall Could Be Scrapped

Daily Echo

Sunday 2nd January 2011

TIME is running out in the campaign to save a historic steamship, writes Emma Streatfield.

It is feared that Hampshire-based SS Shieldhall – described as an
important part of Britain's maritime heritage – could be scrapped if
vital funds cannot be found.

As reported by the Daily Echo in November, an emergency appeal has been launched to save the vessel.

The largest remaining sea-going steamship, based at the Port of
Southampton, needs its MoT next spring at a cost of £80,000, without
which it will be refused a licence to sail and will be broken up.

The deadline inspection date is May.

Built in 1955, SS Shieldhall gives cruises in the Solent and along the
south coast of England and is operated by a fully qualified crew
together with a shore-based support staff, all of whom are unpaid
volunteers.

It is a working example of ship machinery above and below deck that is
representative of cargo and passenger ships at sea from the 1870s until the 1960s.

Since 2009, it has been the flagship of the National Historic Ships, a
collection of vessels which also includes HMS Victory, Cutty Sark, the
former Royal Yacht Britannia, and the paddle steamer Waverley.

The repairs include fuel to take the vessel to a Falmouth shipyard, the docking itself and the maintenance work.

Despite applying for more than 30 grants, so far this has proved
unsuccessful.

The charity which runs the ship, The Solent Steam Packet Ltd, is behind the on-going appeal.

Managing director Graham Mackenzie said it relied solely on revenue from fares and donations to survive.

He said: "Without emergency funding, the historic SS Shieldhall will
lose her passenger certificate and therefore her main source of income.

"There may be little choice but to send her to the breaker's yard.

"This is devastating news for a sea-faring nation and a tragic legacy to leave our children."

• For more information visit ss-shieldhall.co.uk.

=====

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The SS Shieldhall (John Murphy)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 03 Jan 11 - 10:27 PM

Well, she is a bit of special nautical history and should be saved if for no other reason than just to remind us of how we used to deal with such shit.

Great song!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The SS Shieldhall (John Murphy)
From: ChrisJBrady
Date: 04 Jan 11 - 05:26 PM

Appeal to save Southampton steamship SS Shieldhall
Tuesday, 4 January, 2011 19:37
To: [e-mail]
4 January 2011 BBC

Appeal to save Southampton steamship SS Shieldhall

One of the largest working steamships in Europe is under threat of being scrapped because there is not enough money to keep it running.
The 55-year-old SS Shieldhall, based in Southampton, needs to raise £80,000 in four months to help pay for its next biennial dry dock inspection.

The ship, which offers cruises on the Solent, is already struggling with fuel costs and falling passenger numbers.

It owner, The Solent Steam Packet, has started an appeal for donations.

The charity has already raised £9,000 for the inspection, which is due in May, otherwise it will not be allowed to sail and is at risk of being scrapped.

The dry dock fees are expected to be in the region of £80,000 to £100,000.

Captain Peter Roberts said: "We seem to have been hit by double or triple whammies with the rising cost of fuel which has just sky-rocketed and the huge cost of dry docking the ship. The two things combined make it very, very difficult for us.

Chief engineer Graham Mackenzie said: "It really needs to be preserved so that future generations can see what steam power did, not only for the nation but for the world's trading."

The charity said the vessel, based at the Port of Southampton, was the largest remaining sea-going steamship in the UK and the last fully operational coastal passenger and cargo steamer in Europe.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-12112086
____________________________________________________

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The SS Shieldhall (John Murphy)
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Jan 11 - 06:05 PM

Song of the SS Shildhall

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The SS Shieldhall (John Murphy)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 04 Jan 11 - 07:55 PM

Guest-

Thanks for the link to how this song can be sung. Seems as if the melody is inspired by "The Ballad of Jessie James."

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The SS Shieldhall (John Murphy)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 05 Jan 11 - 07:45 AM

Mr Elliot Ehimen-

I regret to inform you that there isn't enough room on the SS Shieldhall for your kind proposal but we will keep you in mind. Have a nice day!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble, E.O. en lieu

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The SS Shieldhall (John Murphy)
From: GUEST,Webmaster, ss-shieldhall.co.uk
Date: 11 Feb 11 - 06:48 AM

Great to see this thread which I came across by accident, looking for another version of the Shieldhall song which, as someone has rightly pointed out, we play as we return to our berth in Southampton.

The words linked to here are not quite the same as in our recorded version but then they are near enough. Our version seems to have been recorded late in the evening in a pub not too far from the ship's birthplace! :-)

Yes, there is a chance, hopefully slight, of the ship being scrapped but we are now 25% of the way to our £80k target in just over a month so we are very optimistic that, with help, we will be sailing again this year.

If you would like to help, please visit our website www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk or, even better, www.justgiving.com/Shieldhall. Thank you.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The SS Shieldhall (John Murphy)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 11 Feb 11 - 08:15 AM

Best of luck with this project. Your ship is certainly an unromantic old dinosaur but with an interesting history. She merits public support.

I'm reminded of Jon Campbell's tribute to the old coastal tanker he once crewed on, "The Mary."

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The SS Shieldhall (John Murphy)
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Dec 12 - 03:53 PM

does anyone have the guitar tabs for SS Sheildhaul

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The SS Shieldhall (John Murphy)
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 09 Dec 12 - 12:41 PM

No, but just to note that Arthur Johnstone and the Stars band have recently (2010?) re-recorded it on a CD called "Doon Through The Years", from Birnam records, or available as full CD or downloads on various website. Lots of other great tracks so just get the whole CD!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The SS Shieldhall (John Murphy)
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Feb 13 - 08:44 AM

Hi,

I was wondering if you could advise where I can by the CD for the Unity Creats Strength.
I remember my mum and dad having the LP and it was played so often I can still remember the words to most of the songs.
Some of the songs bring back great memories e.g. Keek-aboo my wee lassie...I used to hide from my dad when he was coming in from his work and he would sing it to me...

Many thanks,

Morag

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The SS Shieldhall (John Murphy)
From: Jim McLean
Date: 23 Feb 13 - 11:29 AM

Dear Morag, I have the master of Unity Creates Strength, having produced and recorded it for my own company, Nevis Records. It is not on CD but if you PM me with an address I can put it on a CD for you.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The SS Shieldhall (John Murphy)
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 24 Feb 13 - 05:15 PM

Morag, you'll have to become a member of Mudcat (free and painless!) to take up Jim's offer.

I bought the album second hand several decades ago in Glasgow and brought it back to the friend I was staying with for a few days. He took it and pointed out himself in the picture on the sleeve. Being a steelworker he'd been in the protests, if not the work-in itself. As he died shortly after turning 65 it's one more reason to treasure this album.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The SS Shieldhall (John Murphy)
From: Jim McLean
Date: 25 Feb 13 - 04:18 AM

Morag, my email is [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The SS Shieldhall (John Murphy)
From: Jim McLean
Date: 25 Feb 13 - 04:24 AM

Susanne(skw), I'd be interested to know where on the picture your friend is as I can account for all the male faces except for the back of the head of one male..... could that be him?
Regards,
Jim

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The SS Shieldhall (John Murphy)
From: Jim McLean
Date: 25 Feb 13 - 11:10 AM

Dear Susanne(skw) I'm afraid I was thinking about another LP!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The SS Shieldhall (John Murphy)
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 25 Feb 13 - 01:44 PM

Sang this song yesterday on my birthday at the Shanty (& Maritime) Session yesterday in Sheffield

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The SS Shieldhall (John Murphy)
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 09 Mar 13 - 08:41 PM

Dear Jim, I'd have been very surprised indeed if you'd had all the names as my copy carries a picture of a huge demo. Billy is barely recognisable, marching somewhere in the centre. Which album were you thinking of?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The SS Shieldhall (John Murphy)
From: Jim McLean
Date: 10 Mar 13 - 02:44 PM

Sorry Susanne,
I had just been doing some work with Diing, Dong, Dollar and that was on my mind. I have lots of Daily Record photos of the UCS marches in Glasgow so I'll have a look and see if I can find any comparable pictures.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The SS Shieldhall (John Murphy)
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Nov 17 - 03:34 PM

Some may be pleased to gather that the Shiedhall was still sailing (steaming?) at the end of the 2017 sailing season

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The SS Shieldhall (John Murphy)
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 09 Apr 21 - 07:54 PM

More info here too: SS Shieldhall

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The SS Shieldhall (John Murphy)
From: GUEST,#
Date: 09 Apr 21 - 08:18 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp_BNx7qTbA

The Laggan - S.S. Shieldhall