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World record Singaround attempt

13 Mar 02 - 02:20 AM (#668131)
Subject: World record Singaround attempt
From: Chris Amos

Hi,

I have been asked to post this information, should be good June 29th - ? Hoy at Anchor World Record Singaround Attempt This event has been registered with the Guinness World Records website and will take place upstairs at The Ship during the Leigh Folk Festival.

It will start about 10.00 am on Saturday morning and continue until we run out of songs or people. We need MCs., singers and helpers to keep the register of songs and participants up to date.

Anybody interested in getting involved should talk to Tony Prior or John Clark who will be organizing the event on 01702 715111 or email on folk@priority1.demon.co.uk

That is Leigh on Sea in Essex, a beautiful old fishing village, there are some excelent singers in the area so a good time should be had by all.

Chris


13 Mar 02 - 06:25 AM (#668196)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: KingBrilliant

What is the target Chris? Is there an existing record? Is there a max duration imposed by the venue?

Sounds great fun!

Kris


13 Mar 02 - 07:48 AM (#668219)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: Nigel Parsons

Any way to "Blue Clicky" a connection to the Guinness site ?
I've been to it, but their search system does not seem to throw up forthcoming attempts. If there is a page, a direct link would cut down on the searching.

Can I assume there'll be plenty of "Essex Girls" there ?

(Note for Non-Brits, Essex girls are {hourously} noted for their availability & lack of brain cells.)
"Why do essex girls wear knickers? To keep their ankles warm."
Of course, I would not lower myself to use such gross stereotyping!


13 Mar 02 - 09:30 AM (#668284)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: Essex Girl

I strongly resent the above remark - at least we can spell !

It's just that in Essex we girl's have to take the lead in certain activities - perhaps the jokes should be about Essex Men - McGrath are you listening - and wasn't Dead Horse born in Southend - just next door to Leigh.....

Anyway, Dave and I would be interested in coming along for at least some of the time.


13 Mar 02 - 10:15 AM (#668319)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: Essex Girl

To further illustrate my previous remark.

An Essex Man asked his girlfriend where she wanted him to kiss her. "Ooh", she said "Kiss me in that special place, you know - where it's all damp and smelly". "Sod that", he replied, "I'm not going to get the car out and drive you to Canvey Island at this time of night".


13 Mar 02 - 05:56 PM (#668601)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: vectis

I'm interested in joining in the record attempt. It ought to be recorded digitally for posterity. There could be some very unusual songs by the end if you don't allow repeats.


13 Mar 02 - 06:41 PM (#668627)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: GUEST,SharonA

What sort of record are you trying to break? A record time of duration, or a record number of participants? (Or a record number of different songs? *G*)


13 Mar 02 - 09:19 PM (#668696)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: Bill D

gee....might be time to do ALL the versions of "Barbry Allen"


14 Mar 02 - 01:38 AM (#668832)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: Chris Amos

Hi,

I knew I'd get these questions, and I don't know thw answers. I've emailed Tony and will post the answers when I have them. I think at this stage he is after some people who are willing to attend at odd hours i.e. early hours of the morning.

Regards

Chris


14 Mar 02 - 02:53 PM (#669258)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: Chris Amos

FAQ

Q. Is there an existing record ? A. Yes, it stands at 20 hours and 30 mins

Q. Will refreshment be available througout the night? A. Yes

Q. Is there a maximum duration imposed by the venu? A. Yes, 26 hours although we can move downstairs to the bar if we wish to continue.

any other questions, ask Tony.

regards

Chris


22 Jun 02 - 12:01 PM (#734736)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: Chris Amos

How time flyes! this is happening next weekend now, Those willing to throw their hats into the ring should turn up Saturday morning at the Ship Inn in Leigh.

See you there.

Chris


23 Jun 02 - 05:24 AM (#735080)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: treewind

Essex Girl wrote (earlier):
I strongly resent the above remark - at least we can spell !

It's just that in Essex we girl's have to take the lead in certain activities

Ooops - bit on an own goal there, methinks.

Or are apostophes on plurals now standard British usage? You'd think so now.

Anyway, Mary and I will be along for the day and drop in for a song or two. See you all there...

Anahata


23 Jun 02 - 11:01 AM (#735189)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: Uncle_DaveO

As a matter of curiosity, once a song--say Eddystone Light--has been sung, is it "retired", or can others sing a version of it? If it's to be retired, how is this policed under the rules?

Dave Oesterreich


23 Jun 02 - 05:46 PM (#735350)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: GUEST,Mary Humphreys

As I sing unusual variants of many popular songs in the Tradition, I am wanting to know if, say a variant of Barbara Allen has been sung, the rest are out of order and will be banned. If this is the case I would find it quite hard to keep going. If variants are allowed I will be in my element! Hope to see you there Chris!


24 Jun 02 - 01:49 AM (#735542)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: Chris Amos

When I last spoke to Tony his idea was that the song titles and their first lines would be entered onto an Excel spreadsheet and sorted alphabetically. This way it would be easy to see what had been already sung.

Distinct variants would be allowed, thus songs like "The New York Trader" & "William Glenn" would be allowed, because, even though they share some verses and tell basically the same story, the tune is radically different. "Barbara Allen", "Barbary Allen" would be allowed if distinct variants,i.e. not just different by one word, (once you've sung 'em its too late anyway)

Mary, if stuck you could always sing it in Welsh, no one in Essex would know.

Strangely enough the rules imposed on this sort of thing by the Guinness Book of Records do allow for repeats after so many hours, Tony wanted to see if we could set a new record without.

Regards

Chris


24 Jun 02 - 02:09 AM (#735545)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: Chris Amos

For more info. Click here

Chris


24 Jun 02 - 08:11 AM (#735646)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: treewind

"Saturday 10am ... Sunday lunchtime"

Ah. Now I see the timing, we're going to have to get down to L-O-S fairly sharpish on Sunday if we're not to miss the end of it.

Anahata


24 Jun 02 - 03:06 PM (#735932)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: Dead Horse

I hope the PEL is in order, I'd hate to be arrested in mid flow. Come to think of it, THAT could be a new world record, 200+ folkies banged up for illicit warbling.


24 Jun 02 - 08:40 PM (#736152)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: Mr Red

arrested mid warble? ROTFLMAO
We don't need no steenkin PEL's
Just wish I could be there
Nice to see we are carrying-on the tradition of making records, don't want no modern CD's do we?
Is the spreadsheet being used for booking song titles/spots in advance? Gives the singers more time to think of alternatives. With 200 songs there may be many crossings-off from indiviuals' lists. AND for the record are you going for any side medals? Like number of attendees? (inc non-singers) number of MC's? Number of pints consumed? Average age of singer? song?
no, it is not frivolous - it may just keep you in the GBR that bit longer. They often have "runner-up" entries with unusual ancilliaries, or used to last time I looked.


25 Jun 02 - 01:05 AM (#736279)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: Liz the Squeak

Bratling and I will be attending, she to push the average age down and me to push the number of pints consumed up.... If I stick to original material, does that mean I stand a better chance of no repeats?

LTS


25 Jun 02 - 02:22 PM (#736663)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: Dead Horse

Dear Liz, leave your kazoo at home. It's not one of those sorts of do's.


25 Jun 02 - 06:09 PM (#736877)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: Uncle_DaveO

MY, how I wish I could be there for it!

Dave Oesterreich


25 Jun 02 - 06:22 PM (#736888)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: Manitas_at_home

On the subject of Leigh-on-Mud what are the pubs like? East Saxon Sword will be dancing there but aren't sure rapper will go down too well in the Library Gardens. Are there any pubs with nice wooden floors and serving decent bitter in the vicinity of the Library Gardens?


25 Jun 02 - 06:53 PM (#736906)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: Lanfranc

In case further incentive were needed, I will also be there, participating in the singaround at 9.00 am or thereabouts on the Sunday morning (engaged elsewhere on Saturday), and appearing as the largest third of the Chalky Whiteley Band at 1pm.

I reckon I know enough obscure and little performed material to keep things going!

See you there, LtS et al.

Alan


29 Jun 02 - 06:28 PM (#739552)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: Micca

Well, having spent part of this(Saturday) afternoon there, singing a bit, when called, it seemed to be going well, had to leave shortly after 5 but a wide variety of songs being sung, good luck to the persons who are singing now, and for the next several hours( it is nearly 11.30 pm here..) there were a few Catters contributing!


29 Jun 02 - 06:39 PM (#739558)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: Liz the Squeak

Bratling and I did our bit, got our certificates and managed about 6 hours there in all.... at 8.00ish they had just about 13 hours to break and 18 hours to time to go.... with NO repeats!! Not even accidental ones!!

Hopefully Phoebe will get an honourable mention as the youngest performer, unless someone with a 5 year old gets in there.....

LTS


30 Jun 02 - 12:14 PM (#739795)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: GUEST,Leadfingers

Ihave no axe to grind,not actually being a Middle Bar man except to be sociable,but the Middle Bar Reunion usually went for a full twnty four hours with no repeats


30 Jun 02 - 12:35 PM (#739802)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: GUEST

So was the record broken?


30 Jun 02 - 01:44 PM (#739824)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: Liz the Squeak

There were stricter rules than just no repeats to follow - breaks of no more than 5 minutes between acts, an accurate list of performers and material was required, the performances must be 2 minutes or more, and there must be official witnesses for the whole period. Repeat performers were only counted once, so if a person did 1 song or 20, it only counted as one performer. The record attempt was for multiple artists as well as duration - and we started "dry" for the first 2 hours! The last Middle Bar reunion I was at wouldn't have counted because there was more than 5 mins in between some acts, and there were some performances considerably less than 2 minutes (story of my life.....).

Still haven't heard if it was a sucess, but have various body parts crossed.....

LTS


30 Jun 02 - 01:59 PM (#739831)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: gnomad

C'mon we need to know, it's Sunday evening now in UK and LTS can't be left in knots for ever,

DID THEY MAKE IT?


30 Jun 02 - 04:25 PM (#739895)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: treewind

Hey, where is everyone!
Still recovering, perhaps!

Yes!, we made it easily, with flying colours, and at 3 pm when we had to clear the room because it was needed for something else there were plenty of singers there and I suspect plenty of songs waiting to be sung that hadn't been done yet.

I hope the rules were fully complied with, but certainly the session kept going for 29 hours, and at least two people were there for the entire duration, which deserves a medal of some sort.

As for other mudcatters identified, I didn't do too well except for spotting McGrath of Harlow and Lanfranc (I guess) which was easy cos they were wearing Mudcat T-shirts. Sorry I didn't get to introduce myself. I was the one with the cello.

Anahata


30 Jun 02 - 04:47 PM (#739903)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: GUEST

Well Done! Many congratulations


30 Jun 02 - 05:19 PM (#739910)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: Liz the Squeak

Whooo hooo!!! Very proud!!! (smug mode engage)

LTS


30 Jun 02 - 10:26 PM (#739975)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: MMario

Well Done!


01 Jul 02 - 09:02 AM (#740075)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: GUEST,vectis

congrats to all.


01 Jul 02 - 10:53 AM (#740114)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: jeffp

Congratulations!!! A noble accomplishment indeed!

jeffp


01 Jul 02 - 12:45 PM (#740138)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: GUEST,Raggytash

If you want to set a world record I would consider what goes on at Whitby each year normally the session starts in one pub at about 7.30 on the Friday evening and continues in one guise or another for 9 or 10 days !!!!!!!!!


01 Jul 02 - 01:10 PM (#740155)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: Dead Horse

Received e-mail from organisers
*Subject: World Record Singaround at Leigh on Sea Folk Festival
Over last weekend, at the Leigh Folk Festival the Hoy at Anchor set a new world record for continuous Singarounds of 29 hours 3 minutes with 83 performers singing 422 different songs of at least two minutes each with no more than a two minute gap between songs.
Thanks to all those who helped make it a great success.
Tony Prior*

So congratulations are in order for the hard working (& non-sleeping)organisers, who made us all feel more than welcome, and made the day the success it was.
Don't know yet how much was raised for Children In Need, perhaps some kind soul will post later.
P.S. I went for the record of longest pump shanty, but was interupted for being boring;-)


01 Jul 02 - 06:42 PM (#740334)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: Susanne (skw)

So 422 were there as well??? :-)

Congratulations to all who took part! Must be 29 hours (and three minutes) to remember!


01 Jul 02 - 06:49 PM (#740340)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: Liz the Squeak

Just wish I'd been there for the other 23 I missed!!!

It was quite an effort not to sing the old favorites at 10.00am and get them over and done with....

And if Whitby want to try and beat us, they're welcome but they must abide by the rules as posted above.....

LTS


01 Jul 02 - 09:51 PM (#740443)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: Lanfranc

For a number of reasons, including doing a gig for the Festival just up the road, I didn't get there until the last hour or so. So it fell to my lot to sing the last solo spot of the singaround, and join in the final chorus.

At that point, there were still around 80 songs on the list I had prepared that hadn't yet been sung by anyone else, and there were several other singers there with plenty of spare capacity. If it hadn't been for the "Irish Session" who were booked in the same room for 3pm, and who had been muttering about the record attempt overrunning for the preceding half hour, we could have been there yet! Still, I suppose a close had to happen somehow. I guess no-one expected the record attempt to run as long as it did.

Hearty congratulations to all who contributed, and especially those who toughed out the entire session and to Tony and all at the Hoy at Anchor Folk Club who made the whole thing possible.

Wonder what the individual record is?

Alan


02 Jul 02 - 02:15 AM (#740541)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: Liz the Squeak

Alan - NO - do not even GO there!!!

As a church chorister, I was once involved in a marathon sing from 7.00 Friday evening (choir practice) to 10.30 the following Sunday (Morning service), singing nothing but hymns, psalms and anthems (no Gospel even!) to raise money for the same cause! We weren't attempting a record, but it might have been fun to find out what it actually is....

LTS


02 Jul 02 - 04:10 AM (#740560)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: Catherine Jayne

Liz I've done somethng similar when I sang with Selby Abbey Choir. To raise money for children in need the whole choir sang carols and hymns and psalms every hour on the hour from friday night choir practice to sunday morning service. I quite enjoyed......apart from the psalms and the cold!!

cat


02 Jul 02 - 01:42 PM (#740816)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: Liz the Squeak

Every hour on the hour eh? Wussers!! WE went the clock round with never less than 5 people (from a choir with only 20-25 members) at any one time! AND we did all 176 verses of psalm 119!

The church was open to the public the entire time, and we raised several thousand pounds in sponsorship and bucket donations. We only had one complaint. We didn't actually have the words to 'The Old Rugged Cross' in the hymnbooks we were using so couldn't do it in the request spot!

LTS


02 Jul 02 - 03:12 PM (#740858)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: Catherine Jayne

Well Liz we cant all have your outstanding stamina. I think we did pretty well seem as we were all aged between 7 and 16 years. Never-the-less it was all for charity and we raised a fair bit of money as well as having a brilliant time. Thats what its all about good music, fun and the community pulling together, don't you agree Liz??

cat


03 Jul 02 - 06:36 PM (#741798)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: McGrath of Harlow

We could have kept going for the rest of the day without a problem. The tricky bit was getting through the small hours at night, since the numbers were low then. So you had people like me crashing on the floor,then staggeing yp to sing a song, going to sleep again, and up for another. And then around 7am the reinforcements started to turn up.

Fortunately there were no rules about repeat performers, if theer had been would have made the night time shift very dificult. As it was I did about a dozen songs. I avoided hassles about repeat songs by sticking mostly to ones of my own, it was a good chance to break in a few I haven't sung much or at all in public.

There was a tape machine on all the time, and a video tape as well. There'd be a few gaps where the tapes needed changing and the people in duty didn't notice or couldn't work out how to do it in a hurry.

I reckon it'd be easy enough to extend the record a lpt at a longer festival - buit some system of night time shifts would be needed. And preferably a bar extension.

Liz nearly wrecked the whole thing when her squeak made a singer more or less disintregrate, threatening the two minute barrier. Basic Life Rule of the day - Never sing a genuinely funny song when Liz the Squeak is in the room. Not if you want it get through it anyway.


04 Jul 02 - 05:55 PM (#742469)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: Liz the Squeak

I wasn't the only one, there was a chap there earlier who was getting very close to the wire when he couldn't remember the words to his song..... so it wouldn't have been my fault.... and it wouldn't have mattered, because the rule was OVER two minutes performance and UNDER five mintues break.

Lawrence turned out to be a really nice guy!! And his song was really funny!

LTS


04 Jul 02 - 06:49 PM (#742508)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: Dead Horse

I missed yer, Liz, But I got my sights fixed now!!!


04 Jul 02 - 06:56 PM (#742512)
Subject: RE: World record Singaround attempt
From: Liz the Squeak

You missed Bratling as well then.... she was being so well behaved too, not like her normal self at all!!

LTS