Our speaker will be member George Tudor-Hart, accompanied by a few of his shipmates, who will immerse us in the world of the sea shanty. He will explain the origins of these communal songs and lead us all in singing a few of them, with an introduction to the story and meaning of each one. “Some songs were written to encourage patriotism," he explains, "some kinky sex, some about press gangs, about national heroes’ exploits, about specific jobs (such as loading/unloading cargo), about different countries and seas, about the best rest and recreation spots, about loneliness at sea, etc.”

As usual we will be attempting to live-stream the proceedings, very much at the mercy of the pub’s wifi. The link to watch that is https://youtube.com/live/to4ZC-E2VWs.