Songs From The Bell Man by David Milton

The Watchet Sailor was the first song about Watchet that David Milton learnt. The Last Shift In tells of the tragic demise of the Wansbrough Paper Mill where Milton used to work. Crossing the Bar, a duet with Ange Hardy, was found through Yankee Jack who was himself a former Bell Man of the Court Leet of Watchet. Greenland Fisheries was learnt in Porlock Harbour and is delivered here with striking shanty vocals. The Last Long Ship tells the story of a recent viking funeral at West Quay in Watchet. Won't You Go My Way - another song learnt from Yankee Jack - goes into a jaunty tune learnt from the West Somerset Morris. Emma Louise was a song written at the paper mill, whilst Old Ben tells the story of Ben Norman - a singer, melodeon player and fountain of local knowledge. Row On Row On is delivered with heart wrenching honesty before ending with Bye Bye My Roseanna, a song you'll hear at the close of every shanty night at Pebbles Tavern in Watchet.

Produced by the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award nominated Ange Hardy and featuring David Milton (vocals), Ange Hardy (backing vocals, whistle), The Old Gaffers (shanty vocals), Lukas Drinkwater (guitar, double bass), Archie Churchill-Moss (accordion), Tom Moore (fiddle) and Olly Winters-Owen (percussion).