Thanks to Barry from Newchurch Male Voice Choir (MVC) for news of the forthcoming Isle of Wight charity tour by the Polperro Fishermen’s Choir. Ed
The renowned Polperro Fishermen’s Choir will arrive on Isle of Wight shores Friday 10 September for a weekend tour of the Island and to team up with the Newchurch MVC.
Singing whilst they worked
The Fishermen’s choir was formed in 1923 by Eva Cloke and Thomas Mark, a lay preacher who was known as the “Fishermen’s Bishop”, in the days when fishermen were hardy and relied on their seamanship and their belief in God to carry them safely home. The fishermen would sing hymns and songs whilst they worked.
Not just fishermen
With the decline of the fishing industry, other tradesmen from the village joined the choir. Very soon the choir was singing regularly in the village and around Cornwall, mainly at religious services where they praised the “Harvest of the sea”.
From 1971 to 1991 Jack Libby led the choir in concerts throughout the South of England. In 1986 Jack was received into the Forsedd of Cornwall as a Bard and assumed the bardic name “Map Porthpyre”, which translated means “Son of Polperro”.
Polperro around the world
They have made several television and radio appearances including Songs of Praise from Polperro, which was broadcast in Australia and the USA. Friendships have been forged with choirs from Wales, Sydney and France. Recently the choir travelled to Quiberon in France for their prestigious festival.
In concert on the Island
Polperro Fishermen’s Choir are now under the musical direction of Phil Carrigan, a former Royal Marine Bandsman and Musician who served on the Ark Royal. Their accompanist is Maisie Hall.
Charity concert in Sandown
The weekend after next, The Polperro Fishermen’s Choir and the Newchruch Male Voice Choir will be in concert St John’s Church, Carter Street, Sandown – Saturday 11 September 2010 at 7.45pm.
The concert is in support of the Isle of Wight Society for the Blind , free to attend with a retiring collection.
A selection of songs will include Just a closer walk with Thee; Sun goes Down; The White Rose (Cornish folk song); Sailing; Proper Job by Polperro and Newchurch MVC will be Kings of Swing (medley); Kalinka; Nice ‘n Easy (medley) Combined Unchained Melody; I believe; Morte Criste.
