PRESS RELEASE from the SHERINGHAM SHANTYMEN.November 2005.This page is written on a weekend that the Shantymen have no singing engagement and as I look through my diary for 2005 I realise that this is a rare occurance for this has been a phenominal year for the group.We have just two more "gigs" in our diaries for 2005. (more about one of these later).The Shantymen knew that with the Nelson celebrations during the year we were going to be busy but it turned out to be much busier than any of us expected. Altogether we will, by the end of December, have attended 53 events. Add to this the number of times we sang during "away weekends" in Falmouth and Ireland and the balance of Thursday evening rehearsals, and we are over the 100 mark!! From small village halls, tiny churches, military HQ's, dinners, birthday parties, weddings, beer festivals, schools and five libraries, to mention but a few..you name it, this year the Shantymen have been there.One of the great things about being so busy is that we meet some great people and make many new friends.Over all it has been great fun and hard work for those involved. Mention must be made of wives and partners who must have looked at the calendar and thought "not out again"! We do appreciate their support and promise that we really will get some of the jobs around the house done soon.Already many bookings are in the 2006 diary and we look forward to returning to Falmouth for a Shanty weekend in June. Sadly, due to a date clash we have had to decline an invitation to visit Norway but negotiations are in hand for a second trip to Holland.We are busy rehearsing new songs for another CD.In January we have our Annual General Meeting and so the next website noticeboard will have the details of how much money we have raised and any change of committee members etc.We started 2005 off with a concert at St Peters Church to raise money for the Tsunami appeal. Recently we became aware of another more local need when we heard that the Woodfields (very) special school here in Sheringham needed funds to purchase some special play equipment for the children that attend Woodfields.We have promised to help out and are aiming to raise around £1,200 for these children with special needs. This is where you can help:FRIDAY 2nd. DECEMBER in ST. PETERS CHURCH, SHERINGHAM THE SHANTYMEN WILL GIVE A CONCERT TO RAISE THIS MONEY. TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE FROM CROWES in STATION ROAD and RALLENTANDO, 3,HIGH STREET. TICKETS..PRICED AT £5.00 WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR ON THE NIGHT. TEA & COFFEE WILL BE SERVED. PLEASE COME..AND BRING SOME FRIENDS.The Shantymen thank you for your interest and support.Dennis HotsonSecretary.