Plea to keep crew afloat (From Western Telegraph)

Plea to keep crew afloat

8:50am Sunday 10th March 2013 in County News

A band from Pembroke Dock is looking for sponsorship to help fund their performances abroad.

The Vagrants Crew kicked off this year’s campaign entertaining members of the Gateway Club at a social evening in Pembroke Rugby Club.

Though mainly performing music and songs of the sea, The Vagrants Crew also provide folk and traditional musical entertainment for a variety of occasions.

The band has already lined up a series of gigs this year, ranging from Llangwm Rugby Club and Fishguard Folk Festival to the Flying Dutchman Shanty Festival in Holland and the Portmagee Shanty Festival in Ireland.

Captain Peter Pearce said: “Once again it is wonderful to be invited abroad especially to one of the top festivals in Holland where, as last year, we are able to fly the flag for Pembroke Dock, Pembrokeshire and Wales.

“However, the costs involved are quite considerable and being self-funding we could really do with a little sponsorship, no matter how small, to ease the financial burden.

“For our last trip to Holland, we again thank Pembroke Dock Town Council whose help made it all possible.”

Peter added: “I think that I should also point out that these trips are not just a jolly, as we may have to travel hundreds of miles and then put on as many as six performances in any one single day at different venues.

“Although we love our music it is nowhere as easy as it appears and none of us are getting any younger, but we are all resolved to continue to keep the traditions alive for as long as possible.”

To help email Val Canton at tiggstoo@hotmail.com.