Boozy choir aims to help Portsmouth men with mental health

Choir director Rosa Malone is starting up a new group called the Beer and Shanties Choir for men in Portchester.

The aim, she says, is to get blokes together for a couple of drinks and a few hearty songs.

The six-week project will culminate in a grand performance at the end of March, in support of the Campaign Against Living Miserably.

Blokes involved will be singing sea shanties – songs that were popular when men sailed the seven seas.

Rosa, 30, of Petersfield, said: ‘It’s very evocative music but the songs are also so accessible and easy to pick up.

‘There is such a rich maritime tradition in the area, with so many people having links to the Royal Navy or sailing, that it seemed like the perfect place to set up a one-off sea shanty choir.

‘I hope that as a unique, short-term project without long-term commitment, this will be something a little bit different that guys could do with their mates, brothers or dads and it's all for an excellent cause.

‘It'll be a great way to meet lots of like minded people, sharing the community experience, whilst improving your voice with a pint in hand.’

The six-week course will be held at Portchester Yacht Club, every Thursday from 7.30-9pm, with a free taster session on February 20.

For more information about the course, people can go to vocallibre.com.