The Shields Garland
By Simmie Harper
Wendy Young, a local resident, shared an intriguing tale about a new project called The Shields Garland. She recounted how, upon moving to their new home in North Shields, she found herself delving into a wiki hole of local history. Amidst her research on past residents, she stumbled upon a remarkable discovery—a folk song chapbook from the 1850s, published by the editor of The Shields Gazette.
The chapbook featured songwriters from Tynemouth, North Shields, and nearby areas, some of whom lived just streets away from Wendy’s current residence. Captivated by the empathetic history embedded within the lyrics and stories, Wendy felt a surge of nostalgia, prompting her desire to hear the songs come to life once again.
To fulfill this vision, Wendy rallied a group of musicians and embarked on the task of recording the songs, envisioning them resonating through the pubs of Shields once more, over 150 years later. She found great joy in the idea of revitalizing these historical tunes, aiming to update them for modern audiences while preserving their essence.
Aware of the alleged loss of parts of the chapbook, Wendy felt compelled to ensure its preservation in some form, preventing future enthusiasts from enduring the frustration of unfulfilled nostalgic cravings.
With several songs already in progress and more to come, Wendy promised to keep everyone updated on the project’s progress. She expressed gratitude for the support and invited others to join them in experiencing the rich history and melodies as they celebrated their heritage through vibrant northern musical expressions.
Facebook: The Shields Garland – Wendy Young
