Meet the Crew
In early 2017 the Crew met up to sing sea shanties and songs of the sea accompanied by guitars, banjo and percussion, and we really enjoy keeping the spirit of this music alive in the 21st century. We sing in theatres, clubs, pubs, churches, at festivals, and charity events. So we would like to welcome you to one, or all, of our events found in the “gigs” section.
Ian
Musical Director, Guitarist, Vocalist, Arranger, Occasional Whistler.
Joined us in 2020, just before the first lock down and took over from Kev as MD in late 2025. He is responsible for introducing the Crew to many new songs and arrangements that give us our unique and enviable position on the shanty scene. His haunting solo interpretations of songs have been known to bring grown men to tears.
Ian is a highly valued and musically talented member of the Crew who makes a huge contribution, both instrumentally and vocally ~ and watch out for his understated brand of humour on stage.
Norman
Vocalist
Norman is one of the founder crew members having met the others whilst members of the local community choir.
Having run his own accounting business for some 20 years he was perfectly qualified to be our purser and he also looks after bookings and maintaining our song book.
Norman spent some 30 years in an amateur musical society taking some varied minor leading and cameo roles
Alan
Bass Vocalist, Signer
A unique, quietly spoken man with a wicked sense of humour and the person whose brainchild Pot of Gold was. Known as Shinbone Al, this Norfolk born master of the bass note is truly the beating heart of the band.
Shinbone is a big fan of the original shanties and ensures that these traditional songs continue to be included in our repertoire.
As far as we are aware he is the only signing shantyman in the UK and we are immensely proud of his achievements.
Viv
Lyricist, Vocalist
Viv brings both love and harmony to an otherwise motley crew!
Apart from vocals, she has also made a wonderful impact on the Crew’s repertoire having written two songs (Tribute to Henry Blogg and Northenders). She also works tirelessly keeping the Crew’s website functional and up to date. A wonderful asset to the Pot of Gold Shanty Crew.
Roger
Vocalist
After a career in the RAF, Roger moved to Swaffham and joined us in 2024. He immediately gained the distinction of having the longest hair in the Crew.
He has sung in choirs, performed in brass bands and played guitar in various folk groups. His tenor voice and his enthusiasm, in both practice sessions and performances, ensures he plays a significant role in our success.
John
Bass Vocalist, Percussion
John affectionately known as JC joined us in 2021.
He is our percussionist as well as a valued vocalist. His use of drums and cymbals has added a colourful and novel experience to our sound. He has a strong voice and uses it to good effect.
photos ‘@alecseaman’ Alec Seaman
Adam
Guitarist, Banjo, Vocalist, Composer, Arranger
Adam has been a keen and talented musician for many years and his contribution, through both guitar and banjo, to our sound is highly valued by the entire Crew. His is the beat that keeps us up to task.
He has composed much of the music for ‘our’ songs giving them that special Crew feel. Listen out for his vocal solos – they’re features in themselves and well worth the entrance fee alone.
Our Logo
Dave
Vocalist, Lyricist, Roadie
He continues to grow in confidence and ability, demonstrating skills that contribute tremendously to our ongoing success.
A man who truly embodies the expression ‘salt of the sea’, always there ready to help out, lend a hand and a genuine nice guy.
Esther
Vocalist
Our most recent recruit, Esther has joined Viv and Roger to deliver harmonies. Her distinctive vocals add a new depth to our sound and she’s a great asset to The Crew.