A tradition of music and song

Friggin' Riggin' - Traditional Folk Group

Friggin' Riggin' was formed in 1996 when off duty crew decided they could retire
to the pub on the pretext of playing maritime melodies for the purpose of fundraising for the RNLI.

A tin whistle player, guitarist and a farmer (who could sing), were soon joined by a young fiddler from the Cornwall Youth Orchestra who could actually read music !!! (and is now a member of the crew).

Founder members were - Harry McConville - Jan Hicks - Richard Ash
(They have a lot to answer for!!!)

Meeting about twice a month on Wednesday evening at the Falcon Hotel, a touch of class was added when they were joined by Tim, the owner of the Falcon, playing accordion and guitar. This small gathering developed when members of the old Bude Lifeboat Singers jumped at the chance to air their lungs once more.

The group has now progressed to playing not just maritime songs but Irish Jigs and Reels, and Cornish traditional songs.
Friggin' Riggin' visit other Lifeboat Stations in the South West where they maintain the Cornish tradition of music, song & merriment, with the purpose of raising funds for the RNLI and other charities including Soundwaves Southwest, Cancer Rearch, Heart Foundation.

The group consists of 8 musicians and core singers including the Hon. Sec. of Bude Lifeboat.
These are:-

Players Singers

Harry McConville
Tim Browning
Simon Bishop (when in Bude)
Graham Barker
Bob Price
Jean Price
Jeff Weaver

- (Tin Whistle & accordion)
- (Accordion & Guitar)
- (Fiddle)
- (Fiddle)
- (Guitar and Small-pipes)
- (Bodhran)
- (Bodhran)

       Chris Cloke (Hon. Sec)
       Chris Bale (Mevigissie Male Voice choir)
       Robin Bale
       Mike Tame
       Dave Richardson

We try to meet about twice a month on Wednesday evenings at the Falcon Hotel, Bude, to practice and make merry.
So if you are in the area we will be glad to see you.

If you would like to get in touch with Friggin' Riggin'
please speak to our organizer and point of contact:-
Harry McConville
The Gallery
Bude,
Cornwall EX23 8QT
Or telephone 01288 354004

From any visit to Bude it will soon become apparent that a lifeboat would play a very important part in the history of the town. The first Lifeboat was placed here in 1837 by King William IV and Bude remains the only Lifeboat Station ever to receive a Lifeboat donated by a reigning monarch. The station was closed at the end of the First World War and it was to be approaching fifty years before a new chapter in the history of Bude Lifeboat was opened.

With the re-establishment of Bude Lifeboat Station in 1966 came a reinvigoration of the interest and support Bude has historically given the RNLI. During these first few years a number of events and activities now firmly established in tradition first came into being.

Not least was the formation of the Bude Lifeboat Singers. Amongst the founding crew was Des Gregory, current President of Bude RNLI and retired landlord who established the Brendon Arms as social HQ for the new crew under training. Convivial evenings followed hard training sessions and would often end with a sing-song. In 1967 the late Jim Marshall thought it a good idea that we might formalise our small singing group and the Bude Lifeboat Singers came into being under the conductorship of crew member Jon Ball.

Thus started a pub choir singing tradition attached to Bude Lifeboat which was to last, in a formal sense, for more than a quarter of a century. Throughout the 1970's and 1980's the singers were in much demand and could boast three accomplished soloists in John Bolitho, Len Merrifield and Johnny Murt. Concerts were given the length and breadth of the west country and beyond. When celebrating their 20th anniversary, the singers could reflect with some satisfaction on a reputation firmly established from the Isles of Scilly to Liverpool and from Newquay to West Cork in the Republic of Ireland. There can be few amateur groups who have declined advancement having successfully auditioned for a spot on Hughie Green's TV "Opportunity Knocks"..... but that's another story!

The singers decided to call it a day in 1992 after twenty five years "of singing and smiles" and no engagements have been undertaken since that time. Over the years many thousands of pounds were raised for the RNLI and other worthy charities and lifelong friendships forged. The one occasion each year when the singers still forgather in Bude is Lifeboat Day on the Brendon Arms lawn. A nostalgic rendition of their charming repertoire in front of large crowds each year attests to the enduring affection and esteem in which Bude holds the surviving members of the merry group.

Post script: As one chapter of history closes so another opens and Bude Lifeboat is now served by a new singing and musical group "Friggin Riggin" which it is hoped will carry this splendid musical tradition forward many years into the future.