For most of us there’s a clear break between where we live and where we work. Not so, however, for people like lighthouse keepers, submariners and castaways.
For some reason I’ve always been attracted by arrangements specially-designed to accommodate particular sets of circumstances – ships’ cabins, caravans, sleeper trains, space modules and so on.
One of these traditional living/working arrangements was to be found on the narrowboats of the families who, up to 50 years ago, worked the now almost forgotten, but extensive, industrial canal network in the UK. And when I looked into it, I found it was full of surprises.
Lovely recording Mike, thank you for sharing it. I suspect my parents would be very interested in this as well – they have a soft spot for the romantic (or perhaps romanticised) life of canalboat living.
Incidentally, you have a very soothing voice!
Thank you, Shaun, for your response. It’s gratifying to have feedback, strangely even when it’s critical. You learn a lot from criticism. But, having said that, I am always ready to accept flattery…
I normally plan a recording like this carefully, well before the event; at least I have a plan for when I get there – but I must be prepared to abandon some of all of it in the light of what I am faced with on the day. In this case I made no preparation at all and asked the questions which spontaneously welled up from the interaction with the volunteer boatman.
Afterwards, of course, I went round and got some wild sound appropriate to the setting (barking dogs, crowd sounds and the fairground organ which I hope you (just) discerned in the background as I emerged from the cabin) and added during editing. Actually, I cheated a bit because I had already recorded a 12 min piece with the organ’s owner before going near the narrowboat., so I used some of that. If I had recorded the organ at the same time as the interview, when I made an edit of the speech, the background music would have jumped, too, and given it away. The organ recording has made an interesting short programme in its own right and I’ve sent it off to the owner, who was delighted. Something to show of to his mates.
Keep listening out: I have eight more pieces ready to put on the blog
Mike
hi Mike,
Just thought I’d say HAPPY BIRTHDAY !
Best Wishes,
Brenda
Thanks for your good wishes. Celebrated by attending the service of Compline at 9.0 pm at Tewksbury Abbey, where a friend of mine was singing.
I recorded them about 15 years ago and I recognised some of the members of the choir THIS year.
The singing and the setting were breathtaking.
mike
Hello Mike,
I have just listened to Living Over The Shop. Spending much of my life so close to the same canal it brought back many memories. A lovely sound-scene, indeed. Thank you.
Peter
Glad you enjoyed it, Peter. I would welcome some professional criticisms and suggestions, however.
Am looking forward to our discussion on the similarities with, and differences from, writing a short story. I expect there to be many similarities.
Mike