Last Man Standing Project: We want you!

This is a unique opportunity for those interested in the conservation of the undocumented songs of the Irish Travelling community in the UK. Volunteers will receive initial training through a series of workshops on the recording process, location recording and digital editing, transcription and associated techniques.

Thomas McCarthy is the last man standing.

An award winning singer/ storyteller from the Irish travelling community, Thomas was born in Ireland and brought up in the UK. He has become the heritage bearer for the undocumented songs unique to the Travelling community in the UK.                                                                            

Unfortunately, these songs are on the brink of extinction and if not documented and recorded, could disappear forever.

“Ever since a portable TV could be hooked up to a car battery our musical tradition practically died overnight! “                                                                                                                  

“When I’m gone it’s gone.” (Thomas McCarthy, 2016)

The Last Man Standing project will record and document a number of these songs. Supported by Heritage Lottery Fund, The Selby Trust, EnterTrainers and Deafear Productions, these recordings will be preserved in both national and local archives while being made freely available to the wider community.

Opportunity to get involved

We are looking for volunteers to participate in The Last Man Standing project.  The aim of the project is to preserve the undocumented songs of the Irish Travelling community in the UK. We will record them for free download, a CD, and to create a podcast.

This is a unique opportunity for those interested in the conservation of endangered songs and the recording process. Volunteers will receive initial training through a series of workshops on the recording process, location recording and digital editing, transcription and associated techniques.

Volunteers will be required for one day per week, either Mondays or Tuesdays,10.30 am-4pm for 36 weeks (it could be less) and you will be accredited in the completed recordings. We pay reasonable travel expenses and feed you at lunchtime.

Volunteers must be 18 years of age or over.

For further information please contact;

Brian at Deafear  Productions   07940777289 email;brian@deafear.co.uk

Paige at Selby Trust 0208-88855499/07494410029 email; paige@selbytrust.co.uk

Barbara at  Entertrainers            07976660675 email;barbara@entertrainers.co.uk

EnterTrainers;

Founded by Barbara Lisicki a practising trainer and consultant, with particular experience and expertise in the field of visual and performance arts, Entertrainers has delivered diversity and disability equality training for over 25 years in the UK. USA, Brazil, Japan and across Europe. The work is designed to develop inclusive practice across the arts and cultural sectors.

Deafear Productions

Founded by musician sound engineer and music producer  Brian Despard. Deafear Productions are a mobile audio and music recording production and training facility with over 20 years experience in audio production .Past projects include A Tottenham soundscape  a history of social technological development  in Tottenham from 1950s to 2105. HMS Belfast engine room sound design for the Imperial war museum and the sound design for  the Ambulance trains of WW1 exhibition for the National railway museum.

The Selby Trust (Many cultures one community)

Registered as a charity in 1993 the Trust has established itself as a centre of excellence by providing employment and business support through partnerships with individuals and organizations encouraging equality, education and community development.

(Main photograph: Thomas McCarthy in the Portobello Road (c) Mike Doherty)