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Bridlington Bay Anthem
BRIDLINGTON now has its own anthem. After hearing a recording by the Sewerby Singers of "Bridlington Bay" a musical tribute to Bridlington's charms, councillors at last Wednesday's meeting voted unanimously to adopt it as the official anthem.
Town mayor, Coun Richard Harrap, said: "I think it is really good. I would like to hear it sung by children in school."
Others agreed, including some who were seen to be humming along with the music and even mouthing the lyrics from a song sheet.
"I like it, a lot of people love this town and I think they will like it too," said Coun Christine Allerston.
How it will be used is up to individuals. Coun David Grange felt perhaps a shorter version of its seven verses set to a slightly faster tune could become popular at local events with the full version being used on special occasions, and added: "I think it is highly unlikely we will be singing it at council meetings."
Bridlington, its fishermen, walks along the cliff to Flamborough, Bridlington Priory, the beaches and the memorable sun rise over the bay all feature in the work penned by 84-year-old songwriter Laurie Mitchell of Scarsea Way in Bempton.
He was delighted at the news, not least that when as he put it he "pops his clogs" the town will have something to remember him by.
He wrote Bridlington Bay as a soloists item almost 25 years ago and it was performed by some local singers, or given as a recitation without music. Then, four or five years ago he produced a choral version which has been sung at various concerts and events. Sewerby Singers have included it in their repertoire and the Quaynotes singers adopted it as their set piece finale at all their concerts.
"I don't think it's ever going to be top of the pops but I think it is good to have a song for the town and I think it is important children learn it at school then it will stay with them all their lives," said Mr Mitchell.
He was well known as an entertainer on the electric organ in clubs around the area and at one time was base guitarist with the celebrated Edwin Harper band which played regularly in Bridlington, Scarborough and other parts of the country.
There will be a chance for Bridlington people to hear their own official anthem at an event at King Street library on Thursday February 10.
The Quaynotes will perform it as a finale to a Sea Britain 2005 open event including a talk by former Borough Librarian Sydney Thompson on the Great Gale, and from David Stamford of Bridlington Lifeboat.
There will also be the showing of a recently discovered old cine film of one of the Great Gale anniversary services at Priory Church.
From that date the public will be able to get photocopies of the music and lyrics to the anthem from the reference library.
Download 'Bridlington Bay' now (wma)...
BRIDLINGTON BAY
by Laurie Mitchell
I have sailed far across the sea,
But there's one place I'm longing to be,
Just to stand on the beach, at the break of the day,
And watch the sun rise o'er Bridlington Bay.
A walk on the cliffs to Flamborough Head,
Or stroll down the sands to Ulrome instead,
Or sit by the harbour, there to survey
The sun as it rises o'er Bridlington Bay.
Fishermen mending their nets by the quay,
Little boats bobbing up and down on the sea,
The sound of the waves as they reach for the shore,
Will live in my mem'ry for ever more.
The Groynes in the sand where I've sat for hours,
The beautiful gardens all covered in flowers,
The little red roofs in their disarray,
And the sun as it rises o'er Bridlington Bay.
I long to see the Flamborough Light
Flashing it's message out into the night,
Warning the ships to keep well away,
Till the dawn starts to break o'er Bridlington Bay.
The Priory Church standing there all serene,
The trees so tall and the grass so green.
The birds on the cliffs as they fly so free,
Will linger for ever in my memory.
I'm going back to Bridlington town,
Can't wait to have my folks around,
And I'll stand on the beach at the break of the day,
And watch the sun rise o'er Bridlington Bay.
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Weather for Bridlington
Thursday 24 May 2012
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Temperature: 9 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
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