South Devon Shanty Crew

Mizzen Link is a shanty crew based in South Devon, UK. Mizzen Link was formed by ex members of the now disbanded Old Gaffers Shanty Crew. 

Over a period of almost fourteen years the Old Gaffers became one of the foremost crews in the South West, singing traditional and more modern songs at various venues and festivals. They were well-known and respected throughout the shanty crew family and had a great following from far and wide. Crew members came and went but the standard remained. 

As often happens, good things come to an end and the Gaffers decided to go their separate ways. However five of the crew wanted to continue with The Gaffers tradition and Mizzen Link was born. We will continue to sing old favourites and introduce some new material but, most of all, we hope to maintain the tradition and standards of The Old Gaffers - good songs, good banter.

Meet the crew (in alphabetical order):

 

Phil Blythe. The only "Incomer" in the crew. Originally from Salford, Lancashire, Phil joined the Royal Air Force and worked in the Aerospace Industry until retiring to South Devon in 2010. Phil has been involved with traditional folk music from an early age. He now lives with his wife Liz in Dartmouth.
Tony Brooks. Tony was born in the South West and has been singing traditional songs since his teenage years. he was also a keen bell ringer. Tony was instrumental in forming The Old Gaffers Shanty Crew and then Mizzen Link. He is the only member of the crew sill working for a living and he goes to watch Plymouth Argyle whenever he can. He lives in Kingsbridge with his wife Sue.
John Payne. John was born in Northampton but grew up in the South Hams. He has worked for the Royal Navy and in the naval dockyard. John has moved all over Great Britain and worked in numerous places around the world but Devon is his home. He now lives in Kingsbridge.
Mark Pritchard. Mark lives in Kingsbridge with his wife Judith. On leaving school he worked in the family electrical business until he retired. Mark sang in several local choirs and took up shanty singing with The Old Gaffers to give him a hobby on retirement. He really enjoyed his time with them but now they have disbanded he is keen to continue singing with Mizzen Link.
Martin Taylor. Martin was born in Blackawton (The Black Country) in the South Hams. He spent most of his youth on and around farms and is still playing at farming today. He spent 7 years in the Army in the seventies then went on to driving HGV. Martin has been singing with Tony for almost 40 years and helped to form The Old Gaffers Shanty Crew. He is now looking forward to singing with old mates in Mizzen Link