Original Fo’c’s’le Firkins, The

The Original Fo’c’s’le Firkins was Western Australia’s oldest and longest surviving acappella crew.  After 40 years they held their “Final Farewell Concert”
on 11 October 2024 at the Navy Club in Fremantle.

Posted on their Facebook page on 12 October 2024:  “To say that we went out on a high, is an understatement! We were blown away by the warm reception and affection that was shown to us in the room. It really was a highlight of our 40 year Journey. We only hope that you enjoyed the concert as much as we enjoyed performing for you.

“We leave the Shanty scene in the knowledge that it is in good hands among the plethora of quality shanty groups around the State. We’re sure we’ll bump into you around the traps. Please stop and say hello when we meet, but for now, it’s ‘Goodbye from The Original Fo’c’s’le Firkins!’ ⚓”

On YouTube they offer this explanation, “”Fo’c’s’le”, or forecastle, is a superstructure at the bow of a merchant ship where the crew is housed. “Firkin”, probably from the Dutch diminutive of fourth (vierde), is a unit of liquid volume equal to a quarter of a barrel.”