'Blow the fence down, bullies...'

Free the Quay launches its 2009 campaign to restore public access to Mistley Quay with a fund-raising shanty night

At 8pm on Saturday 21 March  sailors and landlubbers alike will gather upstairs at the Red Lion in Manningtree for a night of shanties, music, stories and sing song in aid of Free the Quay.

Bands include:
* The South Street Band from Manningtree
* The Golden Rivets from Harwich Town
* The Mistley Quay Choir (formed at the Mistley Quay Jamboree in December 08)

There will be a bar and raffle subject to donated prizes. The event is being sponsored by Red Lion landlords Chris and Myrtle.

Tickets go on sale today Wednesday 4 March at the post office in Mistley High Street (opposite the quay) and at the Red Lion pub in South Street, Manningtree.

If you can't make the Shanti Night, how about something nice for Mothers Day?

For those who failed to get their hands on the rapidly sold-out Men of Mistley 2009 calendar, Free the Quay has produced a tasteful Men of Mistley tea towel in time for Mothers Day on March 22.

On sale from 18 March, the black and white tea-towel features the cover image from the calendar (see pic).

The tea towels cost £5 each, and will be sold through Mistley Post Office, opposite the quay, The Mistley Thorn, and the Mistley Quay Cafe.

For mail order please call 01206 391 214.