Kirton Creek

Why two versions from which to select?
The basis for this story, together with a lot more fascinating historical data about the area was sent to me by Geoff Christian, after consulting local historian, Len Lanigan. The bare facts were not enough to explain why the barge was "scuttled". So, an extra plot and character had to be invented. All of this required a good bit of writing and editing.

I went through my manuscript checking historic details, dotting “i”s and crossing “t”s. Sadly, I crossed the “L” in Fulcher and George became “Futcher” in error.
I learned this from the family - to whom my sincere apologies - possibly from a broadcast on Radio Norfolk or via this website and I have sung it correctly ever since. Finally, I recorded the proper version in "Bertha" (my micro-studio) and this is available here, to the right of the Penny Lane Studio version as issued on the CD in 2007.

Intro

To reach Kirton Creek, walk past the haunted church

Down the lonely track to the river Deben

There you will see, as the tide recedes

The stark remains of three sisters

Chorus

The angry folk from the village swore

To stop the vile trade by their door

“May the Sisters rot forevermore

In the waters of Kirton Creek

And the mud!

In the waters of Kirton Creek”

Verse 1

Built in eighteen forty-five

Down in Maldon, to survive

A working life without much rest

Named “Three Sisters”, she was the best

Verse 2

Just of wood and caulked with pitch

Last owned by Fulcher of Ipswich

Little he cared for this fine barge

Sewage from the town was her last charge

The angry folk… Verse 3

At the end of that Great War

Once a week and maybe more

Mr Clarke, strong of arm

Sailed her load down to Sluice Farm

Verse 4

Eight pounds a month George Fulcher paid

Of the twenty-four the depot gave

When they brought that down to sixteen pound

He said “I’d rather run the barge aground”

The angry folk… Verse 5

For him, three houses she had earned

Clarke’s one twenty-five pounds he now spurned

As he’d scorned the eight-pound equal share

But why did he order “Scuttle her right there”?

Verse 6

Could it be his lady sweetly appealed

“George, settle with me in Waldringfield

Its cozy and quiet, don’t heed the reek

Of the sewage wagons once a week”

Verse 7

And can we say if she knew

In that year, nineteen twenty-two

That George Fulcher, her love so bright

Was the author of their blight?

The angry folk… End