Singing with warmth and humour about life, love, and the rich heritage of the UK’s waterways, Three Idle Women bring fresh life to traditional folk songs. Their beautifully blended close harmonies are accompanied by a delightfully quirky array of instruments – including a saw, propeller, and concertina. Expect heartfelt stories of canal people and places in a performance that delights land lubbers and enthusiasts alike.
The trio’s name is a tribute to the women who worked the canals during the WWII war effort, known as the "Inland Waterways" (IW) crew. Despite the nickname "Idle Women," these pioneers worked extremely hard, learning to master boats and engines while carrying vital cargo. Since 2013, the trio has shared their diverse musical skills and intimate knowledge of life along the canal to spread an infectious fondness for the waterways.
Meet the Band:
“If these songs don’t delight you, I can only conclude that you’re made either of iron or of concrete.”
John Barlass, At the Barrier.
“A heartfelt tribute to England's waterways and the people who call them home.”
Damon Boughen, Nightshift.
Booking information
Tickets: £15
Event capacity: 180
All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
BAR
The trio’s name is a tribute to the women who worked the canals during the WWII war effort, known as the "Inland Waterways" (IW) crew. Despite the nickname "Idle Women," these pioneers worked extremely hard, learning to master boats and engines while carrying vital cargo. Since 2013, the trio has shared their diverse musical skills and intimate knowledge of life along the canal to spread an infectious fondness for the waterways.
Meet the Band:
- Jane Rouse: Vocals, concertina, Ukulele Bass, percussion
- Charlie Henry: Vocals, Accordion, musical saw, ukulele, banjo
- Steph Pirrie: Vocals, piano, whistle, trumpet, ukulele, harmonium
“If these songs don’t delight you, I can only conclude that you’re made either of iron or of concrete.”
John Barlass, At the Barrier.
“A heartfelt tribute to England's waterways and the people who call them home.”
Damon Boughen, Nightshift.
Booking information
Tickets: £15
Event capacity: 180
All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
BAR
Tuesday 16 June 2026
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Goring Village Hall, High Street, Goring-on-Thames, United Kingdom RG8 9AG
Singing with warmth and humour about life, love, and the rich heritage of the UK’s waterways, Three Idle Women bring fresh life to traditional folk songs. Their beautifully blended close harmonies are accompanied by a delightfully quirky array of instruments – including a saw, propeller, and concertina. Expect heartfelt stories of canal people and places in a performance that delights land lubbers and enthusiasts alike.
The trio’s name is a tribute to the women who worked the canals during the WWII war effort, known as the "Inland Waterways" (IW) crew. Despite the nickname "Idle Women," these pioneers worked extremely hard, learning to master boats and engines while carrying vital cargo. Since 2013, the trio has shared their diverse musical skills and intimate knowledge of life along the canal to spread an infectious fondness for the waterways.
Meet the Band:
“If these songs don’t delight you, I can only conclude that you’re made either of iron or of concrete.”
John Barlass, At the Barrier.
“A heartfelt tribute to England's waterways and the people who call them home.”
Damon Boughen, Nightshift.
Booking information
Tickets: £15
Event capacity: 180
All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
BAR
The trio’s name is a tribute to the women who worked the canals during the WWII war effort, known as the "Inland Waterways" (IW) crew. Despite the nickname "Idle Women," these pioneers worked extremely hard, learning to master boats and engines while carrying vital cargo. Since 2013, the trio has shared their diverse musical skills and intimate knowledge of life along the canal to spread an infectious fondness for the waterways.
Meet the Band:
- Jane Rouse: Vocals, concertina, Ukulele Bass, percussion
- Charlie Henry: Vocals, Accordion, musical saw, ukulele, banjo
- Steph Pirrie: Vocals, piano, whistle, trumpet, ukulele, harmonium
“If these songs don’t delight you, I can only conclude that you’re made either of iron or of concrete.”
John Barlass, At the Barrier.
“A heartfelt tribute to England's waterways and the people who call them home.”
Damon Boughen, Nightshift.
Booking information
Tickets: £15
Event capacity: 180
All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
BAR