By Albatross
December 1 2005

Is it really less than a month since Poolie Pride launched the Monkey Hangerz CD? While for some the memories may be beginning to fade, the impact made by the project and particularly the money it made will have a lasting effect for children at schools across the town.

"The charts, the Radio 1 chart show and all that was nice but this is really what it was all about." (John McQue)

Just as the dust is settling after the Poolie Pride chart success, it's worth remembering what the project was really all about. Was it fame for the participants? Getting some good publicity for the club? Rehabilitating "Never Say Die", a song that although in some ways the quintessential Poolie record just doesn't seem to quite fit after so many years of success? The answer is "none of the above."

The throwaway line on a Messageboard now long gone snowballed into something that saw a group of fans storming the Top 30, but that in many ways was beside the point. Yes, it will be listed evermore as a hit single - but let's face it, who outside the town will remember it next month, never mind next year; it's a footnote, an interesting curiosity, and those not from the area or associated with HUFC in some way probably won't give it much thought.

No, the more lasting impact comes from what the Poolie Pride project has achieved for the projects it aimed to support. Specifically, the local project Soundwaves, who were involved in the production of one of the tracks on the CD. Part of the National project Singing Communities, Soundwaves - now about to launch a follow-on project, Second Wave - have informed the organisers of Poolie Pride that thanks to the success of the Monkey Hangerz CD, the money they have received will help to keep after-school singing groups running in no less than fifteen (yes, fifteen) schools in the town. Now if that's not a good result I don't know what is. All over the town, young people will be able to carry on something that they have enjoyed over the last couple of years, and no doubt others will find opportunities to join in too - a real lasting impact.

Many people contributed to the Poolie Pride project; musicians, singers, people with expertise in so many areas needed to record and produce a CD, sponsors who donated money for the production costs, people at Hartlepool United that got on board and backed the project, people at the Hartlepool Mail, Asda and Music Zone who agreed to sell the CD, everyone that bought it, hopefully even those of us running websites that helped get the word out about the single. All involved will no doubt be feeling a much-deserved warm glow at knowing that their legacy will last well beyond the last sale of the record. Will there be more to come from Poolie Pride? Who knows, but it's already making a difference - and that should be applauded.

Want to find out more about the Soundwaves Project and Singing Communities? Try looking at their website for more information!