RESIDENTS gathered at a church for the re-recording of a famous community song to preserve its history for future generations.

Clare Leach, founder of Harwich Sing Tendring Voices, hosted the event to record a rendition of Bathside Boys.

The event took place St Nicholas Church on Saturday and saw residents of all ages recreate history.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Joyous - Residents gathered to preserve the song they loved in their youth.Joyous - Residents gathered to preserve the song they loved in their youth. (Image: Clare Leach)

Clare said: “It was a fantastic project, bringing the community together to record and film the local song Bathside Boys. 

“We had a good number of the original Bathside girls and boys and their families attend as well as many people from the community that wanted to support the project and find out more. 

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Memories - Chatter amongst the choir singers as they reminisced on the songMemories - Chatter amongst the choir singers as they reminisced on the song (Image: Clare Leach)

“There were more than 200 people in attendance and we raised the roof.

"The energy was high and the laughs and the fun were captured in the filming and recording of the song."

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Having Fun - All smiles during the recording of Bathside BoysHaving Fun - All smiles during the recording of Bathside Boys (Image: Clare Leach)

Clare came across the song through stories from care home residents and her Golden Oldies sing-a-long sessions with Harwich Sing.

Bathside Boys has been passed down through generations and was sung regularly in the Anchor pub and also played by the Harwich Boys Brigade.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Orchestrating - Clare leading the performance of Bathside BoysOrchestrating - Clare leading the performance of Bathside Boys (Image: Clare Leach)

She was also asked several times for Harwich Sing to perform the song at a funeral or special occasion.

Clare added: “There were many people reunited on the day that hadn't seen each other in years and it was touching to witness these reunions, all-in-all a wonderful afternoon of community spirit and happiness. 

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Togetherness - The Bathside Boys singers in unison whilst performingTogetherness - The Bathside Boys singers in unison whilst performing (Image: Clare Leach)

“We are grateful to St Nicholas's church for hosting the event."

The film is currently being edited and will be released for all to see on Friday March 10. 

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Setting - Bathside Boys was rerecorded at St Nicholas Church in HarwichSetting - Bathside Boys was rerecorded at St Nicholas Church in Harwich (Image: Clare Leach)

“It will be on YouTube and the link released on Harwich Sing Tendring Voices Facebook page," she added.

“We hope Saturday, March 4, will go down in history.”

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Busy - Hundreds of residents gathered for the performance of Bathside BoysBusy - Hundreds of residents gathered for the performance of Bathside Boys (Image: Clare Leach)

To find the video when it is released, visit facebook.com/harwichsing.