Around Easter 2004, Wareham Whalers was formed from an idea of Dave Wheatley. The plan was to form a shanty group that would keep the tradition alive around the river Frome and Purbeck in Dorset. A group of blokes started to get together in the local pub, have a few drinks and then decamp to one of their homes for a sing along. The drinking part was easy, the learning of songs was to take a little longer (Drinkers with a singing problem).

At the time, this was considered nothing more than a hobby, but then someone heard us and said we should sing in public. Encouraged (nagged) by our women folk, we did a gig in the local old folks home. Flushed with success we did our next gig in the pub garden, passing the pot raised something like £19.

Singing in public raised the problems of what to charge and what to do with the money? A meeting was held to elect Chairman, Treasurer, etc. It was also agreed, to avoid dispute, that money raised should go to charity, Wareham and Purbeck branch of MS was approached, and they willingly agreed. It was decided that we raise money for the single project of a converted minibus, which has now been achieved.

It is the stated aim of Wareham Whalers to have fun singing in the company of friends, and if we can raise money for a good cause then that is a bonus. If at any time it stops being fun we are agreed that the group will end. In that event, any money held in the bank account will pass to the MS committee.