Photo by Ian Wallman
“If these songs don’t delight you I can only conclude you are made of
Iron or concrete” At The Barrier
Expect stories of waterways people and places along with an abundance of friendship and community. Suitable for all ages, land-lubbers and canal enthusiasts alike.
If you have found your way to our website, we are pleased to welcome you!
Here you’ll find some of our music and media, along with a few of our favourite stories and little gems from the wonderful heritage of our waterways, especially the canals. If you’d like to stay in touch, you can join our regular newsletter, where we send you a monthly newsletter letting you know what we’re up to, including interesting heritage items, gig news, photos and sometimes even recipes.
We’re delighted to share our debut album All Hands Together
- the result of over ten years of working together.
It is a musical journey through time, travelling along the River Thames, the Oxford Canal, and the Grand Union Canal, navigating history, politics, living folklore, and everyday life on the water.
The trio capture snapshots of life as seen through the eyes of boaters.
Blending traditional and original songs, the album offers a window into the world of those who live and work along the water: stories of love, loss, adventure, and the quiet beauty of nature’s flow.All Hands Together is a heartfelt tribute to the spirit of the waterways that have shaped and inspired the trio for over a decade.
Exploring ideas of socio-geography, and deepening connections to place, landscape, and our relationship with nature, the trio reference and celebrate boaters and characters, both past and present, who have offered helping hands and embody the album’s themes of linear community, shared stewardship, and belonging.
Album Reviews
“All Hands Together has been a revelation – one of the best things I’ve heard all year…I’m delighted to have discovered Three Idle Women and I heartily recommend that you do the same. You won’t regret it.”
John Barlass, Off the Record
“Channelling the storytelling of The Unthanks and the warmth of The Staves, yet stands on its own as a heartfelt tribute to England's waterways and the people who call them home.”
Damon Boughen, Nightshift
“There’s many albums and songs about waterways, but whether you’re a boater or just a gongoozler, All Hands Together is definitely a cut above.”
Mike Davies
Listen up.
Three Idle Women on C4 Narrow Escapes
We are excited to share with you our feature on ‘Narrow Escapes’ the popular daytime show about life on the waterways. You can watch every day at 4pm from Monday 5th May or also available on streaming. Our story will be shown on week three starting 19th May!
“Utterly charming, made me feel like home."
“if these songs don’t delight you, I can only conclude that you’re made either of iron or of concrete” AT THE BARRIER
“We loved the music, the versatile musicianship, the glimpses into canal life and the spirit that you all share”