The Boscastle Busker - Inspirational Volunteers

John Maughan, aka The Boscastle Busker, has sung in and around Boscastle for over forty years. With his mellow baritone voice and a huge repertoire of songs, he is the catalyst that galvanises a roomful of people to sing for sheer pleasure. John volunteers regularly for Transport Access People (TAP) and enjoys helping isolated people across Cornwall.

About TAP: 

TAP arrange door-to-door transport for people who have difficulty accessing other forms of public transport. They specialise in non-emergency healthcare appointments, trips to the library, memory cafe’s, meeting friends for lunch and shopping excursions.This amazing service enables people to stay active, keep connected and increase thier independence, thus reduce social isolation.

We know that TAP perform an invaluable role in the community, providing individuals, organisations & groups with the opportunity to find out what transport is available, identify the cost and to book & co-ordinate the service with ease. This year, TAP has already provided over 51,000 journeys to individuals that rely on something that so many of us take for granted. 

About the Boscastle Busker:

"Harmonies rise and fall in a great organ of song, it is a magical experience!" "It is also inspiring to hear John busking for Cornwall Hospice Care, unamplified and unaccompanied in the beautiful setting of Boscastle harbour." 

John's busking began in honour of a promise he made to a friend, and so far he has raised over £20,000 for Cornwall Hospice Care in memory of Morgy and the good times they had with the band, The Damnbuskers! Alastair Wreford wrote an article for The Cornish Guardian on John’s early fund-raising, with the caption 'The Boscastle Busker' and the name has stuck ever since. 

This passion has opened many doors, even leading to an invitation to sing to Palestinian refugees in the camps of The Gaza Strip in 2003, and, accompanied by harmonies from Cheryl, their singing has been appreciated from Glasgow to the most remote villages of Gambia, and many places in between! 

He and Cheryl are the driving force behind Wednesday’s singers’ night at The Wellie in Boscastle, a session that welcomes singers and listeners.  He has recorded two CDs with a variety of accompanied and unaccompanied voice and instruments, Ben Maughan (accordion), Mike Silver (guitar), Martin Frith (fiddle) and Cheryl and Julie (vocals). 

Please enjoy - The Boscastle Busker reaches his target of £20,000 for Cornwall Hospice Care. Interview on BBC Spotlight South West news.