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Mick Tems, Calennig
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Subject: Mick Tems, Calennig From: Michael in Swansea Date: 28 Apr 01 - 07:33 AM Last weekend while visiting his parents in Essex Mick Tems, of Calennig fame, suffered a stroke resulting in loss of speech. I last spoke to him at the Lancaster Maritime Festival at Easter and he was telling me about their forthcoming tour to India and then, maybe, Poland. I'm sure that all of Mick and Pat's friends join with me in wishing him a full and speedy recovery and that our thoughts are with them both during this trying time. Mike |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: Sarah the flute Date: 28 Apr 01 - 09:13 AM That is such sad news. I remember seeing Callenig years ago at Croydon Folk Club. Hope he recovers well and fast |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: Jon Freeman Date: 28 Apr 01 - 09:28 AM They are both in my thoughts and prayers. Jon |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: RoyH (Burl) Date: 28 Apr 01 - 09:30 AM Mick, if you see this, take heart old friend. I had a strike a few years ago and have come through it. You can too. Love to Pat. I'll be in touch. Burl (ROY) |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: RoyH (Burl) Date: 28 Apr 01 - 09:32 AM Ref my last posting. I didn't have a strike Mick. I had a stroke. Or maybe the stroke struck me!. Get well soon pal. |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: Gervase Date: 28 Apr 01 - 09:55 AM Poor bugger! And, if anyone's unfamiliar with Calennig, listen to them - it's wonderful, driving stuff in English and Welsh, and Mick's box playing is brilliant. Here's hoping for a full recovery - it would be too cruel if a talent like his was denied us. Here's hoping and praying. |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: sian, west wales Date: 28 Apr 01 - 03:33 PM I've just returned from a TRAC meeting in Aberystwyth and we've sent him off a card. Those of us who hadn't heard the news were incredibly shocked. Word is that they're hoping to have him back in Wales soon so ... if you get any word, Michael, let us know! sian |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: Jon Freeman Date: 28 Apr 01 - 03:48 PM I've just visited http://www.folkwales.org.uk and see there is a guest book to send best wishes to Mick together with an indication that they will keep us informed. Jon
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: Geoff the Duck Date: 29 Apr 01 - 06:00 AM I well remember Mick from my time at University in Cardiff (1977 - 1981) and his contributions to the folk scene around South Wales. Calennig always did an entertaining set, as did his other band the four-piece with Siwsan George and (was it Stuart Brown?) as well as Mick and Pat. I recall the first time I saw Jim Couza, who came along to Whitby Folk Week along with Mick's band. I wish Mick a good recovery and a speedy one. Geoff Gilday. |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: GUEST,Nick Dow Date: 29 Apr 01 - 09:47 AM I'll do something about Mick on the Lancashire Drift. Any further news please let me know thedows@atchintan.freeserve.co.uk or at B.B.C. Radio Lancs. |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: JudeL Date: 29 Apr 01 - 07:43 PM Thanks Michael for letting us know, have left message in the book for Mick and Patti. I usually see them when I visit my parents in Miskin, but missed them at Easter as the festival had been cancelled and I couldn't be about for club night, as I had to be back at work. I really hope Mick makes a full recovery and is soon back where he belongs in Llantrisant club, playing his box. Jude |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: Mr Red Date: 29 Apr 01 - 08:12 PM Tough When a friend had a stroke I gave her videoed and photocopied stuff on the subject. the essence is that the more positive the approach the sooner the return to fitness bloody minded people have a head (no pun) start. When I told Maggie to tell her arm to wave she said "I'm shouting at it" then one day her thumb moved half an inch. The story of Roal Dahl and Patricia Neal come to mind. constant talking to the patient. Now how can catters 'achieve that? ideas? |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: Michael in Swansea Date: 30 Apr 01 - 08:54 AM Jon,
I ddn't know about the guest book, thanks for the info. Mike |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: A Wandering Minstrel Date: 30 Apr 01 - 12:22 PM This is very sad, Mick is one of the real Characters of the South Wales Folk scene and a dear personal friend of over 20 years standing. Here's hoping he recovers and is up and around again soon.
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: GUEST,Jenny Bellamy Date: 30 Apr 01 - 01:47 PM So sorry to hear about your stroke Mick. I am thinking of you both. Speedy recovery. Love Jenny |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: JudeL Date: 01 May 01 - 11:24 AM Does anyone have any more recent info. on how Mick is? Visited the folk wales site again today but it doesn't have anything more recent than the 27th when the initial news of his stroke was posted. Jude |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig UPDATE From: Michael in Swansea Date: 02 May 01 - 04:18 AM Heard last night he's in a rehabilitation place in Colchester and can be understood saying "Yes" and "No". Also he's started to feed himself, mushy baby type food, so things are looking good. Pat has said she'd do the Gower Folk Festival, (8-10 June) on her own but she may need some help. C'mon Mick. Mike |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: JudeL Date: 02 May 01 - 05:09 AM Good to know he's on the road to recovery. Shame he's so far from home. What sort of help does Pat want/need? |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: Joy Bennett Date: 02 May 01 - 08:32 AM thanks for the link to the book! Lots of best wishes and prayers from your friends in New York. Joy |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: Michael in Swansea Date: 02 May 01 - 08:53 AM Jude,
Well as you know she sings and plays squeezebox and spoons, I really couldn't say. If you give her a bell a bit nearer the date she should be able to say if help is needed. If everyone brought along a pair of spoons and started banging them together it might surprise her,(if surprise is the right word).
Mike 01443 226892 just in case you didn't have it. |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: Mr Red Date: 08 May 01 - 03:19 PM Pat was at the Upton FF and reports he is still in Colchester. What I was told was - Friends from the Llantrisant club are taking him a squeezebox. ANYTHING like that will give him motivation. Pat &/or friends sang songs to him and confounded the speech therapist who assured them he would not sing. What did the medic know??? Singing apparently is a more basic instinct than speech - so some progress. Miskin Festival is now scheduled for November so there is something else for him to aim for. His friend - Andy - told me of some of the plans to help - and if I get in the same position I want a friend like him on my team. Andy & fellow Llantrisant regulars now have the passwords to the Mari Arts website etc so that won't lie fallow. Lets hope the hospital can allow him to be transferred to Cardiff, where all his friends can be on hand to talk him back to fitness. |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: RoyH (Burl) Date: 08 May 01 - 04:12 PM I had a stroke in 1993 that affected me in much the same way as Mick appears to be, though perhaps less severely. Folk Friends were regulars at the hospital and talked to me even though I couldn't answer very well. I knew what they were doing and appreciated and was heartened by it. They also bought tapes and a Walkman, that helped too. Now I'm fully recovered but for a couple of side effects that don't bother me too much. I came through with the help of friends, and my wife of course,and we friends of Mick can help him in the same way. Flood him with cards and leters, and, S.Wales folkies, when Mick gets to hospital in Cardiff make sure he gets loads of visitors. Hang in there Mick. All the best to you too Pat. Love from Roy & Elaine. |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: Michael in Swansea Date: 09 May 01 - 09:55 AM Mr Red, thanks for the latest. I've been out of touch for the past couple of days. Mike |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: JudeL Date: 10 May 01 - 05:55 AM Anyone know where we can send cards ? |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: Michael in Swansea Date: 10 May 01 - 08:23 AM |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: Michael in Swansea Date: 10 May 01 - 08:35 AM Try their home address:
1 Ty Clwyta Cottages I know he's not home yet but Pat's there. |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: Mr Red Date: 13 May 01 - 12:25 PM Refresh Any new news ? |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: GUEST,Andy Jackson Date: 14 May 01 - 04:07 AM Pattie has asked me to thank everyone who has send such kind thoughts to her and Mick. I enclose a copy of a short report on our recent visit. Thanks again for your thoughts. Andy ********************************** Mick Tems - The Visit On Thursday 11th May I was pleased to be able to accompany Pattie on her visit to Mick in Colchester hospital. Following his stroke, over two weeks ago there seemed to be only a small improvement in Mick's condition. They hadn't reckoned on Pat and the "Calennig magic". After half an hour or so of listening to assorted Calennig tracks on CD, Mick was working hard at singing along with Pattie. Then Pattie produced Mick's trusty melodeon and with me holding the bass end and his, not-so-clever, hand, and Pattie pulling and pushing before long Mick was actually playing tunes and certainly joining in the singing. From here he seemed to go from strength to strength. At one point while singing the Mari's Song, one of the nurses went to fetch the staff nurse they could not believe this was the same man who until then could only mutter yes or shake his head. Now he was word perfect and in tune - in Welsh !!! No, this wasn't Calennig's most polished performance, but it was to me, one of their most powerful and a moment that I felt privileged to be part of. To watch Mick mouthing the words of Gowerton Fair would have been heartbreaking had it not been such a sure sign of hope for the future. Within an hour not only was Mick managing to play and sing, but he was laughing at his own inability to speak or even spell properly, ( melodeon will never be spelt the same again ! ). It was a very moving experience made more so by the fact that at no time was there any sign from Mick of frustration or anger and certainly never tears . I don't want to build up too many false hopes - Mick is still very ill, but yesterday he showed a real interest in his music and the way forward. It will be slow and hard work, for both Mick and Pat, and they will both need our support for some while yet. For the time being he will be staying in Colchester Hospital. Mick is in the excellent, brand new , purpose built, Rehabilitation Unit with very caring staff - he is in very good hands, although a long way from home. As we left you could almost feel the sigh of relief as that whirlwind we call Pattie and quiet little me, left the ward to regain its normal peace and quiet. What the other patients may not have realised is that Mick now has his melodeon and will be practising every day as part of his physiotherapy !!!!! On our next visit we plan to bring the Mari with us, if that doesn't get him deported back to Wales nothing will !! Andy Jackson |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: Michael in Swansea Date: 14 May 01 - 04:09 AM I, and others, received an e-mail from Andy Jackson, who visited Mick last week, with very good news indeed. I've asked him to post a copy of it to this page. It's his tale of the visit so it's only right that he should relate it and anyway it's bad practice to copy things without permission. Sorry to keep you in suspense but it really is a heartwarming little story, as the other recipients of Andy's e-mail will testify. Mike |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: Michael in Swansea Date: 14 May 01 - 04:11 AM Oh, he's done it. Thanks Andy that was quick. |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: GUEST,Andy Jackson Date: 14 May 01 - 04:20 AM Wow !! I've just read all these messages, thanks a million I will print them and get them to Pattie as soon as poss. She has been a bit tied up lately and we still have to get her computer skills up and running ! **************** Following on from my last up date - please visit Mick. He is in the Gainsborough Wing of Colchester Hospital. This is over two hundred miles from home and the many friends who would otherwise visit daily. Having seen the enormous improvement from just a few hours of music it would be wonderful for Mick to have more musical visits. It looks like he may be there for some time yet, so if anyone out there who knows Mick is playing anywhere nearby, please just give the hospital a ring and pop in and see him. Be prepared to play a few short tunes as the ward staff are very encouraging, and it really is just what Mick needs. Thanks , Andy Check the Folk Wales site for latest news http://www.folkwales.org.uk/ |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: Joy Bennett Date: 14 May 01 - 10:25 AM refresh! |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: Mr Red Date: 17 May 01 - 09:29 PM Being between jobs and with relatives over that way allowed me to holiday in Colchester. First night Mick was attempting conversation but maybe the day's efforts had tired him but he laughed when the words didn't materialise. He drew a picture for me of two melodeons and signed each one. The next day his mother was visiting which she is able to do every day. He had a go on the red bodhran - Horses Brawl, Speed the Plough and Winster Gallop. The ward orderlies report that he is encouraged to play the melodeon in therapy sessions but they cited insurance and nusiance as reasons not to permit an airing on the ward. He did sing along with his own choruses while listening to a CD. I rang Andy Caven looking for a session (none on Wednesdays nearby) and he will try to pop in. It is this kind of stimulous of familiar faces that he needs, we can all chip in with encouragement and some of it will spark improvements. Mick was more lucid on day two and fed himself with fork and spoon, from what Andy posted this sounds like progress to me. Mick indicated (named the Hospital) he was hopeful of a move back to Wales, the ward staff reported it would depend on available NHS beds and consultants (!!!***!).
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: GUEST,A Wandering Minstrel (at an Easynetcafe) Date: 21 May 01 - 03:16 PM Refresh?? any new news? |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: Mr Red Date: 30 May 01 - 02:54 PM Not heard any more news but a lot of ordinary folk hadn't heard when I ask at Chippenham. most Artistes knew. |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: A Wandering Minstrel Date: 31 May 01 - 10:16 AM To answer my own question, I went over to see him at the weekend. He is relatively hale but is having trouble remembering words. He will start out to say something and stop about three or four words into the sentence. He can respond to music and will sing along with chorus and some old favourites. It will probably be a long haul before he recovers tho. Moves are afoot to move him down to wales so he can be nearer family but that largely depends on availibility of therapists and so on |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: Mr Red Date: 31 May 01 - 03:36 PM Thanks AWM. regards to all at Maidenhead FC (Thurs, the Ferry, Cookham) |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: nutty Date: 01 Jun 01 - 03:26 PM Refresh |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: A Wandering Minstrel Date: 06 Jun 01 - 08:54 AM For those keeping track, Mick has now been moved down to Wales and is in Llwynpia Hospital in the Welsh valleys where Patti and other friends will find it much easier to visit him. |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: sian, west wales Date: 06 Jun 01 - 09:18 AM Excellent! Sian |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: A Wandering Minstrel Date: 11 Jun 01 - 09:59 AM According to the news at the LLantrisant site (www.folk.wales.org.uk) Mick has greatly benefitted from the move and it is much easier for Patti and others to get to see him. He is apparently speaking full sentences now and can write (left-handed ??) As the hospital is rather small intending visitors should contact Patti to ensure no overcrowding |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: JudeL Date: 11 Jun 01 - 10:15 AM That's wonderful news - thanks for letting us know. Jude |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: GUEST,Skipper Jack Date: 11 Jun 01 - 10:18 AM Plans are afoot for Baggyrinkle (Swansea Shantymen, to give a concert at the hospital in Llywypia for Mick's benefit. More news when I get it.
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: sian, west wales Date: 11 Jun 01 - 11:31 AM So which hospital are we talking about? I take it that it isn't the new big one, which I think is referred to as the Princess Camilla (being half way between the Prince Charles, Merthyr, and the Princess Di, Bridgend). sian |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: Jon Freeman Date: 11 Jun 01 - 11:51 AM I hope he continues to make progress. Just a short note on strokes: They seem to me to be something of a lottery and you never really know what is going to recover or when. My dad had a nasty one about 4-5 years ago and was in a coma for some time and was even transferred to Walton (they are specialists) hospital at one point. Even my mother who was a physiotherapist who worked in a geriatric department and had a lot of experience with stroke patients didn't hold much hope for him. Anyway, bits came back a little at a time (in fact some memories took 3 years!) and he made a pretty good although not complete recovery - he can walk pretty well when we thought wheelchair bound was more likely, from struggling with words, he can polish off the Guardian and Daily Telegraph Crosswords, although maybe not in 10 minutes anymore... Quite remarkable really. Jon |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: GUEST,Skipper Jack Date: 11 Jun 01 - 02:21 PM Sian West Wales, The hospital at Llwynypia is on the A4058 Pontypridd to Treherbert. I think it is on the side of the mountain! So it is not the one that you are thinking of. But I am going to see Mick on Wednesday, so I shall let you know then.
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: Noreen Date: 11 Jun 01 - 03:26 PM From the Artisan website... If you're close enough, please come and support one or both of these events (I've already sold tix to folks from as far away as Essex and Canada)
Gala Benefit Concert
Sunday 17th June @ 7:00 (doors open 6:30)
Birdsedge Village Hall
... And what a lineup ...
Máire Ní Chathasaigh & Chris Newman
Light Refreshments
Cheques to Birdsedge Folk Club posted to:
AND
Birdsedge Village Festival Grand Evening Concert
Saturday 14th July @ 7:00 (doors open 6:30)
Birdsedge Festival Marquee
HUW & TONY WILLIAMS
Cheques to Birdsedge Village Festival, please, posted to: |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: A Wandering Minstrel Date: 12 Jun 01 - 10:27 AM The very large hospital recently built just north of LLantrisant is the Royal Glamorgan, the main A&E and General hospital for the valleys Mick is in the Llwynypia hospital which is up the valleys between Porth and Trealaw. This is a smaller hospital but it does have a specialist department for strokes and Occupational therapy. I will relay any further news as I hear it AWM |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: Mr Red Date: 16 Jun 01 - 12:33 PM refresh good to see the the developments. |
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Subject: RE: Mick Tems, Calennig From: 8_Pints Date: 16 Jun 01 - 01:08 PM Noreen, Thought I'd see you tonight @ the Palace Theatre, but just noticed you are/were attending the matinee performance. Will there be any tickets if family turns up tommorrow for the Huddersfield benefit? Bob vG |
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