2024 Obit: Dave Earl (Mudcatter Breton Cap)

Subject: Obit: Breton Cap
From: MBSLynne
Date: 28 Oct 24 - 01:46 PM

I'm very sad to report that Dave Earl aka Breton Cap died yesterday evening after a battle with cancer. Dave was a fine singer and present at just about every festival in the southern half of England.He will be missed by many many people, particularly in The Anchor Middle Bar in Sidmouth where he often did duty on "The bench". His last few months have been particularly painful but he is now free of his pain. Details of his funeral will be posted once they have been decided upon.

Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Breton Cap (Dave Earl)
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 28 Oct 24 - 05:07 PM

I was also very sorry to hear of the passing of Dave, whom I first met in the afore-mentioned Anchor Middle Bar at Sidmouth Folk Festival over 20 years ago. In that time since, I have often enjoyed his singing of a great repertoire of traditional and contemporary folk songs, and his wicked and dry sense of humour. Apart from the trials beset him by his cancer in his latter years, he also coped admirably with "post-polio syndrome" after acquiring said disease in his much younger life.
RIP Dave, and thanks for your songs and friendship.

Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Breton Cap (Dave Earl)
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 29 Oct 24 - 04:52 AM

We all knew that Dave's time was nearly up and that his illness was preventing him from doing the things he enjoyed, but he showed amazing determination and resilience in getting to as many festivals as he could while he still could. We also enjoyed Dave's company and singing for many years and will miss him very much.

Kitty and Derek

Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Breton Cap (Dave Earl)
From: r.padgett
Date: 29 Oct 24 - 05:07 AM

Sorry to hear this news ~ always sad to know of the passing of dedicated folkies RIP Dave Earl

Ray

Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Breton Cap (Dave Earl)
From: Ian
Date: 29 Oct 24 - 09:16 AM

Another fine singer lost to us. Always a joy to listen to.
As an aside, Am I right in thinking her wrote and sang a song about festival portaloo's based on the grey funnel line? If so does anyone have the words they could send me? Last heard at the barn Towersey.

Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Breton Cap (Dave Earl)
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 30 Oct 24 - 11:06 AM

Dave's death will leave the folk community the poorer. He was a good singer and his interpretation of the songs he loved will be missed. RIP

Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Breton Cap (Dave Earl)
From: Rattler
Date: 31 Oct 24 - 08:34 PM

Our world is enriched by such characters and he'll be missed at "The Cause", but the best tribute to any singer is to keep their songs alive, after they've "crossed the bar".

Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Breton Cap (Dave Earl)
From: GUEST,Cllr
Date: 04 Nov 24 - 08:44 AM

I feel lucky that on Shanty night at Sidmouth FF, where in the past Dave had helped me run the evening on many an occasion to sing with him. It turned out that one of the last songs I heard was Dave. I had to leave the festival the following day due to Covid. Dave was a lovely bloke and I will miss him.

Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Breton Cap (Dave Earl)
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 13 Nov 24 - 07:13 PM

Funeral details for Dave, as posted by his brother:

Update: Details of Dave Earl’s funeral please note this is now a 1:30 pm start

It will be
1:30pm Friday 29th November
Woodvale Crematorium
Lewes Road
Brighton
BN2 3QB
(Be aware that there is a lengthy and slightly uphill driveway from the entrance)
A Live Link for those unable to attend will be available and it will be issued in due course

Donations in his memory can be made to the British Polio Fellowship (a link will also be issued shortly)

(Other details regarding afterwards and parking, etc, on the Middle Bar Facebook page.)