Obit: Morris Dancer & Singer Nick Robertshaw

Subject: Obit: Nick Robertshaw
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 30 Oct 07 - 06:27 PM

I'm very sad to hear this news about Nick Robertshaw

He was a founder member of Herga Morris and played for them on the Generation Game. He had to sit down while he played, otherwise Big Nick would have overshadowed them...

Kitty

Subject: RE: Obit: Nick Robertshaw
From: RTim
Date: 31 Oct 07 - 09:02 AM

I knew Nick reasonably well - a fellow Morris Dancer & Singer and Exiled Englishman in the wilds of North America. A Huge Man with a Huge character! He will make people sit up and listen where ever he turns up.
I remember him being so proud the first year his son danced with Foggy at Marlboro - He will be missed by many.

Tim Radford

Subject: RE: Obit: Nick Robertshaw
From: Skivee
Date: 31 Oct 07 - 01:39 PM

Nick was one of the most joyfully musical people I have ever met, and a wonderful person as well.
What a great asset to the DC Folk community he was, and what a great loss that he's gone.

Subject: RE: Obit: Morris Dancer & Singer Nick Robertshaw
From: Bob TB
Date: 31 Oct 07 - 04:08 PM

Big Nick always overshadowed the Herga Morrismen but the reason he sat down to play on the Generation Game was because he also over-shadowed the church painted on the back-drop when he stood up!

IIRC he also appeared on Top of The Pops at one time. Playing concertina of course.

I'm glad to have known him, danced to him and danced with him. He will be fondly remembered.

Subject: RE: Obit: Morris Dancer & Singer Nick Robertshaw
From: GUEST,Alan Day
Date: 31 Oct 07 - 06:44 PM

I had little dealings with Nick ,but he came over exactly as you are all describing.Sort of chap I would have loved to meet a real character.I understand that he is Ex UK anybody know where from?
I contacted Nick about doing some recordings for Duet International which Nick was sadly working on and excited about.I would be grateful if anyone has any recordings of Nick,s playing that they get in touch with me.He played the Jeffries Duet System and there are not many great players of this instrument,Nick has been described as a great player with a unique style and it would be fitting for him to be included on this collection if possible.Any permission by the family and any cost implications would be adhered to and discussed prior to anything being used.
Regards
Alan Day

Subject: RE: Obit: Morris Dancer & Singer Nick Robertshaw
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 31 Oct 07 - 07:07 PM

Alan - from around Watford, I think. Nick was a member of the Herga Folk Club and Morris (based in Wealdstone)in the 1960s and 70s.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Obit: Morris Dancer & Singer Nick Robertshaw
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Nov 07 - 05:16 AM

Many thanks for that information Herga.That would make Nick's age at about sixty - sixty five. I went to the very first English Folk Music Weekend and I would have remembered a superb Jeffries player had he had been there.
Do you know if the sound tracks of the TV appearances are good enough to reproduce and do they do Nick justice, or is he being drowned out by other musicians?
Al

Subject: RE: Obit: Morris Dancer & Singer Nick Robertshaw
From: GUEST,Terry Robertshaw
Date: 01 Nov 07 - 06:11 AM

Thank you all so much for your kind words about Nick, Bignick as he was called by most over here. This was terrible shock and completely unexpected as there had been no warning signs and he appeared to be in perfect health even by his doctors. I'm still reeling from the shock of this news. Nick was in California at the time, attending the American Academy of Pediatrics annual meeting when he had a massive heart attack. I'm told that it was over very quickly, and although a medical team worked on him for over an hour, there was nothing that could be done to bring him back.

He was born in London, and raised in Harrow. We moved to the states in 1980 and have lived here for the past 27 years where we raised our son in a wonderful home in Maryland.

I don't know how I am going to live without him.

Terry

Subject: RE: Obit: Morris Dancer & Singer Nick Robertshaw
From: GUEST,Terry
Date: 01 Nov 07 - 08:01 AM

Nick Robertshaw was 56 when he died.

Subject: RE: Obit: Morris Dancer & Singer Nick Robertshaw
From: GUEST,Alan Day
Date: 01 Nov 07 - 09:48 AM

I have had more of my fair share of this sort of thing Terry and the pain does not diminish,but becomes acceptable over a period of time.With Nick it sounds as if you have many fantastic memories to remember his and your great times together and I am sure that he would want you to concentrate on these, rather than sadness.
If I can be off any assistance do not hesitate to contact me,via this site or concertina.net
Alan Day

Subject: RE: Obit: Morris Dancer & Singer Nick Robertshaw
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 01 Nov 07 - 03:50 PM

Terry - I've had an e-mail from Rob Williams, asking "Please let me know if you hear of some way we can honour him, like sending a cheque to a particular charity or something."

I think Tim Edwards and Jan would appreciate hearing from you, as they saw Nick recently at his mother's funeral, and of course are old family friends.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Obit: Morris Dancer & Singer Nick Robertshaw
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 01 Nov 07 - 03:58 PM

Terry - also, thank you for posting, and I am terribly sorry for your loss (and for not having said that in my previous post).

Kitty

Subject: RE: Obit: Morris Dancer & Singer Nick Robertshaw
From: GUEST,Jan
Date: 01 Nov 07 - 04:40 PM

Terry - so sorry to hear of Nick's death. I found it very hard to believe, having seen him look so fit and well - almost unchanged - recently at Lindsay's. He was a wonderful person, multi-talented and always good fun. Our thoughts are with you.

Jan and Andrew

Subject: RE: Obit: Morris Dancer & Singer Nick Robertshaw
From: quantock
Date: 02 Nov 07 - 01:43 AM

Nick's death came as a shock to me too. I knew him mostly between 1970 and 1972. We were both resident singers at Herga Folk Club, both founder members of Herga Morris, both members of Hammersmith Morris. As you can imagine, we saw each other a lot during that period. Like everyone says, he was a fun loving guy, who really cared about his music .

My heart goes out to you, Terry. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

Rob Williams.

PS Is anyone in touch with Sue Tippen? She was the other resident singer at Herga at the same time as Nick and I.

Subject: RE: Obit: Morris Dancer & Singer Nick Robertshaw
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 02 Nov 07 - 03:22 AM

Rob - the Tippens, Sue and Dave, are on George Papavgeris's mailing list.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Obit: Morris Dancer & Singer Nick Robertshaw
From: GUEST,Collin Hart
Date: 02 Nov 07 - 01:09 PM

As a part of the DC-Metro area rave scene, I wanted to let you all know how much we will miss him. Nick was one of the most beloved people in the scene, and whenever he was at a party, it was heartwarming to see the constant stream of people who came up to him and said hello. We couldn't help but smile as he danced in his day-glo clothing, wearing his headband. His kindness and warmth delighted all of us. To a certain degree we all wondered why our parents couldn't understand what we did, and seeing him understand made us not feel so alone. He understood the universal nature of trancendental dance...how it unites, how an entire room of people can communicate without speaking, and become a part of something greater.

Terry... your husband was an amazing person. We were all lucky to know him, and he made a lasting impression upon so many of us. I hope that you and Thomas are able to find serenity in this time of sadness. Nick lived life to the fullest, and I have a feeling that he lived every day like it would be his last, letting everyone he cared about know exactly how he felt about them. Everyone dies, but not everyone truly lives. Nick lived, and he will live on in our hearts forever. You and Thomas are on the minds of many people right now...people you may have never even met, but we were all touched by the life that Nick led.

a biiiiiiiig (((hug))) from more people than you'd ever imagine.

<3

Collin

Subject: RE: Obit: Morris Dancer & Singer Nick Robertshaw
From: quantock
Date: 03 Nov 07 - 01:19 AM

Well said, Collin. You captured my thoughts and, I am sure, those of many people around the world who were privileged to call Nick their friend.

Rob Williams

Subject: RE: Obit: Morris Dancer & Singer Nick Robertshaw
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Nov 07 - 01:36 PM

Alan Day, how do I get in touch with you? I have some recordings that Nick made for me for a project I was working on last summer. I doubt they are of the quality you need as they are just recordings made on a laptop, and they are short. Most of the edited pieces I have consist of only one verse and chorus. The originals may be longer and hopefully are still on his computer.

Alas, the project did not get past the proposal stage, but Nick (and Jim Voorhees) made a number of recordings in case it did. I have about a dozen of these short tunes from Nick, mostly sea shantys.

Here are some I used that can be heard on the web:

http://www.wmlbrown.com/bbbb0107.html
http://www.wmlbrown.com/bbbb0207.html
http://www.wmlbrown.com/bbbu0107.html

--Bill Brown
Foggy Bottom Morris Men

Subject: RE: Obit: Morris Dancer & Singer Nick Robertshaw
From: Alan Day
Date: 03 Nov 07 - 03:29 PM

Many thanks for your posting Bill
You can PM me direct from here or Email me on
[e-mail] dot uk
If I do not here from you I will find you.
Some friends of Nick have contacted me to say they are investigating whether recordings of Nick are available.
I will have a listen to these that you have posted.Once again it will be a fitting tribute to a superb Jeffries Duet player if he can be featured amongst the World's best,past and present.
Al

Subject: RE: Obit: Morris Dancer & Singer Nick Robertshaw
From: Alan Day
Date: 03 Nov 07 - 04:01 PM

Bill
I have tried all your links and a few variations on them and sadly cannot get through.If you would Email them to me on my email address aboveI would be extremely grateful.We have the facility to link recordings together to give a representation of the artist.I am extremely encouraged by your posting.
We have a rare recording of the Walter Dale about 1925 and managed to splice two halves of a broken 78 together to make a wonderful recording.
Al

Subject: RE: Obit: Morris Dancer & Singer Nick Robertshaw
From: GUEST,Sally Miller
Date: 03 Nov 07 - 04:22 PM

I first met Big Nick around 1991 in association with the Fred. Children's Chorus. My son (little Nick) performed in the Reluctant Dragon operetta as the "Boy" and Big Nick was the Dragon. What a delightful experience watching them perform duets together--both Nick's in harmony. Few years later, Big Nick caravaned with me, my son Mike, and other mom's & sons to Woodstock festival, Rome, NY for a few days. Needless to say, B. Nick entertained us with his singing & limiricks, keeping us in stitches the whole time. I admired his many talents, the latest with his electronica music & mixes which I have downloaded in my ipod. So sorry Terry & Thomas for your loss. Nick was an inspiration to us all and will be missed. The obituary in the Fred. Post was beautifully written. I'm here if you need any support. Sally

Subject: RE: Obit: Morris Dancer & Singer Nick Robertshaw
From: GUEST,Bill Brown
Date: 05 Nov 07 - 08:43 AM

Please visit - and contribute, even if it is just to sign the guest book - the wiki site that a number of us have just set up for Nick Robertshaw.


http://rememberbignick.pbwiki.com/

and spread the word!

Subject: RE: Obit: Morris Dancer & Singer Nick Robertshaw
From: GUEST,Islay MacLeod
Date: 07 Nov 07 - 04:50 PM

Although I have not seen Nick for some years, he was a great friend during our time in Fife, when he and Rory, my husband, worked together at Marconi. I remember Terry arriving on the scene, and how excited and in love he was, which never faded - dear Terry - we all feel so much for you.   My last abiding memory of Nick was when he and the Foggy Bottom Morris men came to the Far North of Scotland here, and gave us such a fantastic time of music .dance and sheer fun. I can still see him playing his "box" for Thomas and his friend, who gave us an absolutely amazing performance of "The Princess Royal" He was so proud of Thomas and his dancing - a very special moment in a life which was full of special things. he was the best punster I think I have ever encountered - a great wit and musician - we all have some special place in our hearts for Nick

Subject: RE: Obit: Morris Dancer & Singer Nick Robertshaw
From: Crowdercref
Date: 07 Nov 07 - 05:34 PM

What a cruel throw of the dice. I was a childhood friend of Lindsay and Nick, and got on well with their Mum and Dad also. I often visited their house in Hindes Road, Harrow. With Lindsay I played violin to his 'cello, with Nick I played fiddle to his Jeffries! When I worked in the States I remember a very fine BBQ thrown at the house in when I once visited Maryland. I doubt that Terri will remember me, but I send all my love and prayers.

Sadder but no wiser,

Crowdercref.

Subject: RE: Obit: Morris Dancer & Singer Nick Robertshaw
From: GUEST,BobL
Date: 08 Nov 07 - 08:51 AM

Our respective Morris paths never crossed, but Nick and I were colleagues at work some 30 years back.

A fine bloke. Sorry to hear of his passing.

Subject: RE: Obit: Morris Dancer & Singer Nick Robertshaw
From: GUEST,Steve Jones
Date: 13 Nov 07 - 01:41 PM

I worked with Nick some years ago at CAI/SISCO. I have many fond memories of the time I spent with him and visits with Terry and Thomas. Losing a friend is always hard. But, Nick is one person who touched my life and whom I will never forget. We will always have those wonderful memories. I can hear his infectious laugh as I write this message.

Steve

Subject: RE: Obit: Morris Dancer & Singer Nick Robertshaw
From: GUEST,Frances Glascoe
Date: 23 Nov 07 - 07:43 PM

Many of Nick's friends and family members created a Wiki site in his memory: http://rememberbignick.pbwiki.com/
There are video and audio clips, comments, stories and information about how to contribute to his charity of choice, the Wildlife Fund.

Please visit and add your thoughts.
Thanks,
Frances

Subject: RE: Obit: Morris Dancer & Singer Nick Robertshaw
From: Alan Day
Date: 24 Nov 07 - 04:02 AM

I did not know Nick we only had an exchange of Emails.The sad thing about the departure of this person who could obviously take over a room of people and create enjoyment,is that he had so much more to do and so many things to organise.It is a shame I never met him he was obviously a real character.There are two clips of him on U Tube playing seriously and singing for fun and laughter.
Al