Obit: Mike Soar (UK, Dec 2007)

Subject: Obit Mike Soar
From: selby
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 07:27 AM

Sad to add another name to the list of folkies that have left us this year - Mike Soar who died over Christmas. For those who didn't know Mike he was involved with Folk Music from the Sixties in all manner of things from Artist, Folk Club Organiser, Song writer and MC. He was also well known as a former MC from Whitby Folk Week and I guess one of those people in the Folk World who was always there and you all knew, but what do they call him? Another sad loss to the Folk World.
Keith

Subject: RE: Obit Mike Soar
From: Fred McCormick
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 07:35 AM

I'm sorry to hear that. He was a good lad. Blunt spoken and open hearted, as only someone from Yorkshire can be.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar
From: Tig
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 08:49 AM

Mike hadn't been well for some time and when we were up at Whitby for Yule we were told he had been taken into hospital in a bad way. Our thoughts go to his family. It's a bad time of year for this sort of thing to happen - not that it's good at any time.

Love and hugs
Tig, The Badger and Firecat

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar
From: GUEST,guest
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 07:53 PM

We are so sad to hear this news. Mike was a great character, and stalwart of Whitby Festival. He used to host the Hiring Fair and, as a result, he got us our first Whitby Festival booking some 13 years ago. Never ceased to have a laugh at out expense though, the bugger! He was a lovely singer and a great heart.
We will miss him very much
Helen, Lynda & Maggie (Grace Notes)

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar
From: katlaughing
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 08:14 PM

Is THIS the same fellow? If so, he was a great writer, also. Sad news to lose someone like him.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar
From: GUEST,guest
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 08:41 PM

No this is not the same man.
However you've reminded me - talking about writing - that, whilst not being known as a writer, Mike did write at least one very funny song, The Vasectomy Song!

Love & Sympathy to Dorothy
Grace Notes

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar
From: katlaughing
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 08:46 PM

Oh, thanks, Grace Notes/:-)

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar
From: The Sandman
Date: 30 Dec 07 - 07:37 AM

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar
From: The Sandman
Date: 30 Dec 07 - 07:39 AM

I played his clubs at Selby a few times,a sound man,Sorry to hear this news.Dick Miles

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar
From: Tyke
Date: 30 Dec 07 - 08:32 PM

Just say Cheers Mike it was good to know you I shall remember the good times with fondness.

Anyone know the details of the funeral arrangements? I for one would like to attend if possible.

Cheers again Mike!
George Clarke

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar
From: BillE
Date: 31 Dec 07 - 05:07 AM

We veterans of the Lowther Hotel Folk Club in York will have very fond memories of Mike's earliest days as a singer. Many Friday nights he would come to York, and we in turn would head for Selby on Sundays - to the Blackamoor and other venues. So much energy, enthusiasm and talent! And when he recorded his LP. . . Thanks, Mike!

Bill Evers

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar
From: mouldy
Date: 31 Dec 07 - 08:13 AM

I got his "Count the Waves" CD... Going to play it now.

Sympathies to his family.

Andrea

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar
From: Zany Mouse
Date: 31 Dec 07 - 12:23 PM

A sad loss. I remember him from Selby where he was an all round good egg.

Sympathies to family and friend.

Rhiannon

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Jan 08 - 07:30 PM

The funeral details are as follows:
St. Ninian's Catholic Church, Baxtergate, Whitby 1.30pm, weds 9th Jan (followed by cremation - family only). There will then be a gathering at the Tap & Spile, Whitby.
Cards/tributes etc can be sent to the church, or to Mike's widow - Dorothy Krengel, 2 Victoria Place, Whitby, YO21 1EZ.
See you there, George
Maggie

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar
From: Tyke
Date: 02 Jan 08 - 03:18 AM

Thank you Maggie.
George

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar
From: r.padgett
Date: 02 Jan 08 - 08:53 AM

I went through with Malcolm Speake to the Bay Folk club last Friday and got this news from Brian Krengel

I had known Mike over very many years before and after moving to the Whitby area

A sad time and I have now returned after the New Year celebrations so unable to attend the funeral service

Condolences to Mike's family nearest and dearest

Ray

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar (UK, Dec 2007)
From: GUEST,Gordon T
Date: 02 Jan 08 - 04:54 PM

Sorry to hear that.I've known Mike off and on for at least 30 years - a lovely cheerful,amusing bloke.I vaguely remember an occasion at whitby where he MC'd the women's concert,and made some rather,er un-pc remarks - about Grace Notes wasnt it Maggie?;-)

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar (UK, Dec 2007)
From: Tyke
Date: 02 Jan 08 - 06:56 PM

Hi Gordon,
I should be heading over on Wednesday AM from Leeds If you need a lift.
George

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar (UK, Dec 2007)
From: Cats
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 07:14 AM

Is this Mike the storyteller?

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar (UK, Dec 2007)
From: GUEST,guest
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 09:12 AM

Yes, Gordon. . The shocking remarks - a good few years ago now - involved the words grace, menopause and notes in the same sentence. Mike's inference of our ages was so obviously a couple of decades premature, that no-one took him seriously....thanks for the reminder!!
m

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar (UK, Dec 2007)
From: GUEST,Fr Philip, St Ninians's Whitby
Date: 04 Jan 08 - 02:23 PM

Hi
Just to confirm the funeral is at St Ninian's Baxtergate Whitby, 9th January at 1.30pm, quite apt to be opposite the Plough. The cremation is at 2.40pm at Scarborough Cremetorium and is not just for family those who wish to travel or can make one or the other are welcome. There will then be a wake at the Station Inn (Tap & Spile) Those not going to Scarborough are invited to gather there and await the families return.

Fr Philip

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar (UK, Dec 2007)
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Jan 08 - 02:47 PM

Hi Fr. Philip
Many thanks for the update. (Sorry my info was not quite right)
Maggie

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar (UK, Dec 2007)
From: Tyke
Date: 06 Jan 08 - 04:32 PM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar (UK, Dec 2007)
From: GUEST,Peter Krengel
Date: 07 Jan 08 - 07:39 AM

Hi Chaps

Nice to see these tributes to my brother-in-law Mike here on the Wibbly Wobbly Way. Somewhat ironic though, as he was a terrible "luddite" on the subject of the "F*$@ing Internet" (to quote him).

As a consequence my sister isn't on the web and won't see your tributes... so I'll thank you on her behalf.

Regards Peter Krengel

www.myspace.com/peterkrengelmusic !

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar (UK, Dec 2007)
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 07 Jan 08 - 08:15 AM

PRINT THEM OFF PETER KRENGEL.


Scooby.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar (UK, Dec 2007)
From: GUEST,Emily Beevers
Date: 07 Jan 08 - 09:07 AM

Hi, one of Mike's step-daughters here, Emily.
Why is it you always learn more than you could ever know about someone once they are gone? I'm glad he played a large character in so many lives and his humour still ignites smiles. My mum and I were watching a recording of him the other day, singing at my Aunts wedding a few years ago, and between the tears she still laughed out loud.
Thank you for everyone's support, you don't know how much it means to my Mum. She is hoping that a few of you will get up and sing, though she is afraid to ask. I'm sure you will know what to do!!!

It is sad that Mike was so ill for quite a while and painful to see, but my Mum (and I'm sure we all do) finds some comfort in knowing he's now in peace....I remember when the water boiler broke down last winter and in the small display screen the initials FI lit up. We were perplexed as to what this meant whilst trawling through the intsruction manual, when Mike turned round and said ''it's simple...it's saying F**K IT!''

See you on Wednesday.
Em x

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar (UK, Dec 2007)
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Jan 08 - 10:27 AM

The funeral is on Wednesday the 9th of Jan at 13:00 at the church on baxtergate oppersite the polugh pub.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar (UK, Dec 2007)
From: GUEST,Jim Banham
Date: 07 Jan 08 - 12:58 PM

Really sad to hear this news.Mike was a good bloke and we always had a laugh with him whenever we bumped into him at Whitby.

Condolences to his family.

Jim & Val Banham

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar (UK, Dec 2007)
From: selby
Date: 07 Jan 08 - 02:11 PM

Nice to see technology getting the better of the old sod, I am sure in his own way he would have been chuffed by this. He was known by my kids as Uncle Grumps but when the eldest reached drinking age and was at Moor and Coast under his own steam he saw Mike and shouted across the Tap N Spile in Whitby "Hi Uncle Grumps" a smile crossed Mikes lips a pint was forthcoming to the cheeky sod. He then moaned about the pub being full, bloody rapper dancers and tourists.

I am sure there is a story, but cannot remember about Grace Notes Mike and Tomatoes.

After he moved to Whitby we met in the Tap for a pint during Folk Week and Moor and Coast to natter about mutal friends and how he was happy in Whitby To those of us that knew him I am sure it is a case of gone but not forgotten and I for one will raise a glass at Folk Week to the old sod

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar (UK, Dec 2007)
From: GUEST,Hodgey
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 01:28 PM

I'm just another of the Old Folkies from the Bubwith Folk Club (Holy Ground) Folk Club, wanting to pay my respects to Mike. All our thoughts go to his family & friends, unfortunately my wife Lesley won't be able to attend the funeral but sends her regards to all, as does Tony Dargon, another of Mike's many, many friends, also my mother, who's 90 in April, wishes to send her regards to all.

Graham (Hodge)

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar (UK, Dec 2007)
From: GUEST,Emily
Date: 09 Jan 08 - 04:21 PM

Mike went off in style. We laughed at his memories and drank to his life. Father Philip couldn't have been any more brilliant-thank you so much for the poignant, personal and funny service. Thanks Phil for being such a rock for my Mum and Mike would have smirked to the whole idea that he held up baxtergate so we could wheel him in. (especially to any tourist that might have had to dodge the coffin to get past!).

RIP Mike-


Your silly stepdaughter, Lil Em

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar (UK, Dec 2007)
From: GUEST,Tony Dargan
Date: 10 Jan 08 - 09:03 AM

I knew Mike very well from when he ran the Selby Folk Club in the 70's up to him moving to Whitby. We were good mates, shared many a pint and a tale and a lot of laughs, but what never ceased to amaze me was Mike's extensive repertoire of songs. He never seemed to run out of them. He was also a quality performer, MC and friend. I know it is a cliche`, but the world really is a poorer place without him. Good on yer Mike.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar (UK, Dec 2007)
From: GUEST,GUEST,Kingy
Date: 10 Jan 08 - 04:33 PM

When the bridge is freed in Selby we'll be there
We'll stroll across without a single care


Cheers Mike,

Snaith Heavy Gang

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar (UK, Dec 2007)
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Jan 08 - 12:20 PM

I remember Mike from Selby Folk club when he and John Guy were more or less a duo. I would love to have a recording of the vasectomy song if anyone has one. [e-mail]
I wonder what the angels will think of his songs?

Roz

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar (UK, Dec 2007)
From: The Sandman
Date: 11 Jan 08 - 01:13 PM

Mike recorded an lp ,was it with John Guy,I seem to remember it had a picture of the Humber Bridge? on the front of it.Dick Miles

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar (UK, Dec 2007)
From: GUEST,bodge
Date: 11 Jan 08 - 06:47 PM

I've been amazed and really heartwarmed by all your words about Mike... here's a discography (of sort) to answer some of your questions and some names to test your memories!

The LP with the bridge on the cover was "Our Side Of The Bridge" (1972) (Sleeve design by my Mum). It featured the song quoted from above, "Selby Bridge" (written by Mike & my Grandad). Accompanied on this LP by Joan Cooper & Dave Shaw.

With Fourpenny Bridge he made "Etton Alive" (A live LP made at the Processed Pea folk club, housed in the Light Dragoon Inn) in 1975. Fourpenny' were Mike, John Williamson, Dave Featherstone, Sue Williamson & John Hunt.

Then 25 years later came the CD (as has been mentioned... never one to immediately embrace modern technology!) "Count The Waves" recorded with John Guy, Maggie Boyle, Lynda Hardcastle, Helen Hockenhull & Fay Hield.

Sadly, he never recorded "The Vasectomy Song" (probably the funniest song I've ever heard). I was treated to two performances of it though - once at the brilliant "Count The Waves" launch gig, and another time, many years previously, encouraged by an ale or several with me and my Dad, at the front window of my parents house!

I'm really sorry I couldn't join those of you who met last wednesday to celebrate Mike's life. He was a top bloke and a brilliant Uncle.

x

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar (UK, Dec 2007)
From: GUEST,John Guy
Date: 13 Jan 08 - 02:29 PM

After Fourpenny Bridge disbanded around 1977 I spent 5 years in a duo with Mike. We were quite successful and played most of the top clubs in Yorkshire and further afield: Topic, Blue Bell, Scunthorpe (with apologies to any I haven't mentioned). It worked I think because Mike was, well, Mike, while I was the straight man. Most of the material was his already and I added intros, fills and outros etc. He was an inspiration to work with and seemed to have an endless supply of songs in his head. We continually bounced ideas off each other and at times the musical output was almost magical. We went our separate ways because Mike was totally immersed in folk music whereas my link with it was perhaps more tenuous, but we kept in touch and it was a privilege to have been asked to contribute to his CD some 18 years later.

John

We shared so much...

"Away Musgrave, away"

John and Annie

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar (UK, Dec 2007)
From: GUEST,Malcolm
Date: 15 Jan 08 - 11:22 AM

Like everyone I was sorry to read of Mike's death which I in the Selby Times. Some friends took me, reluctantly, to Selby Folk club in the early 70s and from his openning set I became hooked on folk music. When I bought my first proper guitar I got hime to 'test' it out - I wish I could reproduce his sounds on it! If Mike knew I was going to a local folk club he would often cadge a lift as he didn't drive. But then as the way of things times change but I was glad when I heard that he had moved to Whitby (were I saw him once) and became involved in Folk Week.

RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar (UK, Dec 2007)
From: GUEST,Rachael , Daughter
Date: 19 Jan 08 - 02:00 PM

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar (UK, Dec 2007)
From: Tyke
Date: 20 Jan 08 - 07:04 AM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar (UK, Dec 2007)
From: GUEST,David Mitchell (second son)
Date: 25 Jan 08 - 04:00 PM

Thank you, that seems to be the words. Everyone I have spoken to has been so kind. Grumpy, annoying, cantankerous, git, pain, obnoxious, sarcastic and down right bloody rude, that's my dad! Or, perhaps you could look at him like I did, the biggest heart, proud, true and above all Mike. He was my da. When I needed a friend or a chat or to just to know I had a someone, he never was too busy. when I got emotional about anything or felt bad he never made an excuse. Again, thank you all, for loving my dad, for just taking the time to say stuff, you are all helping me to come to terms because 'Heaven knows I'm miserable now'. Any of you can get in touch and please do, my address is [e-mail]
Raise a glass for a good man next time you have one in your hand.
Again thanks

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar (UK, Dec 2007)
From: GUEST,help needed
Date: 16 Jul 13 - 10:43 AM

Hi,

I'm a fan from Italy.

I own a copy of the Westwood LP by Mike, and a copy of Etton alive LP.


I'm interested in the following records by Mike Soar :

"Our Side Of The Bridge" (1972) LP ( I need other copies !!! )

"Etton Alive" LP ( idem)

"Count The Waves" CD ( idem)

Can you help me ?

Let me know, please. Thanks. Best wishes.



Ezio

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar (UK, Dec 2007)
From: Tyke
Date: 16 Jul 13 - 03:52 PM

You could try GEMM records

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar (UK, Dec 2007)
From: Tyke
Date: 16 Jul 13 - 04:04 PM

This is a link to GEMM Records

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar (UK, Dec 2007)
From: selby
Date: 16 Jul 13 - 04:17 PM

There is a Count the Waves cd on Amazon

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Music/s?ie=UTF8&field-artist=Mike%20Soar&page=1&rh=n%3A229816%2Cp_32%3AMike%20Soar

I seem to remember that the Tap and Spile (now the Station) in Whitby had some for sale

Keith

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar (UK, Dec 2007)
From: konig
Date: 16 Jan 18 - 11:40 AM

Was wondering if anyone would happen to have a cdr, wav, mp3 or tape of his "Our Side of the Bridge" album, seems hte thing is very expensive and I would just really like to have a recording of it? Please let me know by PM'ing me or I can provide an email if you'd like. Thank you.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar (UK, Dec 2007)
From: The Sandman
Date: 16 Jan 18 - 02:32 PM

DEAR MIKE , WHAT A FRIENDLY HOSPITABLE PERSON , STAYED AT HIS PLACE A FEW TIMES HE WAS A GOOD EGG

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar (UK, Dec 2007)
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Sep 23 - 09:38 AM

can anyone send me the lyrics to "when the bridge is freed at Selby we'll be there

Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Soar (UK, Dec 2007)
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Sep 23 - 09:38 AM

can anyone send me the lyrics to "when the bridge is freed at Selby we'll be there