Obit: Francis Shergold RIP (Nov 2008)

Subject: Francis Shergold RIP
From: Dave Hunt
Date: 27 Nov 08 - 05:56 PM

Passing on a message from Tony Daniels
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It is with sadness I must inform you that our dear friend Francis Shergold died this morning.
As yet I do not know when the funeral is but I will try to let all his friends know in due course.

Yours sincerely, Tony Daniels
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Francis was Squire of Bampton Traditional Morris Men for very many years - (being succeeded by Tony Daniels) ands for the lat few year was President of the team.

A real gentleman and sad loss to us all.

Dave Hunt - Ironmen and Severn Gilders Morris

Subject: RE: Obit: Francis Shergold RIP (Nov 2008)
From: Dave Sutherland
Date: 28 Nov 08 - 03:10 AM

Very sorry indeed to hear this news. Francis was guest at Traditions at the Tiger on two occasions and his singing plus his infectious cheerfulness is remembered by all.
RIP form all at TATT.

Subject: RE: Obit: Francis Shergold RIP (Nov 2008)
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 28 Nov 08 - 04:33 AM

Damn - Another one bites the dust. I only met him once at his 'local' in Bampton, and that was by accident. Was it the Elephant or one of the others I can't remember the names off? Anyway we had strayed off the beaten path and decided to stop there that night. Late on a chap came in and paid for a pint of bitter with what appeared to be a bunch of carrots! Turned out it was Francis. Lovely chap, rest his soul.

Dave.

Subject: RE: Obit: Francis Shergold RIP (Nov 2008)
From: GUEST,Joe P
Date: 28 Nov 08 - 04:56 AM

Even though I joined Bampton Morris after Francis retired from being Squire and became Honorary President, he was still a huge influence on myself and the team. He had a great passion for the Morris, and continued to turn up for practise to keep an eye on the standard of dancing. He was a strong leader and will be greatly missed.

He had a very simple, direct and to the point style of singing,

I hope everyone going to the Party this Saturday will still come so we can all have a drink for Francis!

Subject: RE: Obit: Francis Shergold RIP (Nov 2008)
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 28 Nov 08 - 05:56 AM

A very sad loss...My sympathy to his family, and all of Bampton.
Ralph Jordan

Subject: RE: Obit: Francis Shergold RIP (Nov 2008)
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 28 Nov 08 - 06:07 AM

Hi Joe,

Sadly we won't be at the party this year as we had a conflicting engagement, but will be thinking of you all. Francis will be missed by many.

Joan

Subject: RE: Obit: Francis Shergold RIP (Nov 2008)
From: GUEST,martin ellison
Date: 28 Nov 08 - 08:00 AM

This is a sad loss. Francis was one of my favourite people and a great ambassador for morris dancing and traditional music alike and one of life's gentle men.
He will be sadly missed.
Martin Ellison

Subject: RE: Obit: Francis Shergold RIP (Nov 2008)
From: Bryn Pugh
Date: 28 Nov 08 - 08:09 AM

Very sorry to hear this.

Condolences to his family.

'We shall not see his like again'. The world, and the Morris, are suddenly darker places.

RIP- ar dheis De go rabh a anam.

Subject: RE: Obit: Francis Shergold RIP (Nov 2008)
From: GUEST,Rich A
Date: 28 Nov 08 - 08:58 AM

Very sad to here this. A gentleman morris dancer.

RIP

Rich Arrowsmith

Subject: RE: Obit: Francis Shergold RIP (Nov 2008)
From: GUEST,Vic. Legg.
Date: 28 Nov 08 - 09:08 AM

I was extremely saddened last night when I heard of Francis' passing.
I had the honour/pleasure of meeting him on several occasions, usually via dancing or singing,and I admired his cheery, very pleasant dispositition. He will be greatly missed, of that there is no doubt. My sympathy goes out to all his family, and to the Morrismen, where he played such a big role.
Rest in peace, Francis, I'm proud to have known you.

Subject: RE: Obit: Francis Shergold RIP (Nov 2008)
From: Wyrd Sister
Date: 28 Nov 08 - 11:22 AM

Rest in Peace.
A real link with the past.

Subject: RE: Obit: Francis Shergold RIP (Nov 2008)
From: skipy
Date: 28 Nov 08 - 11:52 AM

Condolences to his family.
Sad news, Skipy

Subject: RE: Obit: Francis Shergold RIP (Nov 2008)
From: GUEST,Joe P
Date: 01 Dec 08 - 05:39 AM

I believe that the funeral is on Monday 8th December, 2pm in Bampton.

I might be wrong.

Subject: RE: Obit: Francis Shergold RIP (Nov 2008)
From: johnadams
Date: 01 Dec 08 - 06:13 AM

Whenever Old Swan Band and Bampton Morris appeared on the same bill it has been the custom, at his invitation, for the band to play for the team to dance Speed the Plough. They are all equally remarkable dancers but Francis was more equal than the others.

It has been a privilege to be an occasional guest musician and always a pleasure to watch him dance.

Many condolences to family and team.

Bon Voyage.

On behalf of The Old Swan Band

Subject: RE: Obit: Francis Shergold RIP (Nov 2008)
From: GUEST,baz parkes
Date: 01 Dec 08 - 07:00 AM

sad news indeed
Amingst his many other graces I remember his quiet authority.

Many years ago Ironmen and Severn Gilders were appearing with, amongst others, Bampton, at an arena performance in Sidmouth. All performers had to be there in the morning for a walk through for the afternoon performance. A very harrassed ASM was a little peturbed at the non appearance of Bampton.

"How will they know what to do?" was the question.

Francis' answer, given with that unmistakeable twinkle of an eye

"They'll know, because I'll tell them"

Safe Home

Baz

Subject: RE: Obit: Francis Shergold RIP (Nov 2008)
From: Little Robyn
Date: 01 Dec 08 - 01:48 PM

We played a track from Greeny Up on our radio show Folk on Sunday in honour of Francis.
Robyn

Subject: RE: Obit: Francis Shergold RIP (Nov 2008)
From: GUEST,bridget shergold
Date: 01 Dec 08 - 02:43 PM

he enjoyed life to the full sadley missed by your niece bridget and family

Subject: RE: Obit: Francis Shergold RIP (Nov 2008)
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 02 Dec 08 - 08:59 AM

Just like DaveS I remember his appearances at the Tiger with huge pleasure. After giving us a fine night of music and charm he announced that 'You've got a really happy club here', a compliment that I still treasure. Mr Shergold led a full lfe, wrote his name in the history of traditional customs,and will be well remembered by many. Condolences to his family, and farewell, rest in peace, to a fine man.

Subject: RE: Obit: Francis Shergold RIP (Nov 2008)
From: RTim
Date: 02 Dec 08 - 09:58 AM

Although I have come later than some to this subject - I wanted to express how I feel about the passing of Francis Shergold.
When I first met Francis in 1972, on the occasion of my first visit to Whit Monday in the village, I found him to be one of the kindest and most genuine men I had ever met. I had written to him about the fact that I was dancing with Oxford City that day and that I wanted to check if it was OK for an old friend (who was not a team member) to accompany me.
I received a hand written postcard (which I still have) saying how he would look forward to meeting us on the day. I think it was written with at least three pens of different colours!!
We talked on the day, and he was wonderful - and on every occasion I have met him since he has been the same.
A lovely man, an asset to his village and tradition, and long may he be remembered.

Tim Radford
(ex-Adderbury & Kirtlington Morris's - now USA)

Subject: RE: Obit: Francis Shergold RIP (Nov 2008)
From: GUEST,Guest: Penny Shergold ( Niece)
Date: 02 Dec 08 - 10:55 AM

What a Wonderful Uncle you were. You will be very sadly missed by all of us - especially Brother Roy & Sister Ruth, Nieces & Nephews Great Nieces & Great Nephews, and of course all your friends.   

"You are at Peace now Uncle Francis - God Bless"

I live in hope that one day I may be able to achieve half of what you've done! :>)

Penny & Family XX

Subject: RE: Obit: Francis Shergold RIP (Nov 2008)
From: GUEST,Brian and Mavis Woodward
Date: 02 Dec 08 - 02:35 PM

Having met Francis and his brother Roy when stationed at The Royal Signals Camp in 1956 it has been a honour to be friends of of the Shergolds. My memory of Francis was Wet Whit Monday,lashing it down and him standing there with his walking frame going from house to house oblivious of the weather. It was Whit Monday and the Morris men kept up the tradition and no weather was going to stop them or him enjoying what they do best. Bampton has lost a legend.
Our thoughts are with Roy and Ruth and Penny our Goddaughter, Bridget.and Ruths children Jamie and Lyne.