Obit: Charlie Hardy (North London) (2 Nov 2009)

Subject: Obit: Charlie Hardy
From: GUEST,Orwell
Date: 03 Nov 09 - 08:21 AM

Charlie Hardy who was a regular face at Folk Clubs around North London for years in the 60/70/80's - in particular The Herga Folk Club died aged 97 on Monday. He wrote a number of very good songs in particular Blood On The Coals and The Song of The Jarrow Marchers and retained his melodic barritone voice almost to the last.

Subject: RE: Obit: Charlie Hardy
From: Leadfingers
Date: 03 Nov 09 - 09:30 AM

Find memories of Charlie - Though I think the last time we met was at The Great Harrow Fiasco of 1986 !
97 is a good innings ! R I P !

Subject: RE: Obit: Charlie Hardy
From: Hovering Bob
Date: 03 Nov 09 - 10:50 AM

Lots of fond memories of Charlie, even if he was the archetypal irascible old sod! We've lost a good man, a notable source singer, a unique character. He left there many years ago but he never lost that 'Jarrow' touch.

Good on yer Charlie,

BobH

Subject: RE: Obit: Charlie Hardy
From: Mick Pearce (MCP)
Date: 03 Nov 09 - 01:08 PM

So sorry to hear this.

Although he abandoned Tyneside long ago for London he never forgot those roots in his songs. IIRC he wasn't on the Jarrow march, but I think he told me he did sing for them at a stop somewhere near London. He got his first job there as a barman having told the landlord he was experienced, when he'd never even been in a pub before!. He later worked on the roads and built the road he eventually lived in.

I was just looking at the song sheet he produced: Poems of a Geordie Lad (in aid of the North of England Cancer Research Campaign, foreword by Catherine Cookson no less) and most of the titles tell of fondness for his homeland: The Story of the Jarrow Marchers, Down by the River Tyne, Tyneside Lament, Blood on the Coals, The Yards of the Tyne, Back to Tyneside, The Rose of Tyneside, The Flowers of Tyneside.

I have many fond memories of him at Herga (which he gave up when it became too difficult for him to get out of the house to get there), not least the concert we put on at the Pump House, Watford with Charlie as the star performer. The song Blood On The Coals has a special memory for me, as it was one of the songs I recorded with Herga Kitty.

I haven't seen him for a long time, but haven't forgotten him, and as Leadfingers said, 97 was a good run. RIP Charlie.

Mick

Subject: RE: Obit: Charlie Hardy
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 03 Nov 09 - 02:18 PM

IIRC, the concert at the Pump House was to celebrate Charlie's 80th birthday - it seems hardly any time at all! I remember him lustily singing McAlpine's Fusiliers - complete with sou'wester and spade, I think.

Deep condolences to the family.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Obit: Charlie Hardy
From: BB
Date: 03 Nov 09 - 02:52 PM

Sad to hear of Charlie's passing. He was a fine singer and a notable writer of songs of his native Tyneside. Another of the old Whittlebury Song & Ale regulars - three within just a couple of weeks, all of them excellent singers. Please, no more :-((

Barbara

Subject: RE: Obit: Charlie Hardy
From: Dave Sutherland
Date: 03 Nov 09 - 02:53 PM

Very sorry to hear this although 97 years is a full life. Often met up with Charlie on his visits back to South Shields and we corresponded at times even after I had left the North East.
RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Charlie Hardy
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 03 Nov 09 - 06:23 PM

Orwell recorded 8 of Charlie's songs on a CD ("Flowers of Tyneside") when Charlie was 87.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Obit: Charlie Hardy (North London) (2 Nov 2009)
From: GUEST,Mary Jones
Date: 04 Nov 09 - 02:11 AM

Uncle Charlie may you rest in peace. Alot of fond memories when he came to Australia. Glad i saw him in August 2009.
Love to the family xxxxx

Subject: RE: Obit: Charlie Hardy (North London) (2 Nov 2009)
From: burl
Date: 04 Nov 09 - 06:01 AM

Sad to see Charlie go but he had a long life, well lived, and will be fondly remembered. RIP Charlie.

Subject: RE: Obit: Charlie Hardy (North London) (2 Nov 2009)
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Nov 09 - 09:05 PM

Uncle Charlie
our God Father and close friend of Mum and Dad. We have grown up with many happy stories about you and always enjoyed your songs and stories when we met up. RIP and our love and blessings to your loving wife and family.

Blessing and thoughts to you from Australia.......
Bernadette and Family

Subject: RE: Obit: Charlie Hardy (North London) (2 Nov 2009)
From: GUEST,Gerald, Sylvia and family
Date: 04 Nov 09 - 10:26 PM

Charlie, Gerald here we were good dart players in our day. We had some fun. Doreen we had some good meals down their at Linthorpe road especially the sausage rolls.

Charlie, Sylvia here I can just see you now catching up with Catherine Cookson. Doreen so loved by such a man.

Love and prayers for all.

Gerald, Sylvia and Family
xxx

Subject: RE: Obit: Charlie Hardy (North London) (2 Nov 2009
From: GUEST,His Daughter Ann ( swindon)9 Nov 2009
Date: 09 Nov 09 - 11:33 AM

e-mail
I just wanted to thank all the kind people sending messages about my dad
thanks

Subject: RE: Obit: Charlie Hardy (North London) (2 Nov 2009)
From: GUEST,moira(flying cat)
Date: 09 Nov 09 - 05:06 PM

Also great memories of hearing him sing at Herga.   condolances to the family. RIP, Moira and Malc

Subject: RE: Obit: Charlie Hardy (North London) (2 Nov 2009)
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Nov 09 - 09:26 PM

SO sorry for your loss Your Dad will be missed Deepest    .Regrets from the Scheffs Jerry & Marge

Subject: RE: Obit: Charlie Hardy (North London) (2 Nov 2009)
From: GUEST,Bessie
Date: 11 Nov 09 - 11:55 PM

It was so lovely reading all the wonder memories people have of my favourite folk singer. He will always be in my heart and every time I visit London i will always keep with me the fond memories of Charlie singing and making me feel a true part of the family. A big hug Doreen, Margaret, Bernadette and Anne. Hope to see you all in December. Always 'the Aussie you can't get rid of' Bessie