Fundraising for Norma Waterson

Subject: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 05 Feb 11 - 10:24 AM

P'raps this is best in its own thread:

Recently posted by Rod Stradling on the Musical Traditions website (and reposted by EFDSS):

Many readers will be aware that Norma Waterson has been critically ill in hospital for the past three months. Last November, towards the end of the brilliant 'Gift' tour, Norma got an infection in her knee. She went to the closest hospital, Warrington, where they prescribed strong antibiotics, to be taken as an in-patient. Two days later she was on dialysis and a ventilator in the Intensive Care Unit. Our dear Norma had been in the ICU for 11 weeks! with Martin by her side, loving her and making sure she is getting all the necessary attention.

She has at last been moved to an ordinary ward, but the journey back to normality will be a long climb; of course if she could climb there'd be no problem, but after 12 weeks in bed there's not much of her body that has any muscle power at all. And having had a tracheostomy in her throat for most of that time, she's not even talking or eating normally yet.

As well as an appalling physical and emotional situation for the family, there is the little matter of finance when the breadwinners are unable to work (Martin has only been able to do 3 or 4 gigs in all that time!). Some of their friends in music - being able now to think about the future rather than just the present - have realised what an awful extra burden this has/will consitute, and are organising benefit events. Keep your eyes and your purses open, and please consider the possiblities for your club or organisation. We will try to liaise with all such organisers, and with Alan Bearman, their Agent, to see that things go smoothly, and don't clash with each other. If you do consider organising some kind of benefit event, please let us know.

Rod and Danny Stradling - 3.2.11
[e-mail] or [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: jacqui.c
Date: 05 Feb 11 - 03:32 PM

I've just put a shawl offer up on the auction.

Basically, the winner decides on the style and colour and I'll make the shawl. 90% to Norma and Martin, 10% to Mudcat.

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: Anne Lister
Date: 06 Feb 11 - 06:08 AM

If anyone is organising a fundraiser here in S E Wales (will travel - up to 100 miles) please let me know as I'd offer my singing services gladly.

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: GUEST, Tom Bliss
Date: 06 Feb 11 - 07:28 AM

Putting feelers out for West Yorks

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 06 Feb 11 - 08:13 AM

I'm up for it anyone interested let me know please. Roy Harris

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: Barb'ry
Date: 06 Feb 11 - 08:46 AM

I think Angie and Ken from Four Fools are trying to organise something.

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: Brian Peters
Date: 06 Feb 11 - 09:44 AM

Tell them I'm in if they want!

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Feb 11 - 10:24 AM

The Village Quire are in discussions about putting a concert etc on, possibly in Hereford... anyone interested?

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: Barb'ry
Date: 06 Feb 11 - 10:54 AM

Thanks Brian, will do

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 06 Feb 11 - 12:20 PM

I am thinking of organising something in NW London/Herts/Bucks, probably at the same venue where Herga meets. Haven't approached the Herga folks yet, but will mention it tomorrow, perhaps it could be done under the club's banner, but in any case I am willing to have a go even on my own.

Question - who would be willing to perform at such an event? Please PM me with offers

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 06 Feb 11 - 12:53 PM

Hey Tom - you can count me in, mate - I'll email you...

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: Kev Boyd
Date: 06 Feb 11 - 01:40 PM

Great to hear that so may people are looking to get involved in fund-raising events.

I have a few Carthy/Watersons-specific web pages that I'm more than happy to use to publicise any events so please post specific details of gigs/events when available and I'll keep checking back here for details. Alternatively, contact me direct via my Martin Carthy website and I'll do the necessary.

All the best
Kev

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: John J
Date: 06 Feb 11 - 02:07 PM

I can vouch for the Village Quire being well worth listening to....just a shame you're a bit too far from Manchester.

I'm more than happy to support (by attending, singing, drinking beer etc) any event that may help.

JJ

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: kendall
Date: 06 Feb 11 - 04:00 PM

I'll put a CD up for auction winner gets to name which one. Details on request.

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: GUEST,English Jon
Date: 06 Feb 11 - 05:28 PM

Tom - if you're thinking of doing a fundraiser, count me in. Cheers,
Loomes

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: GUEST,Desdemona
Date: 06 Feb 11 - 05:47 PM

This is all extremely upsetting. I knew that Norma had been in hospital these past few months, but this added financial wrinkle is just diabolical, coming on top of everything else they are coping with at present. We are on the wrong side of the Atlantic to attend any of the fundraisers being organized in the UK, but would love to contribute something to help. Has there been any talk of establishing some sort of fund to which people could contribute? When I think of all the times and ways this family's music has helped me in my own life, i would mean a great deal to me (and to a number of other people I know) to be able to give something back.

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Feb 11 - 06:53 PM

Desdemona, you're a lovely lady.

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: stallion
Date: 06 Feb 11 - 07:37 PM

2BS&S are in if we are all in the uk!

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: jacqui.c
Date: 07 Feb 11 - 08:58 AM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: GUEST,Four Fools
Date: 07 Feb 11 - 09:03 AM

Many thanks for the offer Brian. I will be in touch. We will be organising something at the club venue which is Standish, Nr Wigan, just off Junction 27 of M6. Watch this space.

Cheers
Angie and Ken

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: DebC
Date: 07 Feb 11 - 10:37 AM

John Roberts (Anglo) and I have a few free nights (not many) on our UK tour 23 March through 11 April. We'd be happy to offer our musical musings (I hesitate to say abilities :-)) if we are anywhere in the vicinity of a fundraiser.

Debra Cowan

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: GUEST,John from "Elsie`s Band"
Date: 07 Feb 11 - 10:40 AM

If there is anything arranged south of the river I would love to know.

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: My guru always said
Date: 07 Feb 11 - 11:57 AM

Though I'm not a 'name' I'd happily sing support at any Fundraiser!
Hils

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: Yvonne
Date: 07 Feb 11 - 12:33 PM

It may not be possible for me to attend a fundraiser but would gladly give.

It is indeed pay back time for all the pleasure their music has given.

Please advise if anyone knows of any general fund that money can be paid into.

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 07 Feb 11 - 12:46 PM

I've sent a note to Rod Stradling inquiring about any general fund and will post here when I get a reply.

~ Becky in Long Beach

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: open mike
Date: 07 Feb 11 - 12:57 PM

on the above-mentioned web site,
http://carthyonline.wordpress.com/2011/02/05/norma-waterson-benefit-events/

alan bearman's address is posted as regards account info: [e-mail]

perhaps there is an e-mail address (his?) where funds can be sent
via paypal and ear marked for a designated account for them?

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 07 Feb 11 - 10:08 PM

Over here in the US, last night I contacted someone who is very involved with the Blackstone River Theatre in Cumberland, Rhode Island. I copied Desert Dancer's initial post to this thread into my message and attached a link to this thread. The man I contacted sent me a message saying he had not heard anything about this problem and had just sent a message to Mr. Bearman. He also said he will let me know what develops. Anyone who has seen my other messages on Mudcat knows I usually write about Stone Soup In Pawtucket, Rhode Island, but the Blackstone River Theatre is only a few miles away and specializes in Celtic music, so I thought they had the potential of raising more money. Stone Soupers and the BRT people are friends. Fingers crossed that something good will develop.

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: Hawker
Date: 08 Feb 11 - 08:49 AM

Hi, The Barrel Rock Boys Shanty Crew from Bude, Cornwall are happy to be part of a fundraiser down here in the South West Of England.
Cheers, Lucy

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: maeve
Date: 09 Feb 11 - 08:02 AM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: GUEST,eliza c
Date: 09 Feb 11 - 08:28 AM

Thankyou everyone for the lovely thoughts and offers of help. No-one has approached me directly about this yet (obviously we know Rod and Danny very well) but we're all very very touched by what we've hears about so far. I can put things up on my Twiiter page, various facebook groups and my website, www.eliza-carthy.co.uk. I'll keep an eye on this thread too if it stays alive, and spread the word around. Get in touch!
My beautiful parents and me are very grateful. Thankyou.
xe

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: GUEST,Desdemona
Date: 09 Feb 11 - 09:30 AM

Eliza - please do let us know when and if something is established. I've been telling loads of people about this; I hope you know how many people love your Mam and are rooting for her recovery! <3

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: JennyO
Date: 09 Feb 11 - 09:42 AM

And, by the way, Eliza, big congratulations to you and your mum for your award for 'Gift'! We saw the show last November at Bridgwater Arts Centre and thought it was absolutely brilliant. We bought the CD of course and play it a lot. Best wishes to you and your beautiful family, and special get-well wishes to your mum. She's a treasure!

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: The Sandman
Date: 09 Feb 11 - 12:58 PM

I would be happy to take part in a fund raiser.Dick Miles

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: Cestrienne
Date: 09 Feb 11 - 01:02 PM

from Rod Stradling about 4pm today...

The page in Musical Tradlitions for Norma's fundraising events is now updated, with further events:

http://www.mustrad.org.uk/norma.htm

And a 'Donate' button is now in place, for those (mainly outside the UK) who wished to make donations. If these are from your own PayPal account balance, or from the registered credit card, they will attract no fee. Payment by other credit/debit cards will attract the usual PayPal fee.

There's also a list of confirmed concerts, which is handy for those of us trying to get confirmations, so people don't double book [you know who you are!!... x x x]

Eliza, you sweet lot are our National Treasures - we all just want to find a way to say "thank you for all those wonderful years and all the songs that have pulled people into folk music for some many of them. It's such a nice feeling to do nice things that make people happy, for nice people that make people happy.

Nice is a good word!

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: Little Robyn
Date: 09 Feb 11 - 01:28 PM

Eliza's current web site is actually here.

The other one is a little out of date.
Robyn

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: DMcG
Date: 09 Feb 11 - 01:55 PM

Eliza C (and anyone else who may know!)

Now seems a really good time to finally buy all the CDs that have slipped past over the years (in addition to donations, fundraising gigs and so on). But I have no idea what proportion of the price actually ends up with the family. if a CD cost, say £10 how much would actually wend your way?

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 09 Feb 11 - 02:06 PM

clicky for Norma Waterson benefit events page (including direct donation button) at the Musical Traditions site.

The page includes
1) introductory info,
2) Main Fundraising Event, 14th May (see below),
3) Donations (with PayPal button),
4) a listing of other events


Main Fundraising Event, 14th May
The biggest event currently planned will be on Saturday the 14th May, at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, London. It is being organised by Alan Bearman Music and Mrs Casey Music, with the assistance of both Topic and Proper Records. None is taking a fee. Fuller details will follow when known.

As this will be the best opportunity to raise a substantial sum, the organisers would very much appreciate it if fundraising activities that involve Martin's appearance in and around London and the South East were not too many or prominent until after 14th May.

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: AML
Date: 09 Feb 11 - 05:02 PM

The Musicians' Benevolent Fund may be able to help out with cash and/or other kinds of support:

http://www.helpmusicians.org.uk/help_you/professionals/unable_to_work/how_we_help.aspx

(I just read a letter about them in the paper this evening, having looked at this thread just the other day - serendipity for sure as I'm a very infrequent visitor to Mudcat.)

Amanda

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: Trevor
Date: 10 Feb 11 - 08:06 AM

If there's a do in Hereford-ish area (see the Village Quire post above) we (Rapsquillion) would love to come and sing.

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: Silas
Date: 10 Feb 11 - 09:12 AM

Hey Guys -WAKE UP!!!

If you are willing to donate your time to performing at a benefit function, don't wait for someone to organise one, get cracking and organise one yourself, it can be great fun!!

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: Cestrienne
Date: 10 Feb 11 - 06:37 PM

Benefit concert confirmed;
the Village Quire present special guests Anne Lister, Gina Le Faux, Dave Swarbrick
May 21st, 7.30pm,
Drama Studio, Gwernyfed High School, Three Cocks, 10 mins west of Hay-on-Wye right on the border between Herefordshire & Powys.
www.villagequire.org.uk site will have further details as soon as the are confirmed, and the webmaster can get them on.

All profits to fund. Any queries, ask here to start with.
entry £10 minimum; will be a big raffle as well.

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: Cestrienne
Date: 10 Feb 11 - 06:43 PM

Trevor from Rapsquillion, please contact the Village Quire through the website www.villagequire.org.uk - there is someone else in Hereford who wants to do something. Perhaps you can get together?
Over!

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: GUEST,Neville Grundy
Date: 14 Feb 11 - 09:23 AM

We'll be organising something fairly soon (probably 6th March) at the Bothy Folk Club in Southport. Details when finalised on the Bothy website or my blog (rednev-rearm.blogspot.com).

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: growler
Date: 14 Feb 11 - 05:06 PM

We have one hell of a time, at The Sweeps Festival, here in The Good Intent, Rochester, Kent. We will be fundraising for Norma on the May Weekend

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 15 Feb 11 - 03:50 AM

Just read a message from eliza to say that Norma has taken a few steps...Early days, but great news.

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: Mr Red
Date: 15 Feb 11 - 06:30 AM

Following contact from Rod & Danny we are working on things here in Stroud. I can't say much (early days and I don't organise) except to say that the publicity will be in the red dept.

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 15 Feb 11 - 05:58 PM

Ralphie - thanks for that good news!

George Papavgeris is getting a concert together for 22 May at Herga's homebase in the Pinner Social Club... ie after the main London QEH event (and Martin's 70th).

Kitty

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 15 Feb 11 - 06:12 PM

This from Doc Rowe, via Facebook. Good news indeed!

We are particularly happy this evening as we had the joy of seeing Norma this afternoon and are delighted to be able to pass on positive news

We picked Martin up at home this morning, clearly more relaxed from being at home , yet understandably exhausted from the past three and half months stress and anxiety.

We were delighted to find Norma her lovely self – soon 'debating' things medical, domestic and traditional although she visibly tired quickly.

She is clearly frustrated from being bed bound for so long and unable to attend to herself. However, we laughed and chatted and laughed, we looked at photographs of her, Martin, the family, the grandchildren, Father Christmas and old times … finally, she watched some of the Waterson River of Song concert that I'd filmed at the Albert Hall in 2007. It was great seeing the undivided attention and obvious enjoyment that this brought despite weariness setting in.

There was a moment's anxiety to hear that there was thought of moving her to Scarborough Hospital. Although Scarborough would be closer to Robin Hoods Bay, it is also acknowledged that Middlesbrough James Cook Hospital is one if the finest when it comes to physiotherapy and this is what Norma now needs! Martin did speak with a doctor and it seems that, since Norma was happy to be in that particular hospital then it could remain so. In fact, soon after, three nurses came in to interrupt the Waterson's concert we were watching, to give Norma 'a twirl around the room' so to speak. We three went off for a cuppa and then spent a little while longer talking with Norma about when she finally comes home and what meals she'd be looking forward to! We left - feeling relieved, overjoyed and assured that our Norma was on her way back to us.

We can't pour enough superlatives on Martin - the lad truly is a hero! Perhaps a rare thing these days, his obvious love and devotion shines through and we are so full of admiration. This is, of course, only equalled by the strength and determination of Norma to fully recover and get back on her feet – albeit literally.

Raise a glass …or two!

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: GUEST,Christine in Canada
Date: 16 Feb 11 - 09:32 AM

Thank you so much to Ralphie for posting Doc Rowe's encouraging message. All of us in the Toronto folk community send our love and encouragement. We were gutted when we heard the news of Norma's illness so this message is very uplifting!

Glasses are raised and our hearts are full. Please keep the good news coming.

Subject: RE: Fundraising for Norma Waterson
From: GUEST,Ted
Date: 16 Feb 11 - 09:48 AM

Added information and link to www.thedubliners.org
Please keep posting information on fundraising and concerts for the fans abroad. I hope to be in London on May 14th!

Every good wish to Norma and Martin!