Obit: Maureen Wilson (July 2013)

Subject: Obit: Maureen Wilson
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 08 Jul 13 - 03:48 PM

I heard from the good people at Croydon Folksong Club that our good friend Maureen Wilson had been called home. For those who knew Maureen, she was a delight, supporting the various folkies in South London with love, kindness and her undying support. If there was a train and a bus available, then Maureen would make the journey and support you. It didn't matter that she sang slightly off the note and slightly off key. Her enthusiasm and regard for the performer won you over every time.

She started out at Croydon Folksong Club way back in the 1960s and used to do the door when the club was held at the Waddon Hotel. She always sent a card at Christmas and followed what everyone was doing gig-wise with great interest. I am glad that I had the chance to have one last, long, final chat with her.

Maureen will be buried with her mother at Weybridge Cemetery, Brooklands Lane, Weybridge on Friday 12th at 13.30hrs all are welcome.

RIP


Peter

Subject: RE: Obit: Maureen Wilson (July 2013)
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 09 Jul 13 - 06:17 AM

OMG, is that the Maureen who walked incredible distances to get to folk clubs, and never missed a week? She was a regular at The Rising Sun in Catford too, when I used to go there back in the 70s. She didn't sing the choruses so much as shout them, but with such energetic enthusiasm that she was a delight to see (if not hear!) and always had a jolly smile for everyone. I used to wonder how far she had to go to get home at nights. My memories of her are forty years old, and she wasn't a newcomer then.

The folk scene clearly gave a lot of brightness and warmth to what must have been a pretty lonely existence. It's a real tribute to the clubs, the people who ran them, and the enduring music itself that it affects people's lives in so many sustaining ways.

I have a couple of friends on Facebook who were regulars at that great club. Going to PM this link to them now. Thanks so much for this thread, Peter. And as you say:

Rest in peace, Maureen. We remember you fondly. Say hi to Johnny Collins and all the other gang for us.

Subject: RE: Obit: Maureen Wilson (July 2013)
From: JohnH
Date: 09 Jul 13 - 09:06 AM

Beautifully put, Bonnie! It seems like yesterday. Peace!

Subject: RE: Obit: Maureen Wilson (July 2013)
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 09 Jul 13 - 12:08 PM

Yes Bonnie. One and the same. Often when public transport failed, she walked to the more distant clubs. Also, although she never said or hinted, I guess she walked to save her hard earned money. She will be much missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Maureen Wilson (July 2013)
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 10 Jul 13 - 11:45 AM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Obit: Maureen Wilson (July 2013)
From: GUEST,JohnH
Date: 10 Jul 13 - 12:24 PM

Subject: RE: Obit: Maureen Wilson (July 2013)
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Jul 13 - 12:27 PM

I'll tell Dave if you don't get to the session tonight.

Subject: RE: Obit: Maureen Wilson (July 2013)
From: Girl Friday
Date: 10 Jul 13 - 07:11 PM

The news was a real shock. I had a report that she was in hospital, but doing well, just on Friday night. Then the news broke on Monday. She was a real character and had Christmas cards, and often presents for us all. Just small things, but her choices were always suitable. We never did give her the photo she wanted of Tone Deaf Leopard. She was a great supporter.. always paid the fulll entry fee without complaining.

R I P Maureen

Subject: RE: Obit: Maureen Wilson (July 2013)
From: The Sandman
Date: 11 Jul 13 - 05:15 AM

RIP Maureen,
I remember her well, the first time i met her was in 1967, I was a teenager and lived in Downe, Kent, and she was walking back from Downe folk club to her home in south london, In those days she would walk much longer distances than that, from Sussex to London for example, Downe to her home[some 15 miles] was just a stroll.
She was a very enthusiastic Chorus participator, and a very kind heated, jolly person who loved Folk music.

Subject: RE: Obit: Maureen Wilson (July 2013)
From: Girl Friday
Date: 11 Jul 13 - 10:31 AM

Thanks Dick for confirming what I'd heard about her walking miles to gigs.

Subject: RE: Obit: Maureen Wilson (July 2013)
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 11 Jul 13 - 11:02 AM

Yes, I'd heard that too - from her!

Subject: RE: Obit: Maureen Wilson (July 2013)
From: The Sandman
Date: 11 Jul 13 - 12:25 PM

I think she was a big fan of tim broadbent, who is a sussex performer, she said to me at least once that she had been down to sussex to see Tim and had walked back to london, perhaps vic smith remembers her