Obit: Ray Croll R.I.P. (Oct 2013)

Subject: Obit: Ray Croll R.I.P.
From: Young Buchan
Date: 20 Oct 13 - 06:10 AM

After a long period in and out of hospitals, Ray Croll finally died this weekend at Frenchay Hospital, Bristol.

Ray came comparatively late to folk music, but once he discovered the folk scene (like the late Tom Brown of Norfolk) he embraced it and made it the centre of his social world – all the more so after he lost his beloved Vi.

He was a gentle, gentlemanly soul, who charmed everyone he met.

He sang a wide range of songs, from Rosie Anderson to Buddy Can You Spare a Dime, via You Won't Make Old Bones, in a quiet sensitive manner with guitar accompaniment.

He was known to me from the Nova and Dragon clubs, but I doubt if there is a single folk club within a twenty mile radius of Bristol that will not miss him and remember fondly his frequent visits.

My condolences to June, David and Karen, and their families.

"What is the life of a man any more than a leaf?"

Derek Brinkley

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Croll R.I.P.
From: henryclem
Date: 21 Oct 13 - 07:34 PM

A real privilege to have known Ray for some 25 years. He has been so much a part of our music scene - around Bristol and quite a way beyond - and he will be greatly missed. Any and every club in the region will this week be sharing memories of him, as a musician and as the finest of friends.
RIP Ray

Henry

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Croll R.I.P.
From: GUEST,Musket
Date: 22 Oct 13 - 03:21 AM

I met him a couple of times. Nice to see my old friend Tom Brown mentioned too. Tom and Bertha lived down the road from me in Worksop and for a few years, going to festivals and clubs, I was their "roadie" for want of a better term.

It allowed me to meet some wonderful people, Ray amongst them when we went South West.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Croll R.I.P.
From: maeve
Date: 22 Oct 13 - 05:29 AM

Derek, is there anywhere online where I could hear Ray singing Rosie Anderson? I sing that one too, and would love to hear his version. I never met him.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Croll R.I.P.
From: GUEST,Square The Circle
Date: 22 Oct 13 - 08:19 AM

Very sad to think we won't see Ray around the clubs anymore, really nice chap.
Terry
Newport Folk Club

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Croll R.I.P.
From: Young Buchan
Date: 22 Oct 13 - 12:34 PM

Maeve - as far as I know he never recorded it, though I heard him sing it many times (I noted it because, like you, I also sing it). He sang pretty much the standard version and tune, but used to drop the final verses viz:
(Rosie found an officer. He promised her a ring.
But regiments keep moving on and he left her in the spring.

"To Bedlam I shall go" she cried, "In Bedlam I shall lie.
In Bedlam I shall pass my life, and in Bedlam I shall die.

If 'twere to do that's done," she said, "if 'twere to do that's done,
I would adore Hay Marshall's face, Lord Elgin's I would shun.

So all you young maids listen here, and hearken unto me.
Never leave your wedded lord for another that you see.")

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Croll R.I.P.
From: Young Buchan
Date: 22 Oct 13 - 06:50 PM

fUNERAL DETAILS VIA HILARY AT THE BATH CLUB:

This email is to let you know that his funeral will take place at The Westerleigh Crematorium, Westerleigh Road, Bristol. BS37 8QP on Monday 11th November at 12.30pm then on to the Huntsman Inn, Westerleigh Road, Downend, Bristol. BS16 6UB.

It was Ray's wish that everybody to get together to celebrate with music and good cheer in the evening. A venue T.B.C. is being explored close to the Huntsman to cut down on travelling.

The plan is to start early evening and everyone to bring a contribution towards a buffet and hopefully a bar and kitchen facility will be included at this venue.

The intended Nova Scotia Folk Club will close that night at it's regular home venue in respect to Ray and will relocate to the intended venue.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Croll R.I.P.
From: Young Buchan
Date: 23 Oct 13 - 04:40 PM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Croll R.I.P.
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 24 Oct 13 - 08:00 AM

I was sorry to hear this news. My condolences to all who miss him.

Peter

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Croll R.I.P.
From: GUEST,His daughter June
Date: 24 Oct 13 - 12:14 PM

Many thanks to all the kind members of the folk scene, who made the last 40 years of his life so full of love, music and camaraderie.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Croll R.I.P.
From: GUEST,Gazza2
Date: 24 Oct 13 - 05:22 PM

Saddened to hear the news. Ray and Vera's warmth and enjoyment of folk song brightened my world for more than 20 years. Condolences to their family.
Love from Helen and Gary
xx

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Croll R.I.P.
From: Young Buchan
Date: 25 Oct 13 - 12:00 PM

The funeral will take place on Monday 11th November @ 12:30PM at Westerleigh Crematorium , Westerleigh Rd, Bristol BS37 8QP. 0117 937 4619.

The numbers wishing to pay their respects are likely to be huge for such a well loved person.

Ray's wish was for everybody to get together and celebrate with music & good cheer! The Shire Way community centre in Yate, with adequate parking facility has been chosen for our celebration of Ray, Venue: The Centre, Shire Way, Yate, Bristol BS37 8YS , 01454 273050 , is a short distance from the crematorium please refer to maps!   

The venue will open from 6 o'clock in the evening & for everyone to bring a contribution for an intended buffet! Please ensure that you bring just enough of both savoury & sweet for your own consumption which can be shared with the other contributors and therefore cut any waste to a minimum. We are looking for volunteers to help from 5:30 to set up the venue for the intended buffet & table and chairs for the guests. Please contact Terry Helyar on 07913 246995 if you can help with this. There will be a bar provided where drinks can be purchased!

The Nova Scotia folk club which generally runs on Monday evenings will be closed that night at its home venue, and instead will be present at The Shire Way Centre as a mark of respect to Ray.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Croll R.I.P.
From: rosma
Date: 26 Oct 13 - 09:10 AM

Over the last 10 years I came to know Ray as a lovely chap, and have always enjoyed his playing and singing.

Simon Meeds

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Croll R.I.P.
From: rosma
Date: 27 Oct 13 - 04:48 PM

The evening do on 11 November at The Centre, Shire Way, Yate, Bristol BS37 8YS will now start at 7pm, not 6pm as previously announced.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Croll R.I.P.
From: Young Buchan
Date: 01 Nov 13 - 07:59 PM

Due to lack of space the do at the Huntsman after the funeral will be for FAMILY ONLY.

The evening session will remain as previously advertised.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Croll R.I.P. (Oct 2013)
From: Young Buchan
Date: 08 Nov 13 - 02:06 PM

Reminder - Funeral Monday