Obit: Geoff Wood, Leeds (1924-2013)

Subject: Obit: Geoff Wood
From: GUEST,Folk at the Grove, Leeds
Date: 17 Dec 13 - 07:21 AM

Geoff Wood (1924 - 2013), one of the founder members of Folk at the Grove, Leeds died on Saturday Night,14th Dec at the age of 89. Until as recently as June this year he was still attending the club weekly and organising the raffle and Tykes News sales. He will be missed. Funeral details will be posted on the club website when known.

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoff Wood, Leeds
From: polaris
Date: 17 Dec 13 - 07:32 AM

Was so sorry to hear about Geoff. I have known him since 1972. He will be sadly missed from the Grove.

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoff Wood, Leeds
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 17 Dec 13 - 01:30 PM

Indeed a sad loss to the Yorkshire folk scene. I remember him from the 60s when we both went out recording source singers in different parts of the county.

Commiserations to all friends and family from all at Yorkshire Garland.

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoff Wood, Leeds
From: DebC
Date: 17 Dec 13 - 01:56 PM

I recall meeting Geoff a number of years ago when I did a floor spot at the Grove. He was a delightful man and I know he will be missed.

Deb Cowan

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoff Wood, Leeds
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 17 Dec 13 - 04:31 PM

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoff Wood, Leeds
From: Betsy
Date: 17 Dec 13 - 04:42 PM

Sorry to hear the sad news.
I was introduced to Geoff as "Professor" Geoff Woods which was a sort of honary title ashe knew much more about Folk Music than the people who introduced me to him which were Bob Spray and his missus, along Jill and Jules Pidd and others in the Leeds Adelphi Folk club days. He was delighful ,courteous and entertaining company and I'm still singing today a song which he gave me on that day , a song which he collected - around 1948 I think he said - Lish Young Buy a Broom.
God bless you Professor Geoff .

Betsy

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoff Wood, Leeds
From: Dave Sutherland
Date: 17 Dec 13 - 05:25 PM

Sorry to hear this; I first met Geoff when he came to the Royal Turf in Felling on Tyne back in 1968 along with Stefan Sobell. Met him a few times after that and always enjoyed his company.

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoff Wood, Leeds
From: Paul Reade
Date: 17 Dec 13 - 05:52 PM

Sorry to hear the sad news.

I remember Geoff from the early days of the Grove in the 1960s, and more recently for his performances as "The Doctor" with the Holbeck Moor Mummers - see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDDsG3C-yew (Geoff makes his entrance about 7 minutes into the performance.

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoff Wood, Leeds
From: GUEST,IainG
Date: 18 Dec 13 - 02:34 AM

Sorry to hear this news, I have known Geoff since the late 60's
RIP Doctor

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoff Wood, Leeds
From: r.padgett
Date: 18 Dec 13 - 04:13 AM

Yes I echo all said who knew him better than me but he is one of the early characters of the Leeds and Yorkshire folk scene

Hope there is green grass and a pub where ever you are Geoff

Ray

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoff Wood, Leeds
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 18 Dec 13 - 04:37 AM

I never met Geoff, which I greatly regret, as he did me a great favour when I was a teenager - I wrote to him after Maddy Prior gave me his address in about 1968 as her source for the Horn of the Hunter, and he very kindly sent me a tape full of field (perhaps more accurately pub) recordings of that and other hunting songs. I am sorry that the British folk scene has lost another treasure.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoff Wood, Leeds (1924-2013)
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 18 Dec 13 - 05:37 AM

I too am sad at the loss of the man whom Kitty calls 'another treasure', He did a lot of great work on behalf of the music. Yet another good one gone in this terrible year for we folk people.

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoff Wood, Leeds (1924-2013)
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 18 Dec 13 - 05:38 AM

RIP Geoff.
You will be missed, old friend.

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoff Wood, Leeds (1924-2013)
From: MG John
Date: 18 Dec 13 - 07:57 AM

A most pleasant and entertaining gentleman who I first met at the Central Station Folk Club (which did not run very long) but then after hearing of the Grove and Brigg (Adelphi) Folk Clubs 'continued to enjoy his company and friends who were about in those days. The Easter weekends at Buttermere were unforgettable. Rest in peace Geof., and condolences to his family and close friends. John

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoff Wood, Leeds (1924-2013)
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Dec 13 - 06:35 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoff Wood, Leeds (1924-2013)
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 19 Dec 13 - 07:08 AM

I was sad to hear this news. He will live on in our memories.

RIP

Peter

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoff Wood, Leeds (1924-2013)
From: GUEST,Nick Hall
Date: 19 Dec 13 - 12:42 PM

So sad to hear this news - Geoff was a lovely man, such a great character and so knowledgeable and supportive. He will be much missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoff Wood, Leeds (1924-2013)
From: Tyke
Date: 19 Dec 13 - 11:50 PM

I only heard about Geoff passing yesterday you are going to be missed Geoff (I can see him in my mind flipping up his Glasses to read these post's). The stories about Geoff are many and astonishing, According to Geoff, who walked with a limp, he fitted his own artificial knee joint with a penknife. The joint which he designed himself, Geoff worked Chapel Alerton Hospital in Leeds a Hospital that specialized in artificial limbs; he made it to bend from side to side. Why? Well so he could still go skiing which he did every year until he was well into his late 70's. It seems like yesterday when I called into the Grove Inn one night to see Geoff's long time friend Brian Senior taking photographs of Geoff in the Pub on his 65th Birthday. The many, many stories about Geoff and his escapades should be recorded by those who were there at the time. It's sad to think that the noise of Geoff counting the Door and Raffle Takings in the Grove's small kitchen will no longer be heard through the closed door of the Groves Folk Club. Well he was going a little bit deaf and I'm certain he had no idea his counting could be heard! The days of Geoff Wood paying Martin Carthy and Dave Swarbrick £15 for doing the club and letting them sleep on the floor back at his cottage should be remembered. RIP Geoff no doubt I shall hear more about your antic's from your many friends in the years ahead. George Clarke

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoff Wood, Leeds (1924-2013)
From: Betsy
Date: 20 Dec 13 - 06:58 PM

Great post Tyke

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoff Wood, Leeds (1924-2013)
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Dec 13 - 02:22 AM

So sorry to learn of this very sad news, he was known for passing good folk songs on to many others - he gave me a rare lovely song about Padraig Pearse a few years ago. My best memories of him though were the many times when he had everyone in stitches listening to his tales such as "The Farting contest", "Stealing a Tram", "The Scold", etc.

Ive just learned from The Grove Folk Club website that his funeral will be at Horseforth Crematorium on 2nd January at 3pm.

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoff Wood, Leeds (1924-2013)
From: GUEST,raymond greenoaken
Date: 21 Dec 13 - 11:40 AM

He lived life like it should be lived. He won't be forgotten.

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoff Wood, Leeds (1924-2013)
From: GUEST,cujimmy
Date: 21 Dec 13 - 01:03 PM

That guest post above was from me

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoff Wood, Leeds (1924-2013)
From: Tyke
Date: 22 Dec 13 - 07:25 PM

Cheers Jimmy I'll hope to see you all there.

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoff Wood, Leeds (1924-2013)
From: GUEST,Folk at the Grove
Date: 23 Dec 13 - 04:27 AM

Funeral arrangements are;
Rawdon Crematorium, Leeds LS16 9JP on 2nd Jan at 3pm, and have just had a message from Brian Senior to say that there will then be a wake at the Grove. RIP Geoff.
Bren and Norrie

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoff Wood, Leeds (1924-2013)
From: GUEST,Gordon T
Date: 23 Dec 13 - 12:44 PM

That postcode is wrong - should be LS19 6JP   - anyway, I should be there.Someone (not me!) should do a commemorative performance of Geoff's "Grand Farting Contest" just to break the ice and avoid any undue solemnity

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoff Wood, Leeds (1924-2013)
From: GUEST,Jill Pidd
Date: 23 Dec 13 - 01:50 PM

Sad news indeed, Betsy.
I have fond memories from the halcyon days of the Grove in the 60s. Geoff was a remarkable man with a brilliant mind who I will always remember cycling everywhere - even into his eighties.
Jill Pidd

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoff Wood, Leeds (1924-2013)
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Dec 13 - 04:54 AM

Is this what Gordon was on about;

THE FARTING CONTEST
by
Anon

I'll tell you a story that is sure to please,
Of a great farting contest at Burton-on-Tees
Where all the best arses paraded the field,
To compete in a contest for various shields.

Some tighten their arses and fart up the scale,
To compete for a cup and a gallon of ale.
While others whose arses are biggest and strongest,
Compete in the section for loudest and longest.

Now this years event had drawn quite a large crowd,
And the betting was even on Mrs. MacLeod.
For it had appeared in the evening edition,
That this lady's arse was in perfect condition.

Now, old Mrs. Jones had a perfect backside,
Half a forest of hairs with a wart on each side.
And she fancied her chances of winning with ease,
Having trained on a diet of cabbage and peas.

The Vicar arrived and ascended the stand,
And thus he addressed this remarkable band.
"The contest is on as is shown in the bills,
We've precluded the use of injections and pills."

Mrs. Bindle arrived amid roars of applause,
And promptly proceeded to pull off her drawers,
For though she'd no chance in the farting display,
She'd the prettiest bottom you'd see this day.

Now, young Mrs. Pothole was backed for a place,
Though she'd often been placed in the deepest disgrace
By dropping a fart that had beaten the organ,
And the poor Vicar, old Jonathon Morgan.

The ladies lined up at the signal to start,
And winning the toss, Mrs. Jones took first fart
The people around stood in silence and wonder,
While her wireless announced gale warnings and thunder.

Now, Mrs. MacLeod reckoned nothing of this,
She'd had some weak tea and was all wind and pride.
So she took up her place and her arse opened wide,
But unluckily shit... and was disqualified.

Then young Mrs. Pothole was called to the front,
And started by doing a wonderful stunt.
She took a deep breath and clenching her hands,
She blew the whole roof off the popular stands.

That left Mrs. Bindle, who shyly appeared,
And smiled at the clergy who lustily cheered.
And though it was reckoned her chances were small,
She let out a winner, outfarting them all.

With hands on her hips, she stood farting alone,
And the crowd stood amazed at the sweetness of tone.
And the clergy agreed without hindrance or pause,
And said, 'First, Mrs. Bindle... now pull up your drawers!'

But with muscles well tensed and legs full apart,
She started a final and glorious fart.
Beginning with 'Chopin' and ending with 'Wing'
She went right up the scale to 'God Save the King'.

She went to the rostrum with maidenly gait,
And took from the panel, a set of gold plate.
Then she turned to the Vicar with sweetness sublime
And smilingly said, 'Come up and see me some time!'


div

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoff Wood, Leeds (1924-2013)
From: GUEST,cujimmy
Date: 24 Dec 13 - 09:37 AM

Aye he was great Craik - RIP Geoff

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoff Wood, Leeds (1924-2013)
From: Tyke
Date: 25 Dec 13 - 03:11 PM

I'm going to refresh this as I know a lot of people would hate to miss the opertunity to hear this sad new's!

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoff Wood, Leeds (1924-2013)
From: breezy
Date: 27 Dec 13 - 04:25 PM

I'll refresh by adding that from 64 till 67 I would be late back to my college on account of having visited the Grove, was it a wednesday evening ?
I got to hear Stefan Sobell all the time, dropped D on Black Velvet Band , Johnny Cope, Golden Vanity and Lowlands? were often performed
Due to those many late nights I had to climb in up the drainpipe and one night got caught.

I never made myself known to anyone being somewhat reserved and shy and new to the folk world.

A pint was 1/10d, petrol 4/10d a gallon

I think I've heard a story from Mart C but I dare not divulge it here.
I am grateful to hear that Lish Young buy a Broom was collected by Geoff I've been accompanying Nigel Chapman from Rumford for a while now, so in that way he connected to me

It was at the Grove I first heard Cyril Tawney and when I was an organiser in St Albans some 10 years ago I booked Cyril and he was as good as ever with a 45 minute encore
I know Kitty Vernon, and will ask he to revive The Horn of the Hunter as I havent heard it in years.

To conclude this 'refresher'I have to say people such as Geoff are the back-bone of our music having devoted all those years, nay their lives, to the Grove.

Thank you for allowing me a moment to salute this fantastic legendary man , I do wish I had been more forthcoming back then .

Have a great wake for Geoff

Jun
Quaggysider

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoff Wood, Leeds (1924-2013)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Dec 13 - 12:50 PM

Funeral arrangements are;
Rawdon Crematorium, Leeds LS19 6JP on 2nd Jan at 3pm, and have just had a message from Brian Senior to say that there will then be a wake at the Grove.

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoff Wood, Leeds (1924-2013)
From: Tyke
Date: 31 Dec 13 - 12:20 PM

I've had quiet a few people asking for details this 24 hour view is not helping.

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoff Wood, Leeds (1924-2013)
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Oct 16 - 12:23 PM

I've had an enquiry about Geoff's audio recordings. Does anyone know what happened to them?

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoff Wood, Leeds (1924-2013)
From: GUEST,padgett
Date: 19 Oct 16 - 03:04 AM

I think at one stage the Grove recorded every night's club performance and indeed Radio Leeds on occasion put out tracks from guests etc ~ a guy called Selwyn seemed to be the roving reporter?

Ray