2019 Obit: Geoff Speed -Liverpool

Subject: Obit: Geoff Speed -Liverpool
From: Tunesmith
Date: 22 Jan 19 - 04:14 PM

I've just heard that Geoff Speed has died. Geoff was a great guy and a stalwart - since the 60s- of UK's Merseyeside/Liverpool folk music scene.
For years, Geoff had a folk music show on local radio in Liverpool.
   One of Geoff's memorable moments was in the mid-60s -when he drove Paul Simon, from Geoff's folk club, to Widnes Railway Station where Paul was inspired - so they say - to write the famous words "I'm sitting in a railway station..."

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit: Geoff Speed -Liverpool
From: GUEST,Jimmy Moran
Date: 23 Jan 19 - 05:06 AM

Sad news about Geoff.
Regarding the Paul Simon connection, I heard that Geoff recorded the Paul Simon gig at Geoff's folk music club in 1965, and some time later Paul asked for a copy of the recording but as Geoff, at that time, didn't have the ability to make a copy, he sent Paul the original.
Now, I don't think that I've heard any recordngs of Paul singing in UK folk clubs, and so Geoff's recording would have been very interesting.

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit: Geoff Speed -Liverpool
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 23 Jan 19 - 06:29 AM

Sad news. I'd often meet up with Geoff at the National Folk Music Festival at Sutton Bonnington, and elsewhere. he was a dedicated and enthusiastic radio broadcaster.
Derek

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit: Geoff Speed -Liverpool
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 24 Jan 19 - 08:15 AM

I was sorry to hear that Geoff was no longer with us. I have added his name to the "In Memoriam" thread. My condolences to all those who know and love him.

RIP
Peter

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit: Geoff Speed -Liverpool
From: GUEST,Clive Pownceby
Date: 24 Jan 19 - 09:58 AM

So sad, although he hadn't been at all well for several years and was in hospital for some weeks prior to his passing, it's hard to imagine a world without Geoff. A modest, unassuming man he had the best honeyed radio voice you could imagine, quiet and warm I never saw him raise it or get in a flap. He was Laurel to the late Stan Ambrose's Hardy! They were co-presenters for decades and myself and other Bothy Residents were always sure of an on-air spot whenever some escapade, CD launch or Club birthday needed to be brought to the radio waves!

A true aficionado, he underplayed his part in the great scheme of things and only yesterday a long-time Folk friend told me it was a visit to his Howff club where the Watersons were the guests that got him hooked. Geoff was Bothy Southport member no.1 when we opened in 1965 and had kept his card of which he seemed inordinately proud! He helped us get funding for various anniversary events over many years, endorsing our credentials. The National Lottery coughed up a bit in 2000 & 2005 and he made it to our 50th birthday even though his MS was fairly well advanced.

Sincere condolences to Pam and the two children. When funeral arrangements are known either Derek or myself will post on this thread.

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit: Geoff Speed -Liverpool
From: GUEST,bigJ
Date: 24 Jan 19 - 04:17 PM

Farewell good and true friend of more than fifty years.

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit: Geoff Speed -Liverpool
From: GUEST,Clive Pownceby
Date: 27 Jan 19 - 06:04 AM

Geoff's funeral will be on Friday 8th February at 10.30am. At Farnworth Methodist church, Derby Road, Widnes WA8 9JX.

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit: Geoff Speed -Liverpool
From: GUEST,Tony Gibbons and Kate Bradbury
Date: 28 Jan 19 - 06:58 PM

Clive Pownceby couldn't have put it better ! Geoff was not only the nicest human being we ever knew, but also a wonderful knowledgeable broadcaster. So modest and gentle in every way, he loved music and people and his family and I don't think there was a person who held anything against him. I treasure the times spent with him in the studio at Radio Merseyside and visits to his house, the drinks we had and the sharing of stories. He faced his health problems with typical aplomb and never felt sorry for himself. I only hope he knew how much he was loved and to Pam and family we want you to know also. We share your grief and sorrow. xx

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit: Geoff Speed -Liverpool
From: GUEST,Brenda pugh
Date: 05 Feb 19 - 05:32 PM

So sorry to hear Geoff passed. Eight of the songs that have survived from the Widnes tape Geoff gave to Paul Simon can be heard here .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpzxfCpoNNY&fbclid=IwAR1T341tpiQDWVCZoy0337OZ6AuLPtRtr2_tmg5YIP4Y6xz-MLmgGN9AVJE