2019 Obit: Roland Walls of Black Swan Folk Club-Yo

Subject: Obit: Roland Walls of Black Swan Folk Club, Yo
From: GUEST,Joe G
Date: 30 Jun 19 - 06:37 AM

As no one has reported this sad news here yet I thought I should advise fellow Mudcatters of the passing of Roland Walls who has been central to the running of the Black Swan Folk Club for many years.

Roland had been suffering from Motor Neurone Disease for some time but had valiantly carried on with club business including the monthly newsletter which, as well as publicising club events, was very supportive of other promoters and venues across Yorkshire

He will be very much missed and the tributes that have been paid on the club's Facebook page are a testament to the high regard he was held in by musicians and folk enthusiasts across the country.

Subject: RE: Obit: Roland Walls of Black Swan Folk Club, Yo
From: GUEST,Joe G
Date: 30 Jun 19 - 06:39 AM

The final word in my post above should be York!

Subject: RE: Obit: Roland Walls of Black Swan Folk Club, Yo
From: JHW
Date: 30 Jun 19 - 05:04 PM

I'm really sorry to hear (though knew he was very poorly).
I stopped the York emails as I never get down there. He put massive effort into listing every possible thing thereabouts.

Subject: RE: Obit: Roland Walls of Black Swan Folk Club, Yo
From: GUEST,Clive Pownceby
Date: 01 Jul 19 - 04:23 AM

Sad news indeed. A tireless organiser and responsible for the fine reputation the Club enjoys. An example to us all.

Subject: RE: Obit: Roland Walls of Black Swan Folk Club, Yo
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 01 Jul 19 - 05:05 AM

Very sad news indeed, although not unexpected.
This will still come as a shock to the legions of us who don't happen to be on Facebook.

A tireless organiser indeed, and a true role model for all organisers.
And a thoroughly nice guy too.

Impossible to imagine the York scene without him, but I suspect the void left behind will be so much larger than York...

RIP ROL.

Subject: RE: Obit: Roland Walls of Black Swan Folk Club, Yo
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 01 Jul 19 - 10:34 AM

I knew more about Roland's reputation than I knew about the man, but I do know he leaves a great void behind in Yorkshire. He will be sadly missed by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.

Subject: RE: Obit: Roland Walls of Black Swan Folk Club, Yo
From: DebC
Date: 01 Jul 19 - 10:54 AM

I am honored and humbled that I did more guest spots at the Black Swan, probably more than deserved due to Roland and his generosity. He will certainly be missed and I know the Black Swan FC will not be the same without him.

Debra

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit: Roland Walls of Black Swan Folk Club-Yo
From: Brian Peters
Date: 02 Jul 19 - 10:16 AM

Very sad to hear this. I knew Roland was unwell a few years back, but this came as a shock. He was a fine fellow who worked tirelessly to run a great folk club. That kind of dedication is a rare and precious thing.

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit: Roland Walls of Black Swan Folk Club-Yo
From: GUEST,Anne Lister sans cookie
Date: 02 Jul 19 - 06:01 PM

I am so very sad at this news. Like Brian, I was aware of Roland's health problems but not the extent of them. He booked me, and booked Anonyma, frequently over the years, always offered hospitality and always warm friendship. So sorry he's gone.

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit: Roland Walls of Black Swan Folk Club-Yo
From: GUEST,Joe G
Date: 04 Jul 19 - 05:54 PM

For anyone who knew Roland and would like to attend, his funeral will take place at York Crematorium on Monday 15th July, 2019 at 1100am and afterwards at The Black Swan in York for refreshments and music.

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit: Roland Walls of Black Swan Folk Club-Yo
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 07 Jul 19 - 06:02 AM

I was sorry to hear this news. I only went to the club on one occasion, but found it very welcoming. A great man who served folk music well. I have added his name to the "In Memoriam" thread. My condolences to all those who know and love him.

RIP

Peter