2021 obit: Fiddle player Bill Richardson - R.I.P

Subject: Fiddle player Bill Richardson - R.I.P
From: GUEST,Hootennanny
Date: 17 Mar 21 - 06:00 AM

I heard recently about the sad passing of one of the British Old Time Music scenes' best fiddle players and banjo frailers Bill Richardson from south west London.

In memory of Bill a 35 year old video clip of him in action on fiddle at a picking session has been posted on you tube:

                     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pho7R-b8m4E

Subject: RE: Fiddle player Bill Richardson - R.I.P
From: GUEST,Mike Yates
Date: 17 Mar 21 - 06:13 AM

I was saddened when Hoot phoned me a couple of days ago to tell me the sad news about Bill. When I lived in London Hoot, Bill and myself spent a lot of time playing music together. Bill was immensely talented, though he was not the sort of man to boast about his skills. Bill visited America in the mid '80's (I think that was the date) and met up with fiddler Kahle Brewer, who had recorded with Ernest Stoneman in the 1920's. Kahle so liked Bill that he invited him to stay with him and the two spent several very happy days together playing and talking about music. Bill was on a high for months after he returned home to London. His death is a great loss to the music scene.

Subject: RE: Fiddle player Bill Richardson - R.I.P
From: The Sandman
Date: 17 Mar 21 - 06:37 AM

I remember Bill, from the fighting cocks at kingston, i used to regularly do gigs at that folk club and on a couple of occasions i got to the pub early and bill would be practising his fiddle in the club room, that was a treat, this would be 1977 1976?

Subject: RE: Fiddle player Bill Richardson - R.I.P
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 17 Mar 21 - 08:56 AM

I briefly played guitar in a band that Bill played in. I can't remember all of the personnel, but There was Bill, Paddy Marchant on concertina and an Irish chap whose name I forget, but he played flute, and had a long dark red beard. There was one other ( drums I think) I can't remember, what5 I do remember is flaming rows between a couple of the band players in a car on the way back from a gig in Guildford.
Wish I could remember the flute player's name, I can see him in my mind's eye.
Sudden inspiration, I think it might have been Harper.

Subject: RE: Fiddle player Bill Richardson - R.I.P
From: The Sandman
Date: 17 Mar 21 - 11:03 AM

dave harper?

Subject: RE: 2021 obit: Fiddle player Bill Richardson - R.I.P
From: GUEST,Jim Beard
Date: 24 Apr 21 - 10:24 AM

It was Harpur Dearden. Drums would have been Peter Marx-Easter, Bodhran would have been Tom Bell. I haven't heard of Peter's whereabouts since 1980s. Unfortunately Harpur died approx four years ago. who are you Sandman ? I was a regular at The Fighting Cocks as well.

Subject: RE: 2021 obit: Fiddle player Bill Richardson - R.I.P
From: GUEST,Jim Beard
Date: 24 Apr 21 - 10:58 AM

Bill gave me my first fiddle, back in 1972. (It's the same as playing a mandolin, just under your chin). A lovely man. I shall miss him terribly. He was also a self taught wizard with Languages ancient and modern. He regularly brewed the most delightful, hoppy and outstanding flavour-balanced beer I've ever tasted. Luckily his fondness (and skill) for writing has left me with tablature for tunes and brewing instructions all written out in his neat way.

Subject: RE: 2021 obit: Fiddle player Bill Richardson - R.I.P
From: The Sandman
Date: 24 Apr 21 - 12:37 PM

I am Dick Miles, i guested at the club from 1976 regularly

Subject: RE: 2021 obit: Fiddle player Bill Richardson - R.I.P
From: The Sandman
Date: 25 Apr 21 - 03:28 AM

Although i did not know him well,he seemed a self effacing man, whenever i guested at the club i would try and get there early to hear Bill practising[ his words]. i always enjoy listening to people who play music purely for pleasure

Subject: RE: 2021 obit: Fiddle player Bill Richardson - R.I.P
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 25 Apr 21 - 04:43 AM

Thanks for that info Jim beard. I never knew him as anything but Harpur, we worked together briefly at Curry Motors in Kingston, cleaning and preparing cars.
I too went to the Fighting Cocks, but only in its dying throes. The only people from there whom I still see, are Allan & Carol Prior.

Subject: RE: 2021 obit: Fiddle player Bill Richardson - R.I.P
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 25 Apr 21 - 05:43 AM

I was sorry to hear that Bill had passed away. My condolences to all those who know and love him. I have added his name to the "In Memoriam" thread. RIP

Subject: RE: 2021 obit: Fiddle player Bill Richardson - R.I.P
From: GUEST,Jim Beard
Date: 25 Apr 21 - 11:37 AM

Thank you Pete.
Thank you Mr Dick Miles. I also, which maybe why I was so moved by your songs on your website. Admirable. I don't remember much from then,1975 onwards, I'm afraid. Kids had started to take over my life at that point.
Hello John, I think we played sessions at Richmond Park Hotel together, or maybe, occasionally, The Red Cow. Say Hello to Alan and Carol from me.

Subject: RE: 2021 obit: Fiddle player Bill Richardson - R.I.P
From: GUEST,Chris B (Born Again Scouser)
Date: 26 Apr 21 - 10:29 AM

I only heard yesterday that Bill had passed away. I hadn't seen him since before I moved up to Liverpool in 1999. I played with him most Sundays at the Red Cow in Richmond. Great player, very self-effacing guy.

I'm so sorry to hear this. Condolences to his family and his many friends.

Subject: RE: 2021 obit: Fiddle player Bill Richardson - R.I.P
From: GUEST,Jim Beard
Date: 27 Apr 21 - 08:12 AM

Hello Chris. You've just brought back a few memories. Bill, Graham, John Offord, Mike Patton, Charlie Lindsell, Peter Davis. I wish we could have just one more session like those again. Keep Well.