2023 Obit: Ted Edwards

Subject: Obit: Ted Edwards
From: Raggytash
Date: 01 May 23 - 02:55 PM

I have just receieved a text to say that my old mentor Ted Edwards has passed away.

For those of you who didn't know Ted he was a constant on the folk music scene of Manchester and surrounds during the 60's and 70's until a massive stroke hit him in the early 80's which although it mostly curtailed his performanaces, it never dampened his spirit ... not once.

Ted was a larger than life character who helped introduce me to folk music in the late 60's early 70's, sneaking me into the Duke of York in Eccles when I was barely out of short pants.

He wrote many, many fine songs some of which have stood the test of time and are still sung across the country including Coal Hole Cavalry which I am fortunate enough to have the original manuscript of.

He also wrote several books including Beyond the Last Oasis which details his solo trek across the Empty Quarter of the Sahara desert which even the local Tuareg people thought impossible.

I sadly haven't seen Ted in many years and I hope someone who knows him better than I do know will add to this.

Sleep well Ted ............ and thank you.

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Ted Edwards
From: GUEST,Roger
Date: 01 May 23 - 04:31 PM

A super bloke.
Rip Ted.

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Ted Edwards
From: GUEST
Date: 01 May 23 - 04:33 PM

Sad news. As far as I remember, (I only ever met Ted once; and that was back in the 70s) he was made redundant from his job at the Irlam steel works and re-trained as a teacher. I also remember some mad scheme of his to walkacross the Sahara!

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Ted Edwards
From: Matthew Edwards
Date: 01 May 23 - 04:35 PM

Thanks for posting this sad news Raggy, I heard it from Bernard Cromarty earlier. Ted used to come regularly to the Songs in the Snug at the Railway in Heatley near Lymm where he sang all his own songs. He had some great stories of his life as a miner, a teacher, a trainee cosmonaut, and as an explorer. He had a brilliant wit, and an endless sense of curiosity. He wrote some superb songs such as 'Albert Berry and the Coal' and published some of his own books as well. I haven't seen him since the Railway closed, but Bernard kept in touch with him, and will be featuring tributes to Ted on his radio show 'Sounds of Folk'.

I just found a poor quality video recording of the 1983 documentary about Ted's journey through the Empty Quarter 'Beyond the Last Oasis' which is compelling viewing. BBC Documentary: Beyond the Last Oasis, 1983

"My name is Ted Edwards...I will not die."

Rest in Peace, Ted. Your songs will never die.

Matthew

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Ted Edwards
From: Black belt caterpillar wrestler
Date: 01 May 23 - 06:17 PM

So sorry to hear this. I first met Ted at the Limbrick sessions, having heard his songs for some years before.

I have two of his books about his adventures, the Sahara dessert one and the Iceland crossing one.

The last that I had heard was that he was cheerful and still mobile despite his disabillities.

He has brought so many people pleasure through his songs.

I have heard that on his last day at work he travelled from bottom of the deepest pit in England to the top of its highest peak.

Robin

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Ted Edwards
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 02 May 23 - 07:49 AM

I have many memories of Ted including standing outside the Duke of York in Eccles chatting with him and a group of others. A policeman walked over and mentioned that someone had been seen trying car doors nearby and whoever it was had a beard. Ted pipes up "We have just come out of a folk club. We ALL have beards!" He was wearing a flat cap, Arab cloak and clogs at the time so he also asked "Did this car thief have an Arab cloak as well?" :-D

I have his books "Beyond the Last Oasis", "Fight the Wild Island" and "Unfinished Business". I also had "The Pearl" but lent it to someone who has since passed away. It may turn up again yet!

He will be greatly missed in many quarters and the world is now a poorer place

RIP Ted.

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Ted Edwards
From: Vincent Jones
Date: 03 May 23 - 02:59 AM

Oh, sad news. He was a good lad.

I remember the night in the Duke of York when he said he'd be gone for some time and may not come back. We said "Righto, Ted," thinking that he sounded a bit like Titus Oates, and not really taking him seriously.

Then six months later I was watching the telly and he appeared on the Wogan show: "T'oreet, Tel?" talking about the Sahara. And then on Russell Harty, who asked him if ever felt like asking for divine help when things were desperate in the desert, which he answered with a laconic "No."

I remember his letters to the Eccles Journal, particularly his campaign against dog shit on the streets (not that dog shit would do much other than add colour to the once genteel hamlet where I was born now known as Tally Town).

Last I heard of Ted was, post-stroke, planning to become an astronaut. Not something to be expected of a septagenarian, but by this we had learned to take Ted seriously.

Great author, great songwriter, great singer, great wit, great bloke.

His dad Nathan worked at Stothert's in Atherton where my mum ran the work's canteen; he also had his idiosyncracies, living in a caravan where he kept and played his large electric Wurlitzer type organ.

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Ted Edwards
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 04 May 23 - 10:14 AM

I never met Ted, but knew of him from the television appearances. He lived a full life, some would say, "Full to bursting" and you can find plenty of details on the Internet. I send my condolences to all those who know and love him and have included his name in the "In Memoriam" thread. RIP Ted.

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Ted Edwards
From: GUEST,David Smith
Date: 07 May 23 - 11:13 AM

I knew Ted back in the early 80s - had a flat in the same building and spent many a night in the Duke of York and a few ciders back at his place. From the time he walked the Empty Quarter to when i moved out with my soon to be wife we has great times together. Plenty of stories to tell . RIP Ted

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Ted Edwards
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 07 May 23 - 12:01 PM

Funeral and Wake details are being sorted. I shall update this thread accordingly. Whatever happens it is sure to be an emotional but reet gradely do.

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Ted Edwards
From: FreddyHeadey
Date: 11 May 23 - 07:07 PM

Bernard did a good tribute programme to Ted Edwards this week on Oldham Community Radio's 'Sounds of Folk'.   Songs and an interview.
There a track list here and a link to 'listen again' to the last 60 minutes.
https://facebook.com/groups/soundsoffolk/posts/10160419879599192/
You can get an MP3 for the full 90 minutes by asking Bernard.

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Ted Edwards
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 26 May 23 - 01:49 PM

Ged and Sue have finalised the arrangements -

"The funeral for Ted has now been arranged and the details are as follows:

The date is Friday 23rd June

Ted will be leaving B Johnson, funeral directors Church St Eccles and will proceed past the Cenataph and one or two of Ted's favourite watering places.

Meet at the Chapel in Peel Green Cemetery for a service beginning at 10.20am
The service will be approximately 30mins, as the interment time is 11am. At the burial you will be invited to join to read one of Ted's poems (as requested by Ted).

The wake will be held at the White Lion, Worsley Road, Swinton."

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Ted Edwards
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 23 Jun 23 - 12:36 PM

The funeral went spledidly. Ged and Sue did a great job with the arrangements and Ged, Phil and Bob spoke with passion and (appropriate) humour about Ted's life. I left the wake in full swing but continue to celebrate Ted's life and last great adventure at home.

Ted did leave specifuc instructions and one of them was that his poem, Testament, be read at his graveside. I think it is a wonderful piece so I would like to share it with you here

Testament. Coptright Ted Edwards. 1980

The whistle’s blown, I cannot stay. I’ve clocked my card. I’m on my way.
I never was, in spite of pay, into overtime.
I’ve grafted hard and earned my brass. Played hard when I’d spare time to pass.
I never could be put to grass. That would be a crime.

And if you must be damp of eye, sigh about a broken tie,
Be brief, my friends – your time is nigh, and then get out the booze.
Proceed to get inebriate. Imbibe it at a steady rate,
As I was wont, till of late. Sing happy songs, not blues.

And if my body should be found, have it planted underground,
With sword in hand, where ere I’m bound, honour to defend.
A pint of bitter I may crave, but talk of Hev’n and Hell I’ll waive
And no priest praying o’er my grave, unless that priest’s a friend

To women, loved, I’ve this to say, I never loved with feet of clay,
But honestly, in ev’ry way, until the flame burned low.
There’s not a one of you I’d swap, when passion rose up to the top.
Each one the best of any crop, and each one left a glow.

And you, my friends, through thick and thin. There’s greater bonds in kith than kin.
A luckier man there’s never been, but not without a frown.
Yes, there were troubles, you’ll recall. In turn we’d walk not quite so tall.
But back-to-back, we’d fight ‘em all, when the chips were down.

That’s it! There’s nothing more to say. The parting sadness ends the play.
Tomorrow is another day of happiness and strife.
Enjoy the smooth. Enjoy the rough. The best is all that’s good enough,
And quantity can over-stuff the quality of life

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Ted Edwards
From: GUEST,John Catterall
Date: 31 Aug 23 - 07:18 AM

Teds (Brian) never liked his birth name. He and I did the ventures badge together in the 1st.Hindley boy scout troop. Ron Brown was his mentor we had lots of fun in those days .
may he rest in peace.

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Ted Edwards
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 31 Aug 23 - 07:32 AM

Thanks for sharing that, John.

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Ted Edwards
From: GUEST,John Catterall
Date: 31 Aug 23 - 07:18 AM

Teds (Brian) never liked his birth name. He and I did the ventures badge together in the 1st.Hindley boy scout troop. Ron Brown was his mentor we had lots of fun in those days .
may he rest in peace.

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Ted Edwards
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 31 Aug 23 - 07:32 AM

Thanks for sharing that, John.