Obit: Terry Masterson (1935-2023)

Subject: Obit: Terry Masterson on 18 May 2023
From: Vic Smith
Date: 20 May 23 - 10:18 AM

TERRY MASTERSON (06 01 1935 - 18 05 2023)

It is with very great sadness that I have to announce the death of a man who has been a very close friend of Tina and I since soon after we met him in 1968. Terry Masterson was not only a great companion, he was also a man that we very much admired. Terry had a remarkable and distinctive voice and he sang in a way that was unique and showed a great understanding of the tradition. When he accompanied his singing on the guitar, his backings were spare and unobtrusive.
His contribution to the development of the folk scene in Sussex was enormous. In the early 1960s, along with Jack Whyte he started three of the earliest folk clubs in Sussex in Brighton, Worthing and Lewes and there has been a folk club in Lewes ever since, all showing the strong commitment to traditional song that Terry espoused.
He was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and soon it became clear that this was terminal. The way that he and Carole faced this together was utterly admirable. Terry managed to maintain a positive attitude and Carole was entirely supportive. They both wanted him to remain at home and despite the huge pressure this involved, this was what happened. When his peaceful passing occurred on Thursday afternoon, Carole and his sister Ann were with him.
We were with him a few hours before this and in his lucid moments he was full of praise for all the people that were supporting him – the nurses and carers that were coming in and, of course, Carole and Louisa.

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Masterson 1935 - 2023
From: GUEST,Jon Bartlett
Date: 20 May 23 - 03:21 PM

With Jack Whyte, the host of one of the earliest folk clubs I went to - but I can't recall if it was the Heart and Hand or the Stanford Arms. This would have been 1966 or 1967. I sang my first song there - Solidarity Forever. I learnt Skewball ("You gallant sportsmen all/come listen to my story") from him - a wonderful singer and a warm and gracious host!

Jon Bartlett

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Masterson (1935-2023)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 21 May 23 - 03:38 AM

I first met Terry at The Enterprise FC, Chalk Farm. Always enjoyed his singing and playing,
RIP Terry.

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Masterson (1935-2023)
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 21 May 23 - 11:24 AM

I was sorry to hear this news. Terry has left a great legacy to Sussex folksinging. I have included his name in the "In Memoriam" thread. My condolences to all who know and love him.
RIP Terry.

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Masterson (1935-2023)
From: GUEST,John dyerusa.com
Date: 24 May 23 - 01:53 AM

Terry a huge and beloved influence on so many of us .For me it was as the resident of the Springfield and the pug o junch .what a lad. And also with Chris littledale and the transports of delight.And we had the same teacher john pearce. Thanks Terry.

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Masterson (1935-2023)
From: Vic Smith
Date: 25 May 23 - 05:29 AM

We now have a date for the funeral. It will be on June 1st at 3pm . North Chapel, Woodvale Crematorium, Lewes Road, Brighton, BN2 3QB