Obit: Heather Brady (Swan Arcade) (1943-2023)

Subject: Obit: Heather Brady (Swan Arcade)
From: GUEST,Jen
Date: 10 Dec 23 - 03:30 AM

I remember Mudcat being a great source of info, memories and comfort when our Dad (Dave) died in 2006.
Our Mum, Heather (Hev) passed away on Friday 8th December. She had celebrated her 80th birthday in the summer.
Mum had been poorly for a few weeks, but we managed to keep her at home with us until the end, just as she wanted.
Though she hadn’t been singing in public for many years, music was still very much part of her life and all the touring, gigging, festivals, singing and the big folky family from earlier in her life were very fondly remembered.
I’m hoping there might still be Mudcat members who remember Mum and may have memories to share :)

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Here is the earlier obituary referred to: Obit: Dave Brady - Swan Arcade (May 2006) ---mudelf

Subject: RE: Obit: Heather Brady (Swan Arcade)
From: DMcG
Date: 10 Dec 23 - 03:42 AM

I remember her, certainly, but more as a member of the audience when she sang. Swan Arcade came to the students' union in Newcastle in something like 1974, and we had a great evening. I remember one very non-PC song/chant she performed that I haven't heard anywhere else, ever. But the whole evening was great, and memorable enough that here I am recalling details of it 50 years later.

Subject: RE: Obit: Heather Brady (Swan Arcade)
From: GUEST,Roger Knowles
Date: 10 Dec 23 - 04:56 AM

I used to play guitar and work with your Dad many years ago. Sorry to hear about your Mum’s passing.We were friends.
Roger

Subject: RE: Obit: Heather Brady (Swan Arcade)
From: GUEST,Malcolm Storey
Date: 10 Dec 23 - 07:02 AM

Sad to hear Jen.
I have many happy memories of shared times.
It was your mum who introduced me to a rare Yorkshire treat - fruitcake, cheese and jam - still enjoy it!

Subject: RE: Obit: Heather Brady (Swan Arcade)
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 10 Dec 23 - 11:25 AM

They were a great band, I loved Swan Arcade. I never inquired as to where the Swan came in, or the Arcade, come to think of it.
They played our folk club at Orton on the Hill. It must have been a longish drive, I remember your Mum saying she had made a flask of soup to drink on the way back.
They were wonderful people - I am sorry for your loss.

Subject: RE: Obit: Heather Brady (Swan Arcade)
From: r.padgett
Date: 10 Dec 23 - 11:45 AM

Dave and Heather Brady [Bradley] powerful singing with at least two others at different times were inspirational and no doubt Heather provided a special force in the singing

So sorry for your loss and god bless you all

Ray

Subject: RE: Obit: Heather Brady (Swan Arcade) 1943 - 2023
From: GUEST,Davoc (Heathers son)
Date: 10 Dec 23 - 12:27 PM

Swan Arcade was a Victorian arcade in Bradford which was knocked down despite many protests. The band were named after that building. Dad (Dave Brady) was from Bradford, and mum and dad lived there for a long time.

Subject: RE: Obit: Heather Brady (Swan Arcade) 1943 - 2023
From: GUEST,Davoc
Date: 10 Dec 23 - 03:49 PM

Thank you for your kind words, very much appreciated at this difficult time :-)

Subject: RE: Obit: Heather Brady (Swan Arcade) 1943 - 2023
From: rich-joy
Date: 10 Dec 23 - 06:10 PM

We adored Swan Arcade's music and when we started performing ourselves (mostly unaccompanied folk, Down Under in the mid 1980s), your recordings were certainly ratted for inspirational repertoire!!!
THANKS Swannies, for your music and bringing such joy :)

Cheers, R-J
(ex-Top End folk scene)

Subject: RE: Obit: Heather Brady (Swan Arcade) (1943-2023)
From: Black belt caterpillar wrestler
Date: 11 Dec 23 - 08:49 AM

I wandered into the Folk club at Braford Uni in 1973 to see what it was all about. The act that night was Swan Arcade. I never looked back. It was the perfect introduction to the folk world.

Robin.

Subject: RE: Obit: Heather Brady (Swan Arcade) (1943-2023)
From: Monologue John
Date: 11 Dec 23 - 11:19 AM

I first saw Swan Arcade at Old Horns High Bradfield 1972 I think
Dave used to play guitar one handed and also a duet concertina
I remember them saying they picked a candidate who had sung the least sensitive song
I remember the line that you're an eyeless boneless chickenless egg was the one they picked that night


I fond memories over the years

Subject: RE: Obit: Heather Brady (Swan Arcade) (1943-2023)
From: r.padgett
Date: 11 Dec 23 - 01:30 PM

Sorry for wrong surname ~ Brady it is then!

Ray

Subject: RE: Obit: Heather Brady (Swan Arcade) (1943-2023)
From: GUEST,Davoc
Date: 11 Dec 23 - 03:52 PM

Hi Ray,

Mum and dads stage name was Brady, but their actual surname was Bradley :-)

Subject: RE: Obit: Heather Brady (Swan Arcade) (1943-2023)
From: GUEST,John James
Date: 12 Dec 23 - 07:48 AM

Very sad news to hear of Heather Bradley ( Johnson, if my memory serves me well?) passing away. Former mayor of Carlisle and, though many years ago now, best known to many of us as a member of Swan Arcade. Together with Dave Brady (Bradley) and Jim Boyes, Royston Wood or Brian Miller they made the most musically adventurous and entertaining trio on the scene. I played many concerts, clubs and festivals with them and enjoyed their hospitality as a house guest many times.
Heather took to motherhood well ,I remember Davoc and Jen coming along and being very happy young children. Heather must have been a wonderful Mum to have.
Warm wishes and happy memories to Davoc and Jen.

Subject: RE: Obit: Heather Brady (Swan Arcade) (1943-2023)
From: Howard Jones
Date: 12 Dec 23 - 08:51 AM

Sorry to hear this news. I remember seeing Swan Arcade a number of times, they were a great band with a sometimes surprising choice of material. Their version of "Lola" is brilliant. Condolences to the family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Heather Brady (Swan Arcade) (1943-2023)
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 16 Dec 23 - 10:38 AM

I was sorry to hear this news. Swan Arcade and Heather were a marvelous group. My condolences go to all her family and friends and all those who know and love her. I have added her name to the "In Memoriam" thread. RIP