Brixton Bert - Benefit

Subject: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: GUEST,auntie Wend
Date: 02 Oct 02 - 02:16 PM

Some of you will know Brixton Bert well and would like to know that he is living in Walton on the Naze Essex,having been a great favourite at the Walton Folk Festival for 14 years he decided to move from Surrey 2 years ago.Unfortunatly 8 weeks ago Bert had a stroke,he is improving slowly,starting speech therapy etc.However his close friends would like to arrange a benefit concert,maybe in Surrey or Kent?If you can help,take part as a performer,help organise,or best of all,buy a ticket,we would like to know!You may even have a good venue that we could use? Most important, any messages from old friends will be passed on to Bert, as contact is very important at the moment!   

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 02 Oct 02 - 02:31 PM

Well, that's a shame - I missed on going to Walton this year, and I hadn't heard.

He's one of the best. (Well, not when it comes to tuning, for which he has always showed a certain disdain, - but that's a key part of the performance.)

Post information about how he's getting on please, and about the gig.

And pass on my best wishes. Walton needs waking up sometimes, and Bert's the man to do it.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 02 Oct 02 - 03:03 PM

Can't make the gig but I'll buy a couple of tickets to swell the coffers. Dear old Bert was a fixture in the 60s and 70s when I was involved in the London folk scene. Send him my best wishes, although he may not remember me, I certainly remember him with affection.
Slainthe to you Bert, and get better soon.......Giok

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Bert
Date: 02 Oct 02 - 03:25 PM

Seeing as he's a "Bert" I'm sure hell be tough enough to get over this. Best wishes, young fella, get well soon.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 03 Oct 02 - 05:58 AM

Bert was on the folk/skiffle scene a long while before I was. I probably first met him at the old Croydon Folk Club at "The Waddon", although he was also quite a regular at Derek Sargent's club at Surbiton. I saw Bert at Walton this year and he definitely didn't look good. He's still managing to get to the pub though - so all isn't lost, but his speech is very slurred and he seems to have suffered some memory loss - completely unrelated to the pub !

I'm also concerned because Bert had quite a lot of his own, mainly humourous, songs. Does anyone know or have any recordings of these - it would be a pity if they were lost. I can remember a version of "Frankie and Johnny" where they were both gay, a rather derogatory song about the police, and an amusing trad folk song parody ("with a hey-nonny-nonny and haul away, one last chorus of titty-fal-lal, and we'll save the rest for another day").

If anyone can suggest a venue for a benefit night for Bert, I'm sure we would have no problem in finding people who would be willing to perform. Wendy has told me that she will try to contact Johnny Silvo who's coming over soon, and I'm sure that he'd come if he was free. We'd need somewhere that people could get to easily - probably Central or SE London would be best. Perhaps a folk club would be willing to re-allocate one of it's "Singers Nights".

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: GUEST,GUEST Ralphie
Date: 03 Oct 02 - 06:36 AM

Please add my best wishes for a speedy recovery to the inestimable Bert...
If I can help out by playing (whatever) at an event. Only too happy to do so.
Cheers
Ralph Jordan (Not at home at the mo)

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: GUEST,vectis at work
Date: 03 Oct 02 - 06:51 AM

Good idea. I'll help in any way I can just let me know. The old reprobate was looking pretty good when I saw him at the end of August considering the state of his health.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 07 Oct 02 - 05:27 AM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: croc
Date: 08 Oct 02 - 04:55 PM

Good idea How about one over Essex way and one over in Kent, perhaps at elsie's so everyone can get involved.
Croc

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: GUEST,Pedant
Date: 08 Oct 02 - 05:50 PM

Shouldn't that be Elsie's?

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 09 Oct 02 - 11:04 AM

I thought about "Elsie's" (The Queen's Arms at Cowden Pound, Kent - south of Edenbridge) but it's almost impossible for anyone to get there on public transport. I'm also not sure if it's large enough.

If anyone wants to oraganise a benefit in Essex - perhaps it should be in the Walton-on-the-Naze direction and "Auntie Wend" is better placed to sort that out.

If you know any of Bert's old friends please try and contact them.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: GUEST,auntie wend
Date: 09 Oct 02 - 01:58 PM

we started out thinking about Walton,but as most of the folkies at the Walton Festival tend to live south of the Thames and Walton is not on the way to anywhere (except the North Sea)decided Surrey or Kent would get the biggest audience.I might ask Joan Gifford,Wivenhoe Folk Club to use a singers night!As they are always sold out.
Does anyone have Johnny Silvos number in Sweden as I have mislaid it!
He is at Wivenhoe in November.
I would also like to contact Diz Disley,Shirley Collins and Toni Arthur as they are all good friends of Bert's.
News of the man himself,the locals at the Royal Marine are going round to see him and giving him lifts to the pub.We are still waiting to see the speech therapist and for an appointment for the brain scan.
All messages left on mudcat I will pass on to Bert,so thank you all!

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: breezy
Date: 09 Oct 02 - 03:14 PM

contact Silvo thru Perrotts Folly 01637 860866 but I think its too late for this year, good luck.
Rum Bum and what else
I'ld willingly make an evening available in St Albans

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 09 Oct 02 - 03:44 PM

If you struggle with Perrotts Folly, PM me and I'll give you Silvo's number in Norway [not Sweden] As has been said it's probably too late for this year, but no harm in trying. Pop Johnny Silvo into the Google search and you'll find the Perrotts web site, on there you'll find all of Johnny's tour dates. If he can do it, it will have to fit in with that schedule.
Failte.....Giok

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: GUEST,auntie wend
Date: 09 Oct 02 - 04:02 PM

thanks Giok and Breezy,
have just got off the phone to Norway(sorry Sweden)and as you guessed Johnny is fully booked but will tell everyone about the benefit when we know where and when.He also put me in touch with Van Johnson who is in touch with Diz,Steve Benbow,Don Partridge and Alan Young , so will spread the word!
St Albans sounds great,any help ,we will be thankful for!

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: breezy
Date: 10 Oct 02 - 04:13 AM

well done a-wend

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 10 Oct 02 - 05:15 AM

How would a venue in Eltham, SE London suit people ?
It's just off the A20 and the A2, only about 10mins drive from Blackwall tunnel, near Eltham station and on many bus routes.
There's plenty of room and the acoustics are quite reasonable.
It is an old (listed) building and it also has a PEL - and a bar of course.

Rock Chick and Dipsodeb will know what I'm talking about.

If people are interested, I will see if it would be possible - it would probably be a Wednesday night.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 11 Oct 02 - 08:30 AM

I have spoken to the organisers of the club at "The Tudor Barn", Well Hall, Eltham (one of whom is Mudcat's DIPSODEB) and they have very kindly offered to make a night available for a benefit. The suggested date is Wednesday, 20th November, but we could have a fortnight later if we desired.

Who would be interested in and available on the above date.

BTW "The Tudor Barn" is situated in Well Hall Pleasance where Joe Stead ran some wonderful Folk Days in the past. There is a small picture of it on this site.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dead Horse
Date: 11 Oct 02 - 11:14 AM

And a complete site www.cajunbarn.co.uk
(tho it be Cajun)

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: GUEST,auntie wend
Date: 11 Oct 02 - 06:48 PM

thanks Dave,the venue sounds perfect!Lets all get going and tell as many folks as possible,so who would like to sing,make the buffet and more important, buy a ticket? Brixton Bert has given so much to all of us in the past lets get together to say thank you!

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 11 Oct 02 - 06:52 PM

Thanks Dead Horse, your link didn't work for me (I think it needs the 'http://'
at the front) - this one should.

Mind you the first piccy that comes up is you and the missus - blatant self advertisment !

Does that mean that we'll be seeing you at Bert's Benefit ?

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: croc
Date: 11 Oct 02 - 07:08 PM

Mid week not good for those travelling a distance (public transport or whatever). Elsie's (yhank you pedant) could be a Saturday - or more than one session if needed
Croc

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 11 Oct 02 - 07:32 PM

I just feel that Elsie's is not the easiest place to get to from Central or North london.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Lanfranc
Date: 12 Oct 02 - 08:54 AM

Count me in, whatever the venue.

My best wishes to the old reprobate, may he make a startling recovery and delight us all.

Alan

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 13 Oct 02 - 04:23 AM

Before we finally fix the 20th Nov at The Tudor Barn - who is going to be able to make it ? - Breezy ?, Ralphie ? - I'm still waiting for Auntie Wend to come back some names as well.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: GUEST,auntie wend
Date: 13 Oct 02 - 10:56 AM

I have just heard that Bert went into hospital last night,Bill and i are going up to see him now.will give you all the latest news when i get back,he is in the medical assesment unit at colchester general hospital turner Road colchester essex if anyone would like to send a card!The ward sister says he will be there for at least a few days

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: GUEST,auntie wend
Date: 13 Oct 02 - 05:42 PM

Hi there,
Bill and I saw Bertie this afternoon,he is very confused and rather poorly,however he is at last being checked out and will be assessed as to when he can come home and what help he will need.For example his flat is lovely but on the second floor,four flights of steps!He has also been reluctant to have help with shopping and cooking but now we hope he will accept all the help he is entitled too!
I have spoken with his sister Jean who lives in France and we are hoping to contact his daughter Jackie,can anyone help with a contact number?
Bill and I will ask him to back to our house if the flat is out of the question,he stayed with us for a few months when he left Surrey so he is at home here.
The benefit is really important now, so please let us know how you can help!

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 14 Oct 02 - 06:15 AM

Come on then 'Catters - how many of you know Bert and would be interested in doing a spot for his benefit if we hold it on 20/11 ?

We are going to try and provide a buffet, so that any of you who have a long journey don't have to have a meal first - Linda's looking after that side of the proceedings and should be making a posting.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Essex Girl
Date: 14 Oct 02 - 08:44 AM

We do hope to provide a buffet for the benefit. We have to clear it with the management of the Tudor Barn first, but I will let you know the form as soon as possible. Hopefully we will be able to provide it ourselves and if so we might try to run it on American Supper lines. Any suggestions or offerings will be gratefully received

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: GUEST,auntie wend
Date: 14 Oct 02 - 12:27 PM

American supper sounds great! I can do a mean Key lime pie and Philadelphia cheese cake(Billy says its as good as his mom's and that is a compliment!Took me 15 years of practice though!)
We went to see Bert again this afternoon,he looked much better,more colour in his face and managed a few smiles.
Back to the benefit,I will contact Skinners Rats tonight and Tony is going to ask BOPP!

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Lanfranc
Date: 14 Oct 02 - 01:15 PM

As I said before, Dave, count me in. We'll brave the Blackwall Tunnel or maybe the Woolwich Ferry (we do believe in ferries!).

Would a large pot of chilli con carne be of any use as a contribution to the buffet?

Alan

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 15 Oct 02 - 04:34 AM

I need to confirm the date (20/11) with DIPSODEB tomorrow (Wed) night.
Is everybody happy with the date ? - it is still possible to move it back a fortnight if required.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: GUEST,auntie wend
Date: 16 Oct 02 - 01:48 PM

Bert had an MRI scan on monday and today, Wednesday ,has been moved to Oldchurch Hospital in Romford,he has settled in OK!They are doing an op. tomorrow as he has either a brain tumour or(hopefully)an absess.They will do a biopsy and it takes5/10 days for the results,I am not sure if he will stay up there or if he will be moved back to Colchester.I will update daily with news and if he stays in Romford maybe some of you, closer than I,could visit?At the moment support in that form and cards to wish him well are important.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Essex Girl
Date: 17 Oct 02 - 09:32 AM

We have spoken to the Landlords of the Tudor Barn and they are happy for us to bring in our own food. As I suggested we will try to arrange it on a bring and share basis. I will post nearer the date when we have an idea of numbers.
If Bert does stay in Romford then Dave and I will be able to visit him.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: GUEST,auntie wend
Date: 17 Oct 02 - 06:44 PM

I have spoken to Berties daughter today,they did not do the operation today,we do not know why?She has to phone Friday morning and will let me know the latest.
At the moment all our thoughts are with Bert,if you wish to send a card it is ward B1 Oldchurch Hospital ,Romford Essex(I do not have the post code..sorry)
Lets all hope for good news tommorrow!

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: vectis
Date: 18 Oct 02 - 05:04 AM

Card is on the way. I hope Bert is staying cheerful. I know he hates hospitals. Give him a hug and a kiss from me.
Mary

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: auntie wend
Date: 19 Oct 02 - 05:20 PM

Saturday
I think Bertie may be back in Colchester on Monday,Billy and I and Dick and Martina are going to see him in Romford Sunday,PM me for more news.(He did not have the op.but this is not the place to discuss!)
Put the benefits on hold for the moment,however they may be really important,so lets see what happens in the next few days?

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: auntie wend
Date: 20 Oct 02 - 07:22 PM

Saw Bertie today,he was pleased to see us,had a better colour,and when Bill took him outside for some fresh air(and a ciggie!)even eyed up a rather lovely young lady!!
We hope he will be back in Colchester hospital tommorrow.Then we will have to wait and see,but I think the benefits will be important,lets all gat together and maybe do a few in as many plces as possible?

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 21 Oct 02 - 04:40 AM

Well, the benefit at Eltham is still on for the 20th November. All we need are plenty of people who are willing to come along and perform for a good cause. Have you had any luck with any of your prospects Wendy ? - nice to see that you've at last sorted out your cookie!

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: auntie wend
Date: 22 Oct 02 - 02:04 PM

Update for you,Bert is stll in Oldchursh hospital Romford,waiting for a bed back in Colchester.please e mail me for more information on what is happening.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: auntie wend
Date: 22 Oct 02 - 02:06 PM

Dave,
Tony is here as I type,and if they are free,BOPP will do the benefit

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 25 Oct 02 - 09:48 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: auntie wend
Date: 26 Oct 02 - 02:01 PM

Bertie is still in Oldchurch,the transfer to Colchester is still in the pipeline,but it is very frustrating as we can only visit at weekends as it is 70 odd miles,if any old pals live in the area please pop in(phone the hospital first,in case he has moved back here!01708 7082312 direct line to ward)
I had a message from Berts sister Jean,who has been looking at our messages,she had the brilliant idea of Martin Wyndham read! Do you have a contact number for him Dave?You wanted a big name!

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 27 Oct 02 - 05:49 AM

I'll see what I can do. I expect that Joan Gifford has his phone number - he used to be one of the residents when she was running Charlwood F/C.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dipsodeb
Date: 27 Oct 02 - 12:13 PM

glad to see that everything seems to be going OK for berties benefit do.
The Folk Mob, Tudor Barn are looking forward to everyone coming down and supporting this great event, lets hope it all goes well and that we raise a good amount for the benefit fund.
I have spoken to the Management and they are fine about the evening and a buffet being provided.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: auntie wend
Date: 02 Nov 02 - 10:06 AM

Bert is back in Colchester hospital,so he is seeing visitors every day as the Walton crowd are only 16 miles away.
We are hoping to arrange a minibus from Walton to come up for the benefit,making final arrangements at the shanty weekend at The Royal Marine Nov 8th/10th (should be a fun weekend if anyone would like to come to Walton for a break!)
Dave, I will ring you re. the other artists, I have been ill all week so have not been able to contact them but I will catch up over this weekend!Hopefully we will be able to confirm who is appearing and ticket prices this week?

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 04 Nov 02 - 11:17 AM

Hi Wendy

I was on holiday (sorting out Linda's car etc !) last week - so didn't get on the net much.

Let's make sure we've got everything sorted out this week - I'll be up at Walton next weekend anyway (I assume that you haven't forgotten that I want to park the caravan in your drive) so we should be able to finalise the last details then.

Are there any updates on Bert's condition ?

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: auntie wend
Date: 04 Nov 02 - 07:23 PM

We saw Bertie today,his sister Doris and brother in law are staying with us till next Monday,so they will be here for the shanty weekend.
Bertie was very weak today but I am sure having his sister here will give him a boost.Keith is wondering if the hospital could cope with a shanty session in Berts room on sunday as we would love to be able to take him out for the afternoon,but I am sure that is out of the question!
I will keep you all posted with news,Bill is taking Doris to the hospital in the morning.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 05 Nov 02 - 04:29 AM

"Slattery" (Pete Hicks, Pete Currie, Rick West) have comfirmed that they will come and perform at the benefit on 20th November. They are an excellent band performing both foot-tapping tunes and rousing chorus songs. At one time they were all members of Skinner's Rats.

We hope to have comfirmation of some of the other other guests soon.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 05 Nov 02 - 04:54 AM

As an addendum to the previous posting.

Pete Currie is a mudcat member (under his usual alta ego of "Blossom").
You can also find many pictures of the trio (some of them looking incredibly hairy during the 60/70s) on the Skinner's Rats website.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Nov 02 - 10:10 AM

What are you raising the money for?????
What is the money going to pay for???
How is it going to benefit Bert?

Wouldn't it be wiser to wait until he is in a fit state to make use of the funds?

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 06 Nov 02 - 05:22 AM

At the moment we don't know whether Bert will ever be any fitter. I'm sure that any funds we do raise will be useful, if only to provide a few little extras for him. Wendy is best placed to answer this question as she is on the spot, and with her husband Bill has probably seen more of Bert than most of his other friends, recently. This benefit was her suggestion in the first place.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dipsodeb
Date: 06 Nov 02 - 05:55 AM

Hi Dave,
hope all is well with you & Linda. Not long to go now till the Benefit, let me know if there is anything we can do.... What's happening Re: Publicity for the event, is it all purely by word of mouth? Do you have any idea as yet of the entry charge etc..

We can advertise locally through our usual channels if you like it's no problem. Richard (bass player) has said that if we can give him some more information about Bertie and the event, he would do a leaflet.

Take Care
Debs

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: auntie wend
Date: 06 Nov 02 - 06:08 PM

with regard to where any money may go,I am writing this with Berts sister Doris by my side.Bertie may have to go into residential care,at the moment we will see the Consultant tomorrow,Doris says he may go into private care,and any money raised will go towards making him as comfortable and cared for as possible.For example,we could buy an electric chair that reclines.Even if private care is not possible extra comforts to make him happy will be very important.So all efforts to raise funds will be used exclusively for Berts well being!

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 07 Nov 02 - 04:16 AM

After discussion with Wendy, we have decided to charge £5 entry for the benefit concert at Eltham on the 20th. Obviously any extra contributions will be gratfully received.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Lanfranc
Date: 07 Nov 02 - 05:55 AM

Two weeks to go. Any firm idea of the lineup, Dave?

Do you need a PA, or anything else for that matter?

Regards

Alan

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 11 Nov 02 - 04:24 AM

***** N E W S *****

We are waiting for final comfirmations from:

Johnny Collins & Graeme Knights
and Elsie's Band.

Keep this date free - it's going to be a GREAT night !

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dipsodeb
Date: 11 Nov 02 - 01:54 PM

Hiya Auntie Wend
have you any idea what time you will all be arriving at the Tudor Barn?
Dave mentioned that you might be booking a coach/mini bus!

Dipso Deb

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From:
Date: 11 Nov 02 - 05:18 PM

I spoke to Diz Dizley this evening and he already has a gig that night otherwise he would have come. I gave him the address of the hospital and he going to write.

I'd be happy to do a couple of songs on the night - including a Bert original - if you need any more performers.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: auntie wend
Date: 11 Nov 02 - 06:57 PM

how wonderful that you know some Bert originals,I know Dave is keen to get any of Berts songs collected.
We would welcome all singers on the night.
News regarding the man himself,Bill saw him this morning and he had enjoyed a bacon sandwich for breakfast!He has been in much better spirits for the last week as his sister Doris was staying with us for a week and sorted out the nurses!!She visited everyday from 10 am to 4.0 pm ,got Bert to eat,drink(bribed with the small occasional rum)and start to take his tablets again.Doris was a real tonic,she even played her harmonica with all the old tunes to raise a smile.
We took her to the shanty weekend at the Marine and she met all of Berts friends from Walton,some from Kent ,and the Shanty Men from Caap hoorn in Holland.We have renamed her Brixton Doris!
We hope Berts daughter and son may come to the benefit on the 20th.We will be( hopefully) a coach load from walton,will confirm arrival time later.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 11 Nov 02 - 07:14 PM

If I know Bert, it was him who was "sorting out" the nurses !

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 13 Nov 02 - 08:33 AM

OK now that we've sorted out some excellent guests:

JOHNNY COLLINS, GRAEME KNIGHTS, ELSIE'S BAND, SLATTERY,
who out there would like to come along - if you're an old friend of Bert why not sign up for a song or two now.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: auntie wend
Date: 13 Nov 02 - 09:25 AM

The coach will be leaving walton at approx 5.0pm on the 20th.we can arrange to have pick up points on the A12,Colchester,Chelmsford etc.so let me know if you wish to join us en route!
Also supper dishes would be most helpfull if anyone can bring a dish with them!

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 13 Nov 02 - 09:48 AM

No stopping at all the pubs on the way though Wendy !

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 14 Nov 02 - 10:05 AM

We have only just been informed by the landlord of the The Tudor Barn that he does not have an entertainments license. The infamous Greenwich Council entertainments "police" spoke to him the previous week and advised him that all his music "clubs" must have their membership systems up to date.

The Wednesday Folk Night is run by "Folkmob" who are currently updating and checking all their membership records. This should not cause any problems if all (or at least most) of the performers and audience are registered as members (no charge) at least 48 hours prior to Wednesday night.

Therefore could anyone wishing to go, please PM me their Name and Address before midday Sunday and I will arrange for membership cards to be waiting for them on Wednesday night.

Any extra people may be signed in by current members (up to six each).

I'm sorry about this - I had assumed that the building already had a license as the freehold is owned by the council and licensed for Weddings and all sorts of things. Evidently it would be almost impossible to get a PEL because the modifications would not be allowed as the building is a listed structure !

Just one more illustration of how stupid the entertainment licensing laws are.

Subject: Membership
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Nov 02 - 05:54 AM

Dave,

Can you add me to membership list. Dave Toye, Riverway, Magpie Lane, Horsham. Sussex. RH13 6QE.

Thanks

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: auntie wend
Date: 15 Nov 02 - 05:59 PM

Dave I will have the Walton list for you Sunday afternoon.
Bert is being moved tomorrow (Saturday)To; Tall Trees Nursing Home,
Oaks Place,Mile End Road,Colchester,CO4 5XR.
Bill went to see it yesterday,the room is lovely and over looks the beautiful garden.We are going to take a few photos and bits and bobs from the flat to make Bert feel at home and Bill is going in the ambulance with him and settle him in at Tall Trees.
Anyone coming to the benefit that could video everything?As Berts two sisters would love to join us but Jean is in France and Doris in Shropshire.They would love to see a video of the concert.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 17 Nov 02 - 06:02 AM

If anyone else wishes to come on Wednesday - Please let me have your name and address ASAP. We will be able to sign in non-members, but we want to try and get as many as possible with membership cards as we can to keep it all above board.

If anyone wants to contribute any sandwiches or other finger snacks to the buffet please let us know.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 17 Nov 02 - 08:21 AM

I have just received the sad news from Wendy that Bert died this morning. I am sure Wendy will want to post further details her self.

Wednesday evening is still to go ahead - as a tribute to Bert. Any money raised will now go to a charity nominated by Bert's relatives.
Let's try and make it an evening that Bert would have really enjoyed.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: rock chick
Date: 17 Nov 02 - 09:24 AM

I have received the sad news from Dibsodeb, lets make it a really grand night on Wednesday by celebrating his life.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 17 Nov 02 - 10:34 AM

So sad, he seemed like a permanent fixture in the 60s and 70s when I was involved with clubs in London and thereabouts. Hard to believe he's gone, hope he has an easy journey across the void. Can't make the do, as I'm 600+ miles away, let me know an address, and I'll send the price of a couple of tickets anyway.

In sorrow....Giok

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: auntie wend
Date: 17 Nov 02 - 03:43 PM

Bertie died at 5.30 am Sunday 17/11/02.
Billy and I were with him,we have talked to all his family and they wish the concert on wednesday to go ahead.
We would like to celebrate Berts Life.
Lots of you will have memories of his life,we would like to include them in this celebration.
We would like to include your stories of Bert's antics on the folk scene!
The funeral is to be arranged,but please contact me on
[e-mail] and Billy and I will give all the information.Or phone on 01255 670087
Thank you all
Wendy

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: GUEST,croc
Date: 17 Nov 02 - 05:28 PM

Good bye Bert and thanks for some af the best toems I've had.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 18 Nov 02 - 04:57 AM

There is now an OBIT thread for Bert HERE which would be the best place for people to post personal tributes to Bert.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Lanfranc
Date: 21 Nov 02 - 04:33 AM

And what a gig it was, I haven't enjoyed an evening in a Folk Club as much for years! A strange thing to say about a wake, but true.

Bert would have been "chuffed". In fact, I'll wager his shade was grinning down on us as he sipped his celestial rum.

The sheer variety of talent that gathered to celebrate Bert's life was pretty damn' awesome - well done, Dave, for pulling the whole thing together.

Thanks, indeed, to all involved.

Alan

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 21 Nov 02 - 04:44 AM

Thank you to everyone who made the celebration/tribute concert so successful last night.

Thanks to all the performers - I don't know when I've heard such a wonderful evening of songs and music before.

Thanks also to all the people who brought food for the buffet.

Thanks to FOLKMOB for letting us take over their club for the evening,
I must apologise for the fact that I forgot to thank last night. I'm sorry if none of the regulars got a chance to perform, but I hope you all enjoyed the visiting talent, some ofwhom had known Bert for a long time.

Thanks to Wendy for organising the coach down from Walton and everything else she and Bill have done to ease Bert's last months.

And finally thanks to everyone who came along and heped to raise the magnificent sum of over £330 (we've still got some late donations) to go towards the charities which Bert's son and daughter are going to nominate.

As I said last night, I could have imagined Bert leaning on the edge of the bar with his rather sardonic expression, making critical remarks, and enjoying every minute of it.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 22 Nov 02 - 08:39 AM

I anyone wants an address to send money to, just PM me and I'll PM an address back to you.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dipsodeb
Date: 22 Nov 02 - 09:43 AM

I'm glad that everyone had a great time on Wednesday. It all went really well. Everyone at the Folk Mob said what a great evening it was. We were really pleased to be able to help out with the venue.

I would like to thank Graham one of our members, who spent alot of time with Dave organising the memberships for everyone at the last minute, as without his efforts we might not have been able to go ahead.

Now you know where we are, anyone is welcome to come along whenever. We are there every Wednesday 8.30pm alternating weeks of sing around and PA nights.

Debs

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 22 Nov 02 - 10:01 AM

That previous e-mail should of course read:

If anyone wants an address to send money to, just PM me and I'll PM an address back to you.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: auntie wend
Date: 23 Nov 02 - 09:24 PM

The celebration of Bert's life continues,on Thursday Bill and I took Bert's sister Doris and husband Rod to see Johnny Silvo at Wivenhoe,we spent the interval laughing with John and "Chopping" remembering all the times Bert was with them ,John flies back to Norway Monday so will miss the funeral but left a very generous donation to the fund.I can tell you the charity is The Queen Elizabeth foundation(for people with learning difficalties)
Tonight we had dinner with Doris and Bert's sister Jean who has flown in from France with Brian and tomorrow his brother Fred and wife will arrive.The funeral is at 11.45 Monday at Weeley crem. near Clacton,please join us if you can,you are welcome back at our house for lunch.We are sure to all land up at the Royal Marine for music later.
Thanks to everyone who has been phoning us and e mailing us over the past few weeks.I am very aware that all your thoughts and support have helped Bill and I very much,after all we were only doing what all of you would have done had you been closer!Big thanks to Jane who has been in the kitchen with me all afternoon helping with the cooking for Monday.
Finally,thanks to Bert for his friendship and love,a very special gentle man!xxx

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: auntie wend
Date: 01 Dec 02 - 06:05 PM

Thanks to everyone who came to Berts funeral last Monday,we had standing room only at the service,we think 130 people came back to our house for lunch!Then we all went back to the Royal Marine for lots of music.
You may like to know that Berts daughter came to Walton today and has given Berts collection of tankards to the pub to be displayed as a permenant memorial to Bert.(At least 100!!)
We also hope to get the Walton folk festival committee to rename the chorus cup competition as the Brixton Bert Chorus Cup!
Lots of love to Berts brother in law Alan,liz,Mark,Mary,David and all the other catters who helped with the concert and raised so much money for the charity that his children nominated.