2016 Obit: Don Shepherd

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,Jim Baynam
Date: 29 Apr 10 - 04:01 PM

I lived 10 minutes from the Hammersmith Folk Centre at the Prince of Wales in Dalling Road and went there every week (Thursday) for many years. I still pass the PoW every couple of moths and always think back to the times we had there. Great memories of Don, Rod Hamilton, Johny Silvo, Noel Murphy and Diz Disley etc. who passed away recently.

Was it really nigh on 40 years ago !!.

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,Peter Martin
Date: 20 May 10 - 12:27 PM

Hi,Don I understand you read this thread. I have just gone computerised and have put Adam's ale on cd For use in the car.Do you remember the tour we did of Cornwall where we saw the spinners and got stopped by the police for throwing 'hand grenades'out the window .My brother Steve and I often talk about you and wonder what your upto. I am often up your way and would love to pop in and see you and Dierdre. Last time was at Fressingfield.Give me a shout if it suits at [e-mail]
Cheers Peter.

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: Pigstrings
Date: 20 May 10 - 01:20 PM

Hi Don, I'm delighted to learn from this thread that all is well with you. I remember seeing and hearing you several times at Croydon Folk Club (hi Waddon Pete!) and have a much treasured copy of The Sun and The Moon on vinyl.

Pig's Ear still do Old Fid and also Deidre's "Black Crow" - brilliant song. I sing "The Sun and the Moon" when called on to play solo.

Very best wishes from two long-term fans,

Sue and Grant Rule

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 21 May 10 - 01:19 PM

...and hello to you too Sue and Grant.

Yes, Don was always well respected at The Waddon. Those songs are still out there, Don!

Best wishes,

Peter

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Aug 10 - 03:00 PM

Hi
I saw Don many times at the Waveney Folk Club in Oulton Broad and loved his music dearly. I was lucky enought o get one album, Adnams Ales, but had The Sun and the Moon on cassette, which you can imagine, is dead now lol... Can anyone help me? I would love another copy of The Sun and the Moon ... Don, if you read this, can you help? My late teens were awash with your music and folk music in general and have tried everywhere i can think of to get another copy.

Hope someone can help me please? Will provide email address if anyone wants to help

Regards

Louise

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,Rod and Alison Hamilton
Date: 30 Aug 10 - 06:10 PM

What a wonderfully nostalgic and uplifting correspondence this is (you can tell H & I are "technologically challenged"). Hammersmith Folk Club and all associated with it contributed to what Rod still asserts were the best days of his life. At 82 he has just unearthed a stack of old tapes (not cassettes), so this winter will be spent sorting what may be worth digitising (by someone else). A Hammerfolk/Hammersmith Folk Club memory trail? Perhaps. Don - excellent to have an update on you and Deidre. Kindest regards to you both.

Rod & Alison Hamilton

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,Jacqui Wesley
Date: 09 Nov 10 - 06:02 PM

I used to sing with Don Shepherd's band many many years ago. I had known this gentleman since I was 2 years old and he taught me a great deal about show buisness. Unfortunatley this great man is no longer with us and died in the late 90's. I am still in contact with his wife and we have many many happy memories of this wonderful man, as I hope you have too?
Hope this answers your questions?
Regards
Jacqui

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: The Sandman
Date: 09 Nov 10 - 06:23 PM

Don Shepherd is alive, I was corrected on this matter earlier in the thread, however Alan Smethurst is dead

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: Old_Fid
Date: 13 Mar 11 - 09:34 AM

A message for Rod & Alison Hamilton and all out there who remember me. I haven't signed onto Mudcat recently because things have been a bit hectic for the past year or two. Deirdre and I have entered into Grandparenthood in a big way, our 3 children having produced 3 for the next generation plus a 4th on the way, this in addition to an 11 year step-grandchild. We are both very settled in our life in Bungay, a rural town but with the advantages of a good independent theatre, which shows the latest film releases, folk music, jazz etc, shops and a plethora of restaurants.

I really must keep checking Mudcat Cafe more regularly and hope to make contact with some of our old acquaintances.

All the best,

Don & Deirdre Shepherd

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 13 Mar 11 - 10:22 AM

Yes, do. So nice to "see" you again - Grandparents... wow, congrats!

B xxx

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,John MacKenzie
Date: 13 Mar 11 - 10:41 AM

Great news Don. Good to hear from you again.

John

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: billybob
Date: 14 Mar 11 - 10:05 AM

How lovely to hear your news Don, must catch up next time we are in Bungay, would like to be there for St Patricks night but we are babysitting! But my brothers band The Onions are playing and also my son Christophers scratch band. Christopher has moved on from the Fisher to manage a new project at ST Georges Chapel Great Yarmouth but still pops up as a performer at the Theatre, did you see the panto this year ? He was the Sherif of Nottingham, scared our grandchildren!!Keep well and enjoy the grandchildren.
Wendy x

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,toni
Date: 03 Jun 11 - 06:05 PM

just had to write on this thresd to say hi don i dont know you but was brought up listenin to your beautiful music which i then sang to my babies who now sing them to their babies so even though sadly you can no longer sing there is a whole new generation enjoying the music you gave us!! much love to you and your family xx

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Nov 11 - 08:28 PM

I don't know if Don's about as I've not seen him since sometime around 1964 where he was living in Larkhall Rise in Sth London.

I used to take my mouth organs along to his place, but can never recall playing anything (!) as I was overawed by his playing. And I never ever heard him sing(!)

From what I recall (and I don't know where I heard it), at that time Don was a student of someone called John Williams who was a Student of a Julian Breame and was then a sort of student of some Sergovia guy.

Don must have been the same age or a tad older than me, at 16.

His guitar playing always impressed me.

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,punkindk
Date: 08 Mar 12 - 03:20 AM

Just a bump on this thread. Somehow this morning I got reminded of the album the sun and the moon which i remember from my childhood as my Dad had a signed copy which would invariably get pulled out on summer Sunday BBQ's when the ale was in full flow. I am guessing he probably got it signed at the Hammersmith folk club, since he is from that area. I'm not even sure if my Dad still listens to his old vinyl anymore. I am pleased to say i was just found a copy on ebay and snapped it up straight awayh. Am looking forward to listening to this. It's been quite some time since I heard it.

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Mar 12 - 05:03 PM

Jacky

Wow! So many people have mentioned Prince of Wales in Hammersmith. We used to also see Don in Kingston at The Fighting Cocks. We have seen John Townsend since Hammersmith but that was many years ago. Nice to see a comment from Rod Hamilton. Used to enjoy you and John at the club. Have since met your son in Grimsby as he was with my sister Sue for some time.

I was looking for songs on You Tube from Tony Rose and Vin Garbutt when hubby asked I wonder if Don Shepherd is till around. Googled the name and lo and behold this site appeared.

Sun and The Moon still brings a lump to the throat.

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,Tom Wilson (The Wilson Family)
Date: 28 Mar 12 - 07:14 AM

Hi Don,
I too have just stumbled across this website and read the threads with great delight - particularly your own comments. I couldn't, for one minnute, expect you to remember me, but I well remember you and - to this day - am still citing you as a major influence on me getting 'into' folk music.

Memory is fallible but my recollections are that I had sold my last copy of 'Workers Press' outside of Hammersmith tube and went into the P of W for a well earned pint. As a rock/blues efficionado back in 1971, I saw a poster for Long John Bawldry at the F.C. that night and ventured in to 'check it out'.
You almost insisted that "with my Geordie(!), accent I must be able to do a song". Through the WRP, I very vaguely new some of the words to 'Blackleg Miner' so I gave it a go.
I soon discovered that I didn't really know the words, couldn't hold a key or a tune and was totally embarassed. You, however, were brilliant! You didn't console me but insisted that it was just 'nerves' and if I came back the following week I'd be much better.
Well I didn't, but some weeks later (having learn't the words) I did come back and you made me so welcome. I wasn't much better but did keep on trying and 40 years later, along with my brothers, we are still doing clubs & festivals both here and abroad - and even got to sing in the Royal Albert Hall last year!

A lot of this is directly down to you Don, so it's a great pleasure to be able to thank you personally (as it were!)

Thanks a million, Tom Wilson

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,RICHARD FREESTONE aka FERD
Date: 21 Jun 12 - 12:29 PM

A crowd of us used to drive from Muswell Hill to the Prince of Wales, Dalling Road every Thursday from about 1968 to 1972.

We always stood at the back because we never used to arrive until about 8.30. We never sang on stage but joined in all the choruses.

So Glad to hear Don & Rod are still around. Reading through all the messages I recall now that it was Diz Disley who did the Dog Piddling Song, not Don. Sad to read Diz passed away.

I am still in touch with that same crowd although many live abroad in Aus, NZ, USA, Can, Indonesia. When I visit we often reminisce about Hammersmith folk Club.I wonder if Rod will remember his final message at the end of the night:" a request from the management--will you please take your glasses back".

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,Dorcas
Date: 05 Dec 12 - 05:34 PM

Am sat here listening to dad's music and it made me think of the lovely mudcat thread. He is still doing well - the grand children numbers have increased! There are now 6 and a 7th due any day!!! Chaos reigns.

He and mum have had a bit of a rough year so we are looking forward to a calmer 2013.

I would love for one of the children to inherit dad's talent. I still listen to the music - and cry a lot!! i never get bored of it. It reminds me of how remarkable my parents are and the early years of my childhood.

I will remind him to stop by the thread and check in!!

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 05 Dec 12 - 07:22 PM

Please do, I'd love to know how Don is doing. It's been such a long time since we saw one another. Give him my best.

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Dec 12 - 02:29 PM

Hi Don and Dee I'am so glad to hear that you are that you are alive and
well and grandparents to boot,sadly we are not yet but we live in hope
we now live in exmouth, devon moved here three years ago after taking early retirement and yes I have ran into phil beer once or twice,the reason, I was on this site I was looking for the words of harvest home and yes I am still singing and thats all down to you don, I remember fondly the times at the prince of wales' and at fressingfield happy days love to both Goff and Helen xxx

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: Old_Fid
Date: 28 Apr 13 - 10:44 AM

Hello Goff and Helen,
Not having looked at this site for ages, we were pleased and gratified to hear news of you. Deirdre and I have just celebrated 40 years of marriage - a Ruby wedding anniversary! God, that makes us sound ancient! Current toll of offspring is 3 children, 6 grandchildren and 1 step-grandchild. My daughter Dorcas put me on Facebook a while ago, so that might be a more suitable contact medium, should you feel inclined. Keep well,

Don & Deirdre

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,Sam Slade
Date: 13 Aug 13 - 05:04 PM

I have such great memories of Don so many years ago now. It was in the Badingham White Horse where he used to regularly sing that met him.

It was the Queen's Silver Jubilee year and I arranged to use the pub as a base for a "round Suffolk" walk to raise money for charity. My final leg finished, quite fittingly, in the pub and Don had written and performed a song for me.

I was so honoured. My only regret was that I heard it only the once. I would love to have had a recording.

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,Katie lowndes. Remember me from long ago
Date: 25 Aug 13 - 03:50 PM

Hi there Don ,
       I remember you from so long ago , they are such happy memories music and laughter your great voice and laughter. I must have been say ten years old . My mum and dad have talked of you often they sang to I hope you remember them as they do you, please get in touch    Kate Mundy nee Lowndes.

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,Don Shepherd
Date: 26 Aug 13 - 07:56 AM

Dear Katie, of course I remember you all and the great times I used to have in Cornwall. Not having visited Mudcat Café for a while, I was surprised when my wife's cousin mentioned that she had seen some entries under the "Don Shepherd – is he still around" thread. I had not signed on for at least 8 months and so I think I should give you an update as to how things are with me.

Deirdre and I celebrated 40 years of marriage in April and can boast 3 children and 7 grandchildren. As I mentioned previously for medical reasons, I am no longer able to sing or play the guitar but still maintain an interest in all performing arts. In that we are very lucky as Bungay, a small Suffolk market town where we live, has the thriving independent Fisher Theatre which hosts a wide range of the performing arts.

I am gratified (not to say humbled) that there are still posts on this Mudcat thread with people asking for news. I am sorry that I have not been more disciplined about checking in (thankfully daughter Dorcas and cousin Cathy keep me posted but I will sincerely try to check and post regularly in future.

Give my regards to your mother and father.

All the best,

Don Shepherd

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,Goff & Helen
Date: 23 Oct 13 - 09:34 AM

Hi Don & Deirdre
Hope you are both keeping well and got over the problems of last
year, Well the good news is that I have been dragged into the 21st century and now have an Email address (thanks to daughter affy) If would be great to hear from you both, as I often think of you, The main reason for accessing the internet is I have joined Devon,s Original Buoy Band
The Exmouth Shantymen just google it and you will see us there,They are
a great crew to sing with, although my folk singing has been reduced
Anyway as I say it would to hear from you on [e-mail]
Love to you both Goff & Helen

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: Mick Tems
Date: 23 Oct 13 - 07:50 PM

Hi Don,
I met you just once while we were recording a Joe Stead album at your home - what a fabulous voice you had! I'm now editor of FolkWales Online Magazine and life president of Llantrisant Folk Club, and I live at 88 Manor Chase, Beddau, Pontypridd CF38 2JE; we must get back in touch.
All the best,
Mick Tems

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Dec 13 - 07:07 PM

Hello! My cousin and I sat on christmas day talking old memories and our hitch-hiking in Cornwall 1970 came up. Remembered an extra ordinary ride with three guys in an old Mini Cooper(??); Bill, Don and Steve. They sang all the way and told jokes. They were so funny and enjoyable, we just loved to meet and be with them. They left us in Penzance at a youth hostel but came soon back and we spent a day with them. Went to Land´s End, had lunch at a pub and in the evening we went to a folk singing club. Didn´t know that Don Shepherd´s was the leading number that evening. It was also the first time we came across Leonard Cohen´s music when Don sang "Hey is that the way to say goodbye" Thank you for a beautiful memory. Hope you are well and wish you and your family all the best! Love from Gunilla and Agneta from Sweden

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 26 Dec 13 - 04:26 AM

Just taking this opportunity to wish Don & Dierdre & family a wonderful Christmas. We will be driving up to Donegal to see Packie in February, for what will be his 97th birthday. I know he'll be glad to hear that all is well with you.

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,Teresa Mclean
Date: 30 Jun 14 - 01:27 PM

I remember all his wonderful songs from Kings Lynn days, can anyone remember the last two verses of "The Electric Fence" (Not a wonderful song but a wonderful retelling of an apocryphal story) I've a mind to sing it if only I can remember the middle bit!!!!

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: The Sandman
Date: 01 Jul 14 - 03:57 AM

TERESA, try contacting joe stead, he i not on mudcat but you will find him on the net, he produced the lp.

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,Alan OLeary
Date: 02 Jul 14 - 03:58 PM

Hiya Son,
Been wondering how things panned out for you, so I was delighted to happen upon this thread. Would love to make contact again, after all these years. My email is Alan.O'[e-mail]
You're old travelling pal,
Alan O'Leary

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,Tom Wilson (The Wilson Family)
Date: 03 Jul 14 - 07:09 AM

I don't do much of this Mudcat business but, as I've said earlier in this thread (or a one similar), Don was responsible for getting me involved in this great music when he asked me to sing at Hammersmith F.C. in about 1972.
I'd gone along to see Blues man Long John Bawldrey and I didn't even know what Folk Songs were. I'd never sang in public before that but I managed to give a terrible rendition of The Blackleg Miner which I dug out of some remote memory bank.

I continue to mention this whenever we do a 'Meet the Wilsons' session at Festivals recalling how really rubbish I was back then but how Don encouraged me and gave me confidence to practice and keep trying - and here we are now.

Thanks a lot Don - I'm forever in your debt!!

Tom Wilson

PS - If you do get to read this, it would be great to hear from you and you can get in touch via the website at www.thewilsonfamilyalbum.co.uk

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,John.Goodluck
Date: 08 Jul 14 - 09:12 AM

Hi Don, Just found this link & glad that you are still around & kicking, I thought that the oldies like you & me were finished for good but have a look on www.johngoodluck.webs.com & you will see that you can't keep a folkie from the past quiet. In fact I get married on August 9th to my recording partner Jo. We seem to play at all the mind,body,spirit festivals that have sprung up over the years & live a very happy, quiet life at Martlesham. I still have some great memories of days spent recording those super "Don Shepherd" albums. Brightest Blessings to you both from John Goodluck. [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: The Sandman
Date: 08 Jul 14 - 08:09 PM

John Goodluck.

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,jo Maynard
Date: 28 Jul 14 - 04:22 PM

Could someone tell me if I can download Dons The sun & the moon album on my phone

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,Mo Johnson
Date: 13 Nov 14 - 08:09 AM

It's about time Don's albums were available on CD, who do I have to threaten to make it happen?

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,Cathy - Don and Deirdre's cousin
Date: 20 Sep 16 - 12:10 PM

Hello.

It is with great sadness that I write on this forum to say that Don sadly passed away yesterday, Monday 19th September, 2016.

Although Don's health had not been very well for some time, it has been a shock to his family and friends.

I know from conversations with him how much he enjoyed catching up with old friends on this thread and remembering his folk singing days in the folk clubs.

A date for his funeral has not yet been finalised, but Deirdre has asked me to say that if anyone would like to attend they would be most welcome. As soon as the date is known it will be posted on here.

Thank you

Cathy

My apologies if this notice has been posted twice.

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,Billybob
Date: 20 Sep 16 - 01:42 PM

So sad to hear this Cathy, I first knew Don many years ago when he played our club in Headcorn, he was a very lovely man and a beautiful performer.
We last caught up in Bungay at the FisherTheatre. Sending my love and concondolences to Deirdie and their family.
Wendy

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: The Sandman
Date: 20 Sep 16 - 02:51 PM

R I P, Don.Sad news

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,Dorcas
Date: 21 Sep 16 - 01:59 PM

As Cathy has told you we lost my wonderful father this week. It still doesn't feel quite real, we had fought for him for such a long time. He was quite simply a breathtaking man, his musical talent, lust for life, positivity and ability to focus on the important things in life an inspiration. I feel truly blessed to have had him as a father and to have the music he made in our lives.

We are just starting the process of organising his send off. If anyone has any anecdotes or stories that they remember I would love to hear them. I want to learn as much about him as I can from his time in the "Hammersmith years".

Please feel free to email me on [e-mail]

Dorcas.

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 22 Sep 16 - 08:28 AM

I remember doing a gig with Don at Ham Rugby Club; it must have been about 1967. What a night, every time our glasses were empty, they were magically refilled. I got so drunk. Although I lived in Richmond, about 5 miles away, I slept in my car, as I couldn't even make it that far.
Sorry to hear of his passing, he was a super bloke, and will be greatly missed.
RIP old friend.

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 22 Sep 16 - 10:44 AM

I'm heartsick to see this news. Don was a truly standout man. The sun and the moon are not so bright anymore.

My heartfelt condolences to Deirdre and the family - I live in Ireland, so will not be able to get there in person to say my farewells.

R.I.P. Don

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 22 Sep 16 - 11:57 AM

I was very sorry to learn this news. When I ran my folk club, Don was one of the regular guests. He was always asked back and gave real meaning to the phrase, "by public demand". I can still see him coming into the club and how the atmosphere brightened when he arrived. Being on the ground floor helped too, I'm sure. A great performer and a great presence. What a voice! I have added his name to the "In Memoriam" thread. My condolences to all who know him and miss him.

RIP

Peter

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,John Scott Cree
Date: 22 Sep 16 - 03:05 PM

I'm very sorry to learn this news. Don had a great voice and a compelling way with an audience, playing guitar in his wheelchair. We worked on the same bill on quite a few occasions in the 1970's, at Folk at The Chequers in Horley and at Hammersmith, before he and Deirdre moved to Suffolk. I was glad to have made contact again in recent years but sorry to learn that he'd had to give up singing. It's good to see how collectable his LP is on eBay etc.

Condolences to Deirdre and all the family. You'll see from Mudcat that Don will be much missed by us too.

Subject: RE: 2016 Obit: Don Shepherd
From: GUEST,Gervase
Date: 24 Sep 16 - 05:31 AM

That is sad news. Don's rich voice will always remind me of the happy times I had in Suffolk, and songs I still sing which I learned from him. A lovely man who will be much missed.

Subject: RE: 2016 Obit: Don Shepherd
From: GUEST,Cathy - Don and Deirdre's cousin
Date: 29 Sep 16 - 03:40 PM

Further to my post above, a service to Celebrate Don's life will be held on Friday, 7th October, 2016 at Holy Trinity Church, Trinity Street, Bungay, Suffolk at 12 noon.

Anyone wishing to attend would be most welcome.

Cathy.

Subject: RE: 2016 Obit: Don Shepherd
From: GUEST,John Scott Cree
Date: 03 Oct 16 - 02:27 PM

thanks Cathy

regret I have a regular Friday morning gig so can't make it but will be with you in spirit and will say a prayer for Don and all the family.

Subject: RE: 2016 Obit: Don Shepherd
From: GUEST,Paulette Denton
Date: 10 Mar 17 - 10:42 AM

I nevermet Don Shephed I was looking forward to him coming to The Fallen Angel folk club, Bedford in 1980s. He cancelled cos of illness, very disappointing. Someone lent me an LP of his. I played it overand over. Lovely songs. My favourite is Black Crow that I still sing. Also The Sun and the Moon. Thank you Don.         

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