It is with no small measure of sadness that I have to report the passing of a great bloke, Ernie Sissons, founder member of Kiveton Park Folk Club. Ernie passed away in a New Forest nursing home on 4th September aged 85 years.
He will no doubt be remembered fondly by many folkies around Sheffield, Worksop and the South Yorkshire and North Notts areas. There must still be many who remember him from the Lord Conyers pub in Wales Square, Kiveton where the club started in 1970. It became, under his guidance and enthusiasm, one of the most popular South Yorkshire folk venues and featured many of the top-line artists of the day along with rousing singers nights also. The club is, incidentally, still running 46 years later, although at a different venue.
Ernie was a man of great wit and warmth who had a charisma which endeared him to all he met. He was an accomplished MC, singer and musician, having taught himself to play the accordion quite late in life and his stage presence was impressive. His other folk accomplishment was to be an original member of Lord Conyers Morris side who toured extensively at home and occasionally abroad and he was their musician for a number of years. So, farewell to this lovely guy, a personal friend of myself and many more. It was great knowing you Ernie. Condolences to his widow Mary and the family.
There will be a celebration of Ernie's life on 28th October in Kiveton with dancing, singing and a display by Lord Conyers Morris. The full details have yet to be determined but will appear on this site as soon as available.