Ray Fisher unwell (Dec 2009)-died 31 Aug 2011

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 08:38 PM

Very glad to hear of the improvement: more good thoughts winging their way.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Allan Carr, now in Philadelphia PA
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 06:07 PM

Warmest wishes to you Ray, I've always appreciated your encouragement and kindness to me in the early days, and your great talent and humour are an inspiration always.

A' the Best from Allan and Jane.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: maeve
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 10:04 AM

"...much improved"! Julia and Colin, thanks so much for this news. I needed to read something good today and am so grateful for every bright spot in Ray's spirits.

maeve

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,GUEST: Brian Miller, Penicuik
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 10:02 AM

All the Penicuik Millers are sending their best wishes and strong thoughts.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Diva
Date: 10 Jan 10 - 02:58 PM

Sending good thoughts etc from masel and from the guid folk o' the Holm

Kathyx

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,moira(flying cat)
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 11:42 AM

fantastic news! Keep up the good work Ray! Hope you get home soon for a visit. M & M xxx

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Pat Ryan
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 11:19 AM

Happy New year To Ray & Colin.
Lots of Love
Pat

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Brian Peters
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 10:39 AM

Wish Ray a Happy New Year from me. Great to hear she's improving.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 09:49 AM

Yaaaaaaay, go Ray!

John

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 09:21 AM

Colin tells me (Fri lunchtime) that Ray is now much improved - I must have seen her at a low point. Almost back to her normal combative self, and starting to talk of home visits again.

Fingers crossed for further improvements.

Julia

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,moira(flying cat)
Date: 05 Jan 10 - 02:43 PM

Please continue to pass on our love and good thoughts. You're always in our thoughts Ray. xx

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 05 Jan 10 - 02:23 PM

Oh dear, what a shame she didn't get home as planned. It would have done her so much good.
Still thinking of you Ray.

John

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 05 Jan 10 - 02:14 PM

I went to see Ray today, and spoke to Colin as well, but it's not one of her good days. She was mostly lying asleep, but she held my hand for a bit, and I talked to her, although I don't think she really knew who I was or what she was saying. She wouldn't have been able to read your messages.

Colin told me she had a bad patch over New Year and wasn't able to go home after all (the weather was awful too, so perhaps it was for the best) but that she had brightened up on Sunday / Monday.

I remember when she was in hospital after her op. she had a day when she seemed to have given up on life. Today was like that.
She brightened up a fraction when Colin arrived, but only for a minute.

I'll hope I can pass on better news next time I see her.

Julia

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Andymac
Date: 04 Jan 10 - 04:45 AM

On my way across the pond today but just checking in to see how you're doing...best wishes for the New Year...

Andymac

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: maeve
Date: 03 Jan 10 - 03:33 PM

Please tell Ray and Colin I'm sending my love from Maine.

maeve

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Diva
Date: 02 Jan 10 - 09:57 AM

Tiara....well I expect nothing less! I am thinking of having a dress code for the surviors session/singaround on Sunday night in the Unionist at Copshie....Ray knows of where I speak. I now have a vision of George Welsh wearing a tiara.......

What do you think Ray?

Kathy Hobkirk

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,moira(flying cat)
Date: 02 Jan 10 - 05:20 AM

just checking in to see if there's any more news and to say we're still thinking of you. moira and malc

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Mary Stewart (France)
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 10:26 AM

Dear Ray,
I've just been on the phone to Adam McNaughtan who told me you were ill and he gave me the details of this site where I could pass on a message to you. The poor sowel was on the receiving end of some GBH "au téléphone" because I hadn't received our customary Xmas Card from him! I am to get another wan toute de suite!

Do you remember asking me once, at the Newcastleton festival, if I knew a fukan song or indeed a wurlitzer song?? When I replied in the negative, and keen to educate me, you hastily gave forth with,
"If a can help somebody as I pass along" followed by
"Wurlitzer one for the money, two for the show..." If only you knew the mileage I got out of relating that particular part of our conversation to all and sundry!

I've been living in France for quite some time now (about 20 years) and I don't get back over to the UK as often as I'd like but I have umpteen records, tapes etc; including yours, to keep my pecker up so I am still able to singalonga and enjoy the music.

I don't want to prattle on too long Ray. I just wanted to pass on a wee word to let you know I am thinking of you.

Mary Wigley (Stewart as was)

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Little Robyn
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 08:37 AM

Happy New Year from New Zealand Ray and Colin, Julia and Barry.
We played out the old year - I played Flo'ers o' the forest for Ray, amongst other tunes and then we did the Auld Lang Syne bit - I played while everyone else sang and danced.
It's now after 2:30am and I'm off to bed.
For you it's still only 1:30pm on New year's eve.
Nite all,
Robyn

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 08:34 AM

Thanks Julia, I've been thinking about Ray over the Christmas break, and hoping that her day of freedom from the regimens of the NHS, was a joyful one.

John

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 07:58 AM

Ray went home for Christmas Day and enjoyed herself for several hours.
I haven't seen her since but I gather from others who have that she was perked up by the whole experience. I and others think she is putting on just a little weight.

I spoke to Colin just now and she's coming home for New Year's Day as well. There was some suggestion of a 3 day home visit but Ray vetoed this herself for various medical reasons.
This time they won't have family around: I got the feeling both were a little nervous about managing at home just yet.

I'll update again as soon as I can: I've got a sniffle just now and don't want to pass it on.

Fingers crossed.

Julia / Paws

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,moira(flying cat)
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 09:45 AM

continuing to look in for updates. Hope your'e doing OK Ray. Are you getting home for New Year? xx

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: SaulBro
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 11:03 PM

So sorry to hear Ray is not well.   We've known each other for a long time, though do not cross paths very often. One of my fondest memories is of Colin presiding over the Northumbrian Pipers' Society in 1975 (at the Tower FC, if memory serves), with Ray serving tea!

Warm wishes for a speedy recovery.

Saul Broudy
Philadelphia, PA
USA

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Tom & Meg Wilson
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 09:39 AM

We've just got back from Meg's mams in Wales (computer free zone!) and have just caught up with this thread. We knew Ray wasn't well, of course, but this is terrible news.
Having known Ray for half a lifetime, we've too many good thoughts to single out just one.
I was with her a couple of months ago with our Pat (sharing a fag as usual) and we were talking about that special family thing we both shared and memories of singing together generally but at Christmas in particular - we hope you managed a few verses Ray!
Our thoughts are with you as well as Colin and the family. All our love, Tom & Meg

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 27 Dec 09 - 02:01 PM

Tom Dick and Harry Ray, remember The Wooden Horse?
Hope you had a lovely day yesterday, and I bet you smoked a few cigarettes.
Nearly said fags there, then I remembered that Americans read this.

John ☺

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,moira(flying cat)
Date: 27 Dec 09 - 12:38 PM

It was good to hear they let you were getting home for the day and we hope you had a great Christmas day. I was beiginning to think you might have had to get a shovel smiuggled in to start the escape tunnel!!   xx

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 27 Dec 09 - 12:34 PM

Further good wishes to you Ray. I hope you'll get qwell and be singing again soon. All best for New Year to you, Coplin and family. Roy Harris, known on Mudcat as Burl.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: KathWestra
Date: 27 Dec 09 - 11:02 AM

Thinking of you and hoping your tiara (and the flashing lights) shone brightly for you on Christmas day, and that you were surrounded by much love with your family close by. Best wishes to you from Washington, DC.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,EKanne
Date: 26 Dec 09 - 06:12 PM

To Ray, Colin and family,
Wishing you every good thought for what lies ahead. And with fond memories of all the lovely music,

Andy Hunter, Gordeanna McCulloch, Anne Neilson and Ian Olson.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Frank & Pat Scaglione
Date: 26 Dec 09 - 04:45 AM

We are so pleased that you were able to spend Christmas at home. We are still thinking of you and sending lots of love.
Our porch has been re-named "Ray's smokotorium" in your honour. Remember how we used to sit in there and enjoy our nicotine fix? (except for Colin of course!)
Lots of love,
Pat & Frank
Haumoana, Hawke's Bay
New Zealand (on a warm and sunny Boxing Day)

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Andymac
Date: 25 Dec 09 - 09:20 AM

Ach...I've been hoping for the best and worrying about the worst for the last few weeks, like so many of us have.. Here's hoping the doctors are wrong in their diagnosis.

Your audience and friends (same thing really) are just waiting for your next piece of inspired daftness...

Have a lovely christmas at home with the family around you...

Andymac

ps. love the tiara and flashing lights image...

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Richard Mellish
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 04:44 PM

On every occasion when I have seen Ray (rather than only heard her on record) I have been impressed as much by her wit as by her singing. I trust that her sense of humour will help her and her family through this difficult time.

Richard

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Dave (Bridge)
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 04:41 PM

Enjoy the DVD Ray. All the best from all at the Bridge

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 03:41 PM

Ray was quite cheerful in hospital this afternoon (it's still 24th here, Robyn!), but is going home mid-morning, and returning to hospital late afternoon.

Colin told me he and Duncan were going to cover the house in cards. Ray was concerned they wouldn't manage to cook the dinner "properly", but was looking forward to having a smoke in peace. (I know ...., but everyone, including me, agrees she should be allowed to do exactly as she likes.)

She's going to wear her tiara, and a hat with flashing lights, she says.
Although I didn't take in the last few messages due to rushing about, I told her messages were still coming in and that people round the world were all thinking of her, something she finds a bit overwhelming, but is very happy about.

I hope she has a wonderful time with Colin and Duncan, and then when Fiona comes up on Sunday, although she'll be back in hospital then.

I'll hope to see her again in a few days.

Paws / Julia

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Little Robyn
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 02:14 PM

Merry Christmas from New Zealand Ray!
It's 8:00am here and Santa has been already.
The 3 year old, dressed in Santa suit pyjamas, is just discovering the toys he left behind - Barbies, dresses and a scooter, and your birthday baby, now 4 weeks old, has just fallen asleep.
It's a perfect summer morning, the wind has died down, there's no sign of rain. We were singing carols outside at a friends place last night, not far from where you stayed with Pat and Frank and I was using my Tatay guitar just like yours.
Thinking of you all,
Have a lovely day at Whitley Bay.
Love,
Robyn, Mitch, Trina, Kali and baby Mickayla.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 12:02 PM

Good news, thanks for passing that on Julia, and a special Merry Christmas to you, you certainly deserve it in my book.

John

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Mick Tems
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 11:51 AM

All the best to you and to Colin, Ray - here's an old fan who hopes that you'll get better soon! Your LP, The Bonnie Birdie, is a landmark that I'll treasure always; it really thrilled and influenced me to hear such a controlled, strong and gorgeous voice ring out loud and clear. I always look forward to your rare visits to Llantrisant Folk Club, your company and your delightful conversation - or maybe we'll come up and pay you a visit!

Mick Tems

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 06:52 AM

The good news is that Ray is to be allowed home for Christmas Day itself - she has to go back to hospital in the evening. I hope to see her briefly this afternoon and I'll post again when I get back.

Their eldest son Duncan is staying over Christmas, and their daughter is to visit on 27th.

Julia / Paws

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 06:08 AM

As we move through Christmas Eve, my thoughts are with Ray, Colin and the family.
all best wishes
Derek

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,moira(flying cat)
Date: 23 Dec 09 - 05:23 AM

Hi Ray, We're so sorry to hear the latest news but there are no words to really express how we feel. We was so pleased to see you at whitby and when you did your booking at sheila's club. It was great to see you enjoying yourself again. You're such an inspiration to so many, me included. Unforgetable is probably an appropriate description. Malc and I send our love and best wishes to you and the family. We keep you in our thoughts xx

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Dave (Bridge)
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 02:02 PM

Ray did a fantastic performance at the Bridge Folk Club 50th birthday party in November 2008 and subsequently as a guest with Di at the club earlier this year. Our thoughts go out to her and Colin

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 09:19 AM

Nice one.

Still thinking of you Ray, as I do almost every day.

John

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 09:00 AM

One of the audience took this in October:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/45841739@N06/4206314030/

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Stephanie Smith
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 07:49 PM

Paws/Julia,

Thank you so much for your updates on Ray. I'm so glad that there is some good news from your visit today. Obviously there is an enormous amount of love and caring for her on this forum. There are also many positive thoughts going out on her behalf on the Ballad Listserv and Facebook.

Ray, we are all here for you! Much love to you and Colin and family!

Stephanie aka Goldilocks

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 03:09 PM

I saw Ray this afternoon, and took in the latest messages, which she reads, and enjoys. The good news is that the antibiotics she's been having for two infections have been stopped and the feed line is getting some nutrition in her.

She's very fragile, but was nibbling cake and sipping coffee. Her doctor came round while I was there, and they're still going to do various scans, presumably to get a more accurate idea of the situation.

I hope to see her again on Christmas eve. I doubt she will be home before the New Year but I could be proved wrong.

Paws / Julia

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Angie and Ken and all at Four Fools
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 05:43 AM

Would just like to add our good wishes to Ray and say we are rooting for her as well. She has long been one of my favourite singers, and a very very special person.

Every good wish Ray
Angie and Ken

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 12:54 AM

Hi Ray

Hope you're feeling better. Best wishes from New Zealand for your health and for Christmas and 2010

Cheers

Sharyn Staley

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Ed Rennie
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 08:38 PM

Dearest Ray

You are an inspirational performer and have a peerless attitude. Sharing a stage with you, as I'm sure many will readily agree, is an unnerving experience. Your repost at the National to my revealing that my parents, like the chaps in Fair Flower of Northumberland, were a Scottish Man and an English Women, but without the prison bit. "So your some sort of Half Breed then?" Not so easy singing after that, but there's no-one in the world I rather play stooge to.

As I say, unnerving, but infinitely to be treasured.

All our love and best wishes to you, Colin and the Family.

Ed, Annie and Jacob Rennie

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 06:05 PM

All best wishes to Ray, Colin and family, and thanks for good memories.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Anne Lister
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 01:00 PM

So very, very sad to hear this. My thoughts are with the family.