Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: GUEST,Chris Mills Date: 12 Feb 09 - 06:17 AM I first met Matt over thirty years ago at the Fox and Hounds folk club in Whittlebury, Northants, and I've played and sung there and at the Song Loft a bit over the years. I got to know him more when I ran 'Shire Folk'and he was always helpful to me - he never missed a copy date! He was an inspiration and a friend to many people and he will be sadly missed by all. My sympathy and condolences to Jane. Chris Mills |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: sid Date: 12 Feb 09 - 05:47 AM A toast was drunk to the memory of Matt at the Belmont Bull, Nr Bolton on Tuesday night, followed by a reading of "The Hat That Sings" by his old friend Scowie. "He's gone to that great singaround in the sky", said Scowie, "an' no doubt he'll be running it!" |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: GUEST,Alan Horton Date: 12 Feb 09 - 03:19 AM Just heard the sad news today. I first met Matt in Stony Stratford in about 1978, when I caught him putting up posters for his club over the top of my posters for the one I was running in the next town! Uncharacteristic of the man I'm sure, but after all I was poaching on his patch! And what a man he was. We've been friends ever since, and I've enjoyed many times singing and playing at The Loft and Stony Live. He worked tirelessly for folk music and the community and will be greatly missed by many people. My thoughts, and those of countless others, are with you Jane. Alan Horton |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: Cllr Date: 11 Feb 09 - 05:04 PM Years ago, when trying to do the bookings for Uxbridge FC in the Nineties, I was trying to chase down Martin Carthy and I ended up at the song loft. This was first time I remember meeting Matt and i told him of my mission and he talked to me about clubs and bookings and he made a huge impression on me with his advice and helpfulness, I wasn't a close friend but he made an impact and im very sorry to hear he has gone on. My thoughts are with his family. Cllr |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: Lurcherman Date: 11 Feb 09 - 03:51 PM More years ago than I care to remember I had moved up to MK from Kent and was desperate for some live music. A friend took me to the Vaults Bar in Stony Stratford one Sunday. I sat in one of the vacant seats and this big Scottish chap in the corner said `If you are going to sit there you will have to sing'..., I only knew one song at the time, but that didn't matter, every one was welcome..,. Matt was a one off..., a few years later still in the Vaults a group of us who enjoyed singing thought about forming a group, we were looking for a name and `The Five Men not Called Matt' were born, I think Matt was slightly bothered about what we were going to do but gave us plenty of encouragement and I know he enjoyed being the one called Matt when we sang together at the Vaults.. God Speed Matt, your sorely missed Tim |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: GUEST,Packie Manus Byrne Date: 11 Feb 09 - 12:11 PM [This is actually being written by Bonnie because Packie doesn't go near computers, but the words are his] I'm very very sorry to hear it. Many's the time I met him and had great times in his house. I will remember him as a gentleman. May he rest in peace. [And from both of us]: Our thoughts are with Jane and his family, who we hope can take some comfort from the fact that Matt was so well loved by so many people from all over the map. Packie & Bonnie xxxxx |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: GUEST,Roddy Clenaghan Date: 11 Feb 09 - 11:54 AM Matt's MySpace page has had over 350 'hits' in the last 24 hours. Thanks to everyone who has left nice messages - unfortunately you have to join MySpace to do that, but it's easy enough. I added some new photos last night, a particularly lovely one of Matt and Jane sent to me by Irene Entwhistle. I'll be adding some more songs at the weekend including Generations Of Change which Matt was adamant I had so I'd better get on and find it! I know the family are planning a website, and hopefully I'll be giving them a hand with that, but for now anyone eager to listen back to a few of Matt's wonderful songs and and see some nice pictures both recent and not so recent, then please have a look if you haven't already. Missing you my old pal, Roddy |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: GUEST,Guest: Clare Barber Date: 11 Feb 09 - 07:02 AM God love him x we all did :-) Matt offered solid encouragement and always a cuddle to the learner folkie I was all those years ago. Fond memories and many smiles remebered Love Clare xx |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: GUEST,Michele Welborn Date: 10 Feb 09 - 08:43 PM Thanks, Matt. You gave me space, and time, and confidence, and opportunities, and a nickname. Much love, Lady Welborn |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: GUEST,Ian Date: 10 Feb 09 - 07:30 PM Matt, You said you weren't going unless you had a cast iron guarantee that there would be a free bar and no smoking ban. Put one in for me mate and one day we'll get pissed and talk shite again. Ian. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: GUEST,Bill Marston. Date: 10 Feb 09 - 07:19 PM Hello All, I was the manager of the Vaults Bar in Stony when I first came into contact with Matt. As we were both from Fife we were instantly drawn to each other. Matt suggested a Folk Music Session on Sundays to me.The success of this, and the artists who had performed at his gigs,and he and Jane had accommodated overnight, were always a pleasure when they turned up on a Sunday Lunchtime.He will be greatly missed by the twangers in this town. If ever the "Soubriquet" Mr Music was richly desereved in this town,it should be accorded to Matt. To quote an employee of any American Supermarket "Missing you Already" , Bill Marston. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: GUEST,Steve Dawes & Helen Pitt Date: 10 Feb 09 - 07:03 PM Sad news indeed. Had great fondness and respect for Matt as a writer, performer and more recently as a friend. One real highlight for Helen and me was to be asked by Matt himself to perform with him at Scarborough Seafest in July 2007 in a concert designed to illustrate his life & career through the medium of his own songs. What a day that was! Sincere condolences to Jane and the rest of Matt's family. You've lost someone very special. Steve Dawes & Helen Pitt |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: GUEST,Jim Martin Date: 10 Feb 09 - 06:54 PM Chloe Metcalfe, are you Andy & Julia's daughter? If so, please pass on my best wishes. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: GUEST,Agnes + Frank Date: 10 Feb 09 - 05:13 PM We couldn't believe the news at first. We had only seen him a few weeks ago at the Stony Stratford Song Loft. We have enjoyed listening to his jokes and songs for the last 22 years and shared many a laugh about his special raffle prizes. We are going to miss him. Our thoughts are with you Jane Agnes and Frank |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: GUEST,Mary and Steve Date: 10 Feb 09 - 04:54 PM Matt Armour - the name of a lovely man with a big, big heart, huge boyish grin and love of life filled with music. Patience of a saint in welcoming newcomers to the Vaults workshop of all abilities and never failing to give them encouragement. We are very proud to have known Matt and shared his friendship. We will miss him more than we can say..... may he rest peacefully. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: GUEST,Matt's family Date: 10 Feb 09 - 04:39 PM Thank you all so much for your messages. They are an amazing support for Jane and Matt's family - his daughters, Jane and Julie and his sister, Magi. We are hoping that by Thursday the website mattarmour.co.uk will be live and all your kind messages and others will then be loaded on to that. The website will be mentioned on the Stony Arts website with details of how messages can be sent. We will also let you know of the arrangements when they are finalised. Many thanks again. Lally (Matt's niece) |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: Singing Referee Date: 10 Feb 09 - 04:36 PM Stunned! Christine (Moses) and I only visited The Song Loft once but we were made warmly welcome, and had a 'Great Knight'. Our condolenses to family and all those close to Matt. Matt has left a legacy via which he will be warmly remembered by many. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: GUEST,Mike Wilson,The Wilson Family Date: 10 Feb 09 - 04:11 PM Condolences to Jane from the Wilson Family.Matt was a fine man. I was reminded at every meeting by Matt, that he was our guest at The Colly, the night of my 21st Birthday Party, many, many years ago and he took great delight in continuing to remind me as the years rolled by! Each member of the family have regularly recalled stories involving Matt, from his earliest visits to Durham Folk Festival to our Sunday afternoon "drop in" visits to the Vaults session, Stoney Stratford, all recalled with laughter and affection. We have not met up enough over recent years, but thankfully, we did meet Matt along the way and we will cherish those memories. Thanks, Cheers and Fair Thee Well Matt Armour! The Wilson Family |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: GUEST,Bill Prince Date: 10 Feb 09 - 03:21 PM I first met Matt in the mid-70s when he ran a mini-festival at Wavendon. Since then, although we hadn't met that many times in the intervening years, I was always conscious of his presence and his tireless commitment to the music we all love. Peace and my condolences to Jane. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: Zany Mouse Date: 10 Feb 09 - 03:19 PM Very sad news indeed. I haven't seen Matt for years. Wish I'd made more of an effort to keep in touch. Blessings Rhiannon |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb From: GUEST,Paul Downes Date: 10 Feb 09 - 03:02 PM Just heard. Greatly shocked and saddened. Matt was a really good friend for many, many years. Thoughts with Jane. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: GUEST,Miriam Backhouse Date: 10 Feb 09 - 02:56 PM Dear Matt, Your love for the music, and for all the folks who came into your world will live on, thank you. I'm sorry we only met once, but that is enough. Dear Jane, all our thoughts and good wishes for strength and happy memories, Mim XXX |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: Jack Blandiver Date: 10 Feb 09 - 02:23 PM Hi Roddy - I'll make that link a clicky: http://www.myspace.com/mattarmour2 |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: GUEST,Malcolm Gladstone Date: 10 Feb 09 - 02:04 PM It seems that Matt has always been an integral part of my life and I was lucky enough to play with him in both the the "Gaberlunzies", and "The Elastic Band" for more years than I care to remember. Since we moved to Australia 8 years ago, our contact was less, but our friendship never faltered. It was Matt who took a young, nervous singer & player & encouraged him to "get up & bl...y well sing!", and changed my life. I'll miss you mate, Mary & I send our condolences & love to Jane. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: GUEST,Chloe Metcalfe Date: 10 Feb 09 - 12:55 PM The Vaults will truly not be the same without you Peace |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: RoyH (Burl) Date: 10 Feb 09 - 11:36 AM Goodbye good old Matt, and thank you for the songs and jokes. You will be well remembered. Condolences Jane. Roy |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: GUEST,Roddy Date: 10 Feb 09 - 09:34 AM Hi I set up a MySpace for Matt a wee while ago, you might want to visit it at: www.myspace.com/mattarmour2 Please leave a message if you're a member. Best regards, Roddy Clenaghan |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: GUEST,Sheena Wellington Date: 10 Feb 09 - 08:53 AM Very sad to hear this. Matt was a great performer, songwriter and character and we had some great times at St Andrews Folk Club which he always loved. Ainster haas lost its favourite son! Love and condolences to Jane and the rest of the family fromSheena, Malcolm & Michael |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: GUEST,flyingcat and trayton Date: 10 Feb 09 - 08:29 AM It's hard to believe Matt's dead. He was so encouraging to anyone he thought was committed to the music and song. Didn't see him very often but it was always great when we did. Love and best thoughts to Jane. Moira and Malc |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: kendall Date: 10 Feb 09 - 08:07 AM I didn't know Matt but I met him at a folk club in Kirkaldy back in 1990. I was scheduled to do a gig there but the promoter had quit and moved to Ireland without telling anyone, so her replacement hired Ian MacIntosh for my slot.(They paid my fee anyway) Matt sang a song about girls of Reykjavik..."how can I lay her from 200 miles"... He got a lot of hoots of disapproval for that one, but I got the feeling that he was just being teased and that they were actually quite fond of him. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: silverfish Date: 10 Feb 09 - 07:37 AM Matt was a unique songwriter, performer and man, passionate about and true to his roots. Always ready with advice and encouragement (wanted or not!) An inspiration to all who met him, his passing should be respectfully celebrated by those of us who walk in his shadow. Condolences to Jane, his rock and foundation. Trevor |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: Brian Peters Date: 10 Feb 09 - 06:52 AM A dreadful shock. A warm heart and a generous spirit lay behind that fruity growl, and I shall miss him. One of the big characters of the folk music world - he leaves us some fine songs. Thanks, Matt, and my very best to Jane. Brian |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: GUEST,Clive Pownceby Date: 10 Feb 09 - 05:19 AM Like Ross Campbell, I knew Matt primarily through our involvements in Fylde Festival. Also Lancaster Maritime Fest. sessions too. A gentle, generous and kindly man, I don't think I ever saw him ruffled, and as an MC and singer, his persona immediately put anyone at their ease. Like all the finest writers, he knew that the best way to make a point was softly but in conjunction with a big stick. Bless him. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: George Papavgeris Date: 10 Feb 09 - 05:08 AM I am stunned. I only got to know Matt later in life, just the last 6-7 years or so, but I appreciated enormously his personality, his value to the folk scene, his songwriting, his support. These are the sad years, as one by one old friends leave us. There will be more sad departures in times to come. But there will only be one Matt Armour, and those who knew him were lucky. My condolences, jane. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: GUEST,MC Fat (at work) Date: 10 Feb 09 - 04:41 AM This is sad news. I first came across Matt when I moved to Woburn Sands in the late 70's. He was a bit of a 'godfather' in the North Bucks Folk scene then and I don't think he was keen at first on a young upstart like me coming in rippling the waters. I started a Folk Club in Aspley Guise called the Hogsty, Matt ran the Songloft in Stoney Stratford and Drummond Davidson ran the club at Whittlebury we were all Scotsmen in fact the late great Hamish Imlach called us the 'Scotia Nostra'. I think there ended up a bit of mutual respect and the last time I saw him at Towersey he gave me a fine welcome. A fine songwriter and a 'big man' lost to the scene. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb From: GUEST,Tom Bliss Date: 10 Feb 09 - 04:03 AM Heartfelt condolences to Jane. God Speed, Matt. Tom (and Tom) |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: Sailor Ron Date: 10 Feb 09 - 03:47 AM Matt was one of the nicest, & kindest I had the pleasure to meet & work with. Fylde won't be the same without him. Thanks Matt for the pleasure you gave to so many. Pax vobiscum. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: GUEST,Paul Sirman Date: 10 Feb 09 - 03:20 AM So so sad to hear of Matt's passing. I've had the pleasure of working with Matt many times and always looked forward to spending time in his company. He gave us many laughs over the years, and we will miss hime greatly. He was one of the nicest blokes on the scene. God bless Matt, and all our sympathy to Jane. Paul and Linda Sirman |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: Herga Kitty Date: 10 Feb 09 - 02:35 AM Very sorry to hear this news - condolences to Jane and the family. Kitty |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: GUEST,Jim Martin Date: 09 Feb 09 - 10:29 PM So sorry to hear this and heartfelt condolences to Jane from Co.Clare. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: Ythanside Date: 09 Feb 09 - 10:07 PM Matt was an exceptionally nice guy. Words just cannot convey how much his loss will affect those who knew him. Heartfelt condolences to his family. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: collierlad Date: 09 Feb 09 - 09:22 PM A wee session "I came into your company an ordinary man And the first thing I encountered was your outstretched hand When you said if you're a singer, then your well welcome here And through the years you've all become so dear But I'am glad that I have known you Since the time that I was young The stories that we've shared And the countless songs we've sung So if one day I'm missing here as missing I shall be Just raise a glass & sing an old old song for me." Matt Armour RIP Matt |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: GUEST,GUEST Tony Barrand Date: 09 Feb 09 - 08:20 PM Though we both ended up making English folk music the center of our lives, I only knew and admired his work from afar in the US. I knew him well when I was a teenager and we both played rugby for Bletchley RFC. if the energy and passion he displayed in that arena was transferred to folk music, the love and affection I hear voiced by friends on this forum is full understandable and the loss a bitter one. I send love, condolences and best wishes to Matt's family and friends. Tony Barrand |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: Ross Campbell Date: 09 Feb 09 - 08:10 PM Very sorry to hear this. Matt was a great friend to Fylde Folk Festival over many years. His lovely songs, sardonic wit and the warmth of his friendship will be sorely missed. Ross |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: paula t Date: 09 Feb 09 - 07:35 PM Very , very sad news indeed. Matt was a lovely man. A huge loss.We always received a warm welcome from Matt and Jane. Our condolences to Jane. Paula,Stuart, Sarah and Kathryn Tindall. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: Leadfingers Date: 09 Feb 09 - 07:34 PM The Song Loft , and the Sunday session have been a point of call for me for a bit too long ! Another good man gone , but he HAS left his songs for us ! |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009 From: MoorleyMan Date: 09 Feb 09 - 06:43 PM Oh no, another good man gone. Once met, never forgotten. RIP Matt; and my condolences to Jane. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour - RIP From: sleepyjon Date: 09 Feb 09 - 06:01 PM There'll be a big gap in the barn at Towersey too - and who'll do the veg at Whittlebury? Why did I never get my a*** in gear and go to the Song Loft? B*****!! John G |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour - RIP From: Jane Bird Date: 09 Feb 09 - 05:51 PM That is sad news - Matt will be missed. My condolances to Jane. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour - RIP From: The Sandman Date: 09 Feb 09 - 05:03 PM apologies for my typo, Jane. Matt was a good songwriter ,Singer ,organiser,and a good bloke. |
Share Thread: |
Subject: | Help |
From: | |
Preview Automatic Linebreaks Make a link ("blue clicky") |