Obit: Memorial Shanty Night for John Collinge

Subject: RE: Obit: Memorial Shanty Night for John Collinge
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 24 Jun 03 - 08:01 AM

Over £70 collected for a local animal charity. We had a full house with a super collection of songs of the sea, albeit very loose connections (My own El*sea* Marley being one:-)) Johns wife, Margaret his son, Carl and some close friends and relatives all had a wonderful time and asked me to pass their thanks to all concerned.

Cheers

Dave

Subject: Obit: Memorial Shanty Night for John Collinge
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 10:03 AM

I am sure most people who knew him will already be aware that John Collinge, from Swinton Folk Club and the Horseshoe sessions at Ringley passed away on Sunday 15 June. John would have been 67 Saturday last and died of a stroke following a prolonged stay in Hospital.

For those who could not make the funeral last Thursday or for anyone else interested we will be hosting a memorial Shanty session at the White Lion tonight. John was well known for his Shanty singing, as well has his mischevious sense of humour. If anyone knows 'The Press Gang' or 'Homeward Bound', 2 of Johns favourites, they are more than welcome to sing them.

On another, but related, note there are some things, even in sadness, that can make you smile. At the funeral I heard for the first time Ewan MacColls 'Joy of Living' and what a beautiful song for a funeral it is! The emotive lyrics got me to thinking where I would like my ashes scattered. I decided that between the gates of Kinder is where I would like to go. Then got to imagining all my, hopefully by then, geriatric friends climbing Grindsbrook and crossing the plateau to get there. Anyone with dark peak knowledge knows what I mean:-)

One co-incidental thing happened this weekend which made me smile in sadness all more. Anyone who remembers my young friend dying some time back will realise the significance of the hat and guitar. Well, Libby (Elizabeth) his 3 year old daughter was at our house this weekend. Not only did she insist we all played assorted instruments (her favourite is a toy melodeon I have) but we also had to wear hats to go with our musical roles. Like father like daughter eh:-)

Cheers

Dave the Gnome