2005 Obit: Chris Dunford (Hands in Pockets)

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Dunford
From: Bernard
Date: 31 Mar 05 - 07:27 PM

An uplifting and comforting experience, and that's the truth.

I'm glad Ted Edwards was able to be there, too. The nice thing about funerals is the 'guests' are only people who want to be there for the right reasons.

Yes, Dave, Chris would definitely have approved. We were doing what she best enjoyed, which is the best honour we can give to her memory.

More importantly, though, we must now keep a watchful eye on Rob. The pressure of organising everything is now off, so the grieving process is sure to begin. We must all be there to support him. He needs us now more than ever.

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Dunford
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 31 Mar 05 - 09:17 AM

Just back from the funeral - They can say I am needed in work but they can't make me do any;-)

Funerals are of course very sad occasions but out of the grief there is always something that lifts the spirit. The service itself was very well organised indeed. The right amount of religious and secular. Wonderful memories shared with us by Jan and Carol. Great rendition of Nancy Whisky/Blue Moon by the remaining members of the band. A very poignant interpretation of Planxty Irwin by Bernard during the time for reflection and a real rouser at the end, Nelson Mandela's welcome to Glasgow.

I am sure Chris would have appreciated the turn out and, as things were begining to hot up with the session at the wake, I am sure she will be there, as ever leading the harmonies! She will be remembered by many and while the recordings and wonderful memories remain she will still be with us.

Cheers

Dave.

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Dunford
From: GUEST,Dave the Gnome
Date: 30 Mar 05 - 10:26 AM

Apologies if this is repeated but as I posted on the main forum the link dropped so I have come in again at the back door.

Every cloud and all that...

Christines sad departure has resulted in a re-mix of the Hands and Feet Roadshow album 'Spot the Dog'. The track mentioned above, Caledonia, is sung by Chris alone over a sensitive guitar background with a wonderfuly eerie middle eight of sampled whistle and cors anglaise. Probably the best version of this brilliant Dougie MacLean song I have ever heard.

I believe the album will be on sale soon and I am sure that the mudcat member of the same name will provide details as soon as it is.

DtG.

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Dunford
From: Bernard
Date: 30 Mar 05 - 08:29 AM

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Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Dunford
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 27 Mar 05 - 02:51 PM

Hadn't met her, but it's distressing to read of the untimely death of this singer. My condolences to all who knew her.

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Dunford
From: Dave Wynn
Date: 27 Mar 05 - 02:00 PM

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Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Dunford
From: Bernard
Date: 25 Mar 05 - 06:11 PM

For those who don't already know, the funeral is at Noon on Thursday March 31st, at Agecroft.

It's to be a cheerful send-off for Chris, so please dress appropriately! Oh, and if you're a musician, please bring an instrument.

Afterwards we will meet at The Oaks - again, please bring intruments.

I know it's an old cliché, but "it's what she would have wanted".

I'm delighted to say that Dave 'Spot the Dog' Wynn has sent me a copy of 'Caledonia', which I'm hoping to play between 8:05pm and 8:30pm.

If you have RealPlayer (the free version is fine), you can listen live online at www.bbc.co.uk/manchester.

If you haven't got RealPlayer, there is a link on the BBC webpage for you to obtain the free version.

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Dunford
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 22 Mar 05 - 04:27 PM

Caledonia would be my choice as well, Bernard, and that of a lot of other people I guess. I think it was one of Christines favourites as well.

Thanks in advance for playing it.

Dave

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Dunford
From: Brakn
Date: 22 Mar 05 - 02:05 PM

I saw "Hands in Pockets" only once on my only ever visit to Swinton. Sad news.

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Dunford
From: Bernard
Date: 22 Mar 05 - 02:00 PM

I'm stunned. It just isn't fair.

With any luck we will play Hands in Pockets' version of 'Caledonia' on BBC GMR this coming Monday (March 28th) in memory of a person who was very dear to a lot of people.

Well do I remember when Chris was rather shyly doing floor spots at the White Lion in the early 1980s, reading from that famous book of hers.

I really cannot find words to express my feelings...

I'm sure she'll be up there right now, singing with the rest of them, and organising everybody!

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Dunford
From: PennyBlack
Date: 22 Mar 05 - 01:59 PM

That's very sad news - I still play the master tracks from their CD and remember the "Fun" we had at Ian's whilst it was being recorded - R.I.P. and sing with the angels

Pete & Eileen

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Dunford
From: Dave Wynn
Date: 22 Mar 05 - 12:31 PM

Thanks Dave T G. The thought of never hearing Christine laugh and sing those top end harmonies hurts.

Loved singing with you christine Rest Easy

Spot

Subject: Obit: Chris Dunford
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 22 Mar 05 - 07:07 AM

It is with great sadness I announce the recent death of Christine Dunford. Chris had a stroke a few weeks ago and died in hospital on Saturday never having recovered from the effects. Those of you who don't know her by name may well know her as 1/3 of the female harmony trio, Hands in Pockets, who were very well known at folk clubs and festivals all over the North of England and beyond. Chris provided the top end harmonies and a lot of the laughs! As Hands in Pockets were also part of the 'massed band', the Hands and Feet Roadshow, you may have also seen her there.

I remember Chris in the early days of Swinton Folk Club, armed with sheafs of notes, singing some wonderful unaccompanied songs. When we began planning the festival she was one of the first on board and was a powerhouse of ideas and organisation amongst us clueless rabble!
Chris then formed the trio along with Carol Chatterley and Jan Cartain. After their debut at Swinton Folk Club they took the scene by storm with their wonderfuly close harmonies and interpretations of everything from traditional and contemporary folk to swing.

Chris was also very active in other fields. A lifetime campaigner for workers and womens rights. Holding various positions in the hierarchy of her trade union, Unison, she put as much effort into helping other people as she did entertaining them. She shared lots of other interests with her husband, Rob, including supporting Manchester City and birdwatching. If she wasn't performing with the trio or the band you could be pretty sure she was either at Maine Road, a politcal rally or on a remote scottish island!

Our thoughts and sympathies go to Rob and her remaining family as well has her friends, fellow 'Hands' members, Carol and Jan, band members Steve, John, Ged and Dave and anyone who's lives were touched by this amazing lady.

Christine Dunford. Rest in Peace.

Dave.