Obit: Paul Woods of Bristol

Subject: Obit: Paul Woods of Bristol
From: Vic Smith
Date: 18 Jul 11 - 04:52 AM

Sandra Woods made this announcement last night:-
Paul died at 5:00 p.m. today in St. Peter's Hospice. He was one in a million and I feel so privileged to have known him and shared his life. His friends meant the world to him, and all of you should realise how important you were to him.

Paul was a hugely likeable bloke. The life and soul of the excellent Bristol Morris Men and widely liked and admired in the wider folk scene in Britain.

My main contact with him was through the Facebook group The Shirley Collins Appreciation Group Paul set this up on his own but asked me to become joint administrator saying "Who knows when I may be run over by a Bristol bus?"

Well, it wasn't an form of transport that got him but that evil disease that has accounted for so many of my (all of our) friends.The way he related the progress of this disease in an uncomplaining sometimes even jokey way was one indication of his great love of life. Having been told that he had not long to live, he posted, "I'd better not go before I know the outcome of this Dr. Who series!"

I feel sure that there will be many tributes here from the many people who knew and admired this lovely, happy man.

Subject: RE: Obit: Paul Woods of Bristol
From: johnadams
Date: 18 Jul 11 - 05:56 AM

On of nature's nice guys.

Sympathies to all friends and family from me and Chrissy.

Bon voyage Paul.

Subject: RE: Obit: Paul Woods of Bristol
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 18 Jul 11 - 11:00 AM

Oh no, I've just read about Tubby Reynolds and have now seen this! I first met Paul when I lived in Chipping Sodbury about 30 years ago and was playing hammered dulcimer with the Kit & Boodle band. Another good bloke gone - I'm so sorry!

Kitty

Subject: RE: Obit: Paul Woods of Bristol
From: Surreysinger
Date: 18 Jul 11 - 01:55 PM

I first met Paul in 2001, when we were both attending the Folk South West Easter school, at which Shirley Collins was one of the tutors. The acquaintance was re-established the following year when Shirley was again a tutor, and we stayed in contact, developing a regular assignation for a cream tea at Sidmouth and a meet up at a ballad session (or indeed at Whitby one year). We emailed, stayed in contact via Facebook and exchanged views on Doctor Who, even meeting up for Sarah Grey's 70th birthday celebrations at the Royal Oak in Lewes. He was one of life's good guys - with a great sense of humour, and a vast zest for life. I don't think I'm acquainted with any other people of 60 plus who go clubbing in Ibiza, or any who go bungee jumping in their late 50's. Paul did! He wasn't well enough to go to Sidmouth last year (he had only fairly recently been diagnosed then) - this year will be even more sad... he will be much missed. Thinking of Sandra. x

Subject: RE: Obit: Paul Woods of Bristol
From: GUEST,Chris and Harry Langston
Date: 20 Jul 11 - 04:01 PM

We seem to have known Paul forever, what a lovely chap!
All owe him a massive debt for recording EVERY club-concert since the 1960's and giving copies freely, what a star.
And an amazing collection of songs too. We've been so glad to see
more of him, and hear him sing in recent times. We'll miss Paul so much.
We're thinking of Sandra.