Obit: Fred McCormick Nov 2015

Subject: Fred McCormick in Hospital
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 31 Oct 15 - 04:14 PM

Just read on the Mustrad website that Fred has been in hospital for a few weeks and is likely to be in for some time with lung/cardiac problems.

He's in Arrowe Park Hospital, Wirral, Merseyside.

Hopefully he has access to a computer. Sorry to hear this, Fred, and here's hoping for a swift recovery.

---

Scroll to Nov. 16 for the report of Fred's death. RIP, Mr. McCormick. We're glad we were able to know you here at the 'cat.

Subject: RE: Fred McCormick in Hospital
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 31 Oct 15 - 05:27 PM

Get well, Fred. Your sanity is sorely needed here!

Subject: RE: Fred McCormick in Hospital
From: Matthew Edwards
Date: 31 Oct 15 - 05:39 PM

Sadly Fred can't use his computer in the ward, and he is getting rather worried by the backlog of emails waiting for him!
However that is the least of his worries at present. He is missing all the news and gossip so if people would like to leave messages for him please post them here and I will take them to him.
I saw him this afternoon; he was rather tired but quite cheerful.
Matthew

Subject: RE: Fred McCormick in Hospital
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 31 Oct 15 - 06:36 PM

Thanks for that, Matthew. Please send him our best wishes. If he's not fit and well by the 21st we'll be thinking of him at the TSF meeting in Hull.

Subject: RE: Fred McCormick in Hospital
From: Will Fly
Date: 01 Nov 15 - 04:36 AM

My best wishes to Fred, and I hope he's out and about soon - and back on Mudcat!

Will

Subject: RE: Fred McCormick in Hospital
From: The Sandman
Date: 01 Nov 15 - 05:59 AM

Get Well Soon.

Subject: RE: Fred McCormick in Hospital
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Nov 15 - 06:03 AM

Yes, get well soon!

Subject: RE: Fred McCormick in Hospital
From: Dave Sutherland
Date: 01 Nov 15 - 06:54 AM

Get well soon from all at Tigerfolk

Subject: RE: Fred McCormick in Hospital
From: GUEST,Clive Pownceby
Date: 01 Nov 15 - 07:59 AM

Fred, you'll be pleased to learn that on my recent first visit to the famed Thursday PM 'Belvedere' singaround in Liverpool I sang Child Ballad 94, thus maintaining your policy if not your high standard of delivery!
Get well very soon, old chum.

Subject: RE: Fred McCormick in Hospital
From: GUEST,keith price
Date: 01 Nov 15 - 08:06 AM

Hope to see you at the Belvedere before too long Fred.

Keith

Subject: RE: Fred McCormick in Hospital
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 01 Nov 15 - 08:58 AM

Sorry to hear that you are poorly Fred. Here's hoping for a swift and complete recovery. I sent you some stuff about an Australian singer named Duke Triton some while ago. I forgot to put a note in with them but maybe you guessed they were from me. I'm trying to get a CD of his from Oz, when I do I'll burn you a copy. I believe you are interested in the Wobblies, and the songs of Joe Hill. I've got a copy of the original 'Little Red Songbook', signed 'to comrade Roy Harris'. If you're interested in seeing it when you get out I'll send it up to you. In the meantime Fred, concentrate on getting well. I'll be thinking of you. All the best, Roy.

Subject: RE: Fred McCormick in Hospital
From: MartinRyan
Date: 01 Nov 15 - 10:08 AM

Best wishes, Fred.

Regards

Subject: RE: Fred McCormick in Hospital
From: Vic Smith
Date: 01 Nov 15 - 11:08 AM

We thought that we were going to have the pleasure of your company at the King & Queen weekend in November. Now it seems that this is not to be. Get well soon Fred and I'm sure that we will catch up somewhere before long.

Subject: RE: Fred McCormick in Hospital
From: Lighter
Date: 01 Nov 15 - 02:02 PM

Yes, Fred, do get well soon. We need you here!

Subject: RE: Fred McCormick in Hospital
From: Matthew Edwards
Date: 01 Nov 15 - 02:23 PM

I paid a very brief visit to Fred today to take him a printout of the messages on this thread; he was pleased to receive them and thanks everyone for their kind wishes. We were both rather bemused by the anonymous guest post, but I took it as a sort of collective voice for all the nameless and unidentified who post here.
Matthew

Subject: RE: Fred McCormick in Hospital
From: GUEST,#
Date: 01 Nov 15 - 02:26 PM

Card on the way to Fred from Canada. Get well, because being sick really sucks.

Subject: RE: Fred McCormick in Hospital
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 01 Nov 15 - 02:29 PM

Get well soon and get out of there, Fred. Unhealthy places, hospitals!

Subject: RE: Fred McCormick in Hospital
From: Thomas Stern
Date: 01 Nov 15 - 04:24 PM

Hi Fred - hope you are making a rapid recovery and will soon be
back on the list! Best wishes, Thomas.

Subject: RE: Oct 2015: Fred McCormick in Hospital
From: GUEST,Mary Katherine
Date: 02 Nov 15 - 12:22 AM

Best wishes winging your way from out here in sunny southern California!

Subject: RE: Oct 2015: Fred McCormick in Hospital
From: fat B****rd
Date: 02 Nov 15 - 04:22 AM

Best thoughts from Dunfermline, Fred.

Subject: RE: Oct 2015: Fred McCormick in Hospital
From: GUEST,bigJ
Date: 02 Nov 15 - 05:32 AM

And all good wishes for a speedy recovery from the Isle of Man where I can hardly see the keyboard for fog this morning!
bigJ

Subject: RE: Oct 2015: Fred McCormick in Hospital
From: GUEST,Mike Yates
Date: 02 Nov 15 - 06:59 AM

Like everyone else here, Emma & myself wish Fred a speedy recovery. And, once again, our thanks,Fred, for making our stay in Liverpool last year so much brighter.

Subject: RE: Oct 2015: Fred McCormick in Hospital
From: GUEST,Dave Eyre
Date: 02 Nov 15 - 08:37 AM

Sorry to hear this!

Subject: RE: Oct 2015: Fred McCormick in Hospital
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 02 Nov 15 - 09:22 AM

Hospitals have been known to 1) have computers for patients to check in on or 2) allow laptops and have a hospital WiFi available. Is neither of those an option at this facility? I hope you'll check into that (assuming contact with Mudcat and other online music sites is considered a healthy activity for Fred!)

Get well soon, and please, someone post an address to the hospital so more of us can send cards along.

Subject: RE: Oct 2015: Fred McCormick in Hospital
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 02 Nov 15 - 02:30 PM

Thinking of you, Fred - I hope you are soon well, and send healing wishes. We miss you -

Bonnie x

Subject: RE: Oct 2015: Fred McCormick in Hospital
From: GUEST,Dave
Date: 02 Nov 15 - 03:04 PM

There is an online form for messages for patients:

http://www.wuth.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/contact-us/patient-messages/

I am slightly surprised that he can't use a computer as I had an email message from a patient in Arrowe Park about two weeks ago. Maybe it depends upon which ward.

Subject: RE: Oct 2015: Fred McCormick in Hospital
From: Matthew Edwards
Date: 02 Nov 15 - 04:37 PM

I'm not sure whether there actually are restrictions on using a computer in the ward, but in any case using one would probably be rather a strain for Fred at the moment and he needs to have time to recover fully. Once he is on the mend I'm sure he'll be back online.

The full postal address for cards is Ward 33, Arrowe Park Hospital, Arrowe Park Road, Upton, Wirral CH49 5PE. If anybody is thinking of visiting please check with the hospital as there are some restrctions due to viral infections.

Several of us who sing at the Belvedere in Liverpool with Fred have been visiting, as have comrades from the Liverpool Socialist Singers, as well as other friends, Members of Fred's family have been visiting daily as well, but for the moment please be aware that visits can be quite tiring for Fred. Fred is very grateful for all the cards and messages so please do keep them coming.
Matthew

Subject: RE: Oct 2015: Fred McCormick in Hospital
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 02 Nov 15 - 05:11 PM

Only just picked up on this - sorry to hear the news but may I add my very best wishes for a speedy recovery, Fred.

Subject: RE: Oct 2015: Fred McCormick in Hospital
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 03 Nov 15 - 07:10 AM

All best wishes for a speedy recovery from me too!

Kitty

Subject: RE: BBC sound archives
From: GUEST,guest,geoff speed
Date: 03 Nov 15 - 07:29 AM

dear fred
    do get better soon.look to seeing you and the dog soon.

Subject: RE: Oct 2015: Fred McCormick in Hospital
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 03 Nov 15 - 10:13 AM

Thanks, Matthew! You understood my questions perfectly. That hospital form is interesting, it asks for (but doesn't necessarily like) an email address. Keep trying, it apparently eventually goes through.

Subject: RE: Oct 2015: Fred McCormick in Hospital
From: GUEST,Doc Rowe
Date: 16 Nov 15 - 07:33 AM

The saddest and most upsetting of news . Have just heard that Fredhas lost that fight. He was in our thoughts over the weekend at The musical Traditions cebrations so it has an even stronger impact as we all signed a card ti be sent to him. Thanks Fred for all the sings, company,tirades and friendship. RIP.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred McCormick Nov 2015
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 16 Nov 15 - 07:48 AM

That is very sad. RIP, Fred. You will be greatly missed here and elsewhere. Condolences to all his loved ones.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred McCormick Nov 2015
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 16 Nov 15 - 07:56 AM

We've lost a great bloke. Best wishes to all his family and friends.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred McCormick Nov 2015
From: GUEST,Martin Ryan
Date: 16 Nov 15 - 07:59 AM

Very sorry to hear the news...

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred McCormick Nov 2015
From: RTim
Date: 16 Nov 15 - 08:24 AM

Sorry to hear the bad news      RIP Fred.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred McCormick Nov 2015
From: GUEST,Matthew Edwards
Date: 16 Nov 15 - 08:58 AM

Fred was very much in the thoughts of everyone at the Musical Traditions party over the weekend and it is a shame that he won't see any of the lovely messages in the card that was to be sent to him. I will give the card to his family to let them know just how well Fred was loved and respected.
I shall miss Fred terribly; besides being a fine singer and songmaker, he was very generous at sharing his knowledge. He always loved a good argument and I shall miss his lively comments. The weekly sessions at the Belvedere pub in Liverpool will be much quieter without his songs and obscure jokes - but I hope some of us will still carry out his project of singing all the Child ballads. Rest in peace old friend, Matthew

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred McCormick Nov 2015
From: GUEST,Phil Edwards
Date: 16 Nov 15 - 09:30 AM

I never knew Fred except by repute, and I'm very sorry to learn that I never will. I'll sing a Child ballad in his honour the next time I'm out.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred McCormick Nov 2015
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 16 Nov 15 - 09:31 AM

I haven't known Fred anywhere near as long as some of you, but all the same I'm devastated. We will remember him at Saturday's TSF meeting in Hull which I know he would have been at given half a chance. Please pass on condolences to the family from the Traditional Song Forum.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred McCormick Nov 2015
From: GUEST,Mike Yates
Date: 16 Nov 15 - 10:17 AM

As everyone says, this is really sad news. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends. Mike & Emma.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred McCormick Nov 2015
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 16 Nov 15 - 10:20 AM

This is indeed very sad news. In recent years, he's been a regular reviewer for English Dance & Song magazine. But I've known him since ... well, impossible to say. I am sure I met him on the Liverpool scene when I was a teenager in the late 60s and into the early 70s... and I've been seeing him round and about ever since... he will be much missed....
Derek

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred McCormick Nov 2015
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 16 Nov 15 - 10:44 AM

A collection of threads Fred had contributed to

Fred's threads

His contributions were always worth reading

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred McCormick Nov 2015
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 16 Nov 15 - 11:20 AM

Sad news- didn't know Fred well, but a knowledgeable, friendly and sociable man- will miss him at gatherings of folk subversives everywhere RIP Fred

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred McCormick Nov 2015
From: Will Fly
Date: 16 Nov 15 - 11:23 AM

Another good man gone. RIP.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred McCormick Nov 2015
From: GUEST,Clive Pownceby
Date: 16 Nov 15 - 12:01 PM

He is simply irreplaceable - what a fund of knowledge (and opinions) we've lost. Conversations we had and memories of the early '70s Liverpool Folk Scene that hooked me in, come flooding back. He was always good value, always ready to chide me for not booking x,y or z at The Bothy and by implication critical of most of the people I did book! If one received a compliment from Fred,it was well-earned.
A gentle spirit though underneath and a private person. He loved his dog/s.
I'll be at Thursday's Belvedere with something from his beloved Child collection.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred McCormick Nov 2015
From: Vic Smith
Date: 16 Nov 15 - 12:21 PM

I like Jim Bainbridge's description of him as a 'folk subversive' and he was a strong advocate of the tradition in music song & stories. Add to that he was a political subversive. A man of the left who would not stand for any leftish cant that got in the way of clear thinking. I met him at those TMSA festivals in the late '60s and have been in contact with him ever since. We always had a good long talk at all those MT club weekends in Central London. As has been already mentioned, he was much in everyone's thoughts this last weekend at the King & Queen in London; I think he would have been pleased to be in the thoughts of so many friends at the time of his death.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred McCormick Nov 2015
From: Vashta Nerada
Date: 16 Nov 15 - 12:40 PM

Here are Fred's logged on messages and GUEST, Fred McCormick messages.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred McCormick Nov 2015
From: Brian Peters
Date: 16 Nov 15 - 12:45 PM

Yes, 'folk subversive' is good but, lest it get obscured by the well-deserved tributes to his knowledge and love of argument, Fred was a damn good singer too.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred McCormick Nov 2015
From: Vic Smith
Date: 16 Nov 15 - 12:52 PM

Yes, 'folk subversive' is good but, lest it get obscured by the well-deserved tributes to his knowledge and love of argument, Fred was a damn good singer too. 

.... and a fine songwriter with an individual recognisable style.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred McCormick Nov 2015
From: Vic Smith
Date: 16 Nov 15 - 01:04 PM

Fred at the Keith Summers weekend in May 2013