Les Barker - Guildford gig cancelled

Subject: Les Barker - Guildford gig cancelled
From: Surreysinger
Date: 07 Jan 08 - 03:00 PM

Lawrence Heath (organiser of the Music Institute Club in Guildford) has just posted the following to the SEFAN network.

"I have just heard from his agent that Les suffered a heart attack at the week-end. Fortunately it was a relatively mild one which Les mistook as indigestion after returning from a Welsh language field trip(?!). However, he is currently wired up in a cardiology ward in Wales so has had to cancel all gigs for the next few months.

It would be extremely difficult to find a substitute for Les at the best of times, it is impossible at short notice. We have therefore decided to cancel the gig. We will, however, be there on the night if you fancy coming along for a drink and a chat and a song or two. If you have a hidden musical talent this might be your chance to give a performance amongst friends in the intimate surroundings of the Institute. It could be the ideal lead in to the series of singers nights Anna Tabbush has lined up at the venue (see below).

As the Music Institute will still have to cover the cost of hiring the room, advertising, etc. it would be extremely helpful if you could exchange your Les Barker tickets for tickets to other events we have got coming up over the next few month - see http://www.theguildfordinstitute.org.uk - to help us contains the loss.

If you would rather have your money refunded please let me know and I shall arrange to get a cheque to you.

Needless to say we shall have a "Get Well" card with us on Friday for people to sign, wishing Les the speediest of recoveries."

It is intended that, if we have sufficient numbers, a singaround session will take place, or failing that, congregate for socialising around the bar.... so if you want to come anyway, we will be happy to see you.

In the meantime, as Lawrence said, here's wishing the speediest of recoveries to Les.

Subject: RE: Les Barker - Guildford gig cancelled
From: Emma B
Date: 07 Jan 08 - 03:06 PM

May I add my wishes for a speedy recovery too.

Perhaps a seperate thread for his many other friends to send good thoughts would be appropiate?

Subject: RE: Les Barker - Guildford gig cancelled
From: Fran
Date: 07 Jan 08 - 04:16 PM

Get Well Soon Les:-(

Subject: RE: Les Barker - Guildford gig cancelled
From: Bernard
Date: 07 Jan 08 - 04:37 PM

Bugger.

All the best, lad, get well soon.

Subject: RE: Les Barker - Guildford gig cancelled
From: Mrs_Annie
Date: 07 Jan 08 - 05:01 PM

Really bad news.

Hope you make a good recovery Les.

Subject: RE: Les Barker - Guildford gig cancelled
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 07 Jan 08 - 05:10 PM

Les's generosity in permitting the use of his poems enabled the entire "GuideCats" charitable fundraising. A gentleman.

I am sure he will find a wealth of new poetic material in this unwelcome interlude.

Subject: RE: Les Barker - Guildford gig cancelled
From: Little Robyn
Date: 07 Jan 08 - 05:20 PM

Sorry to hear that.
Les is one of our favourite folkies. We've included one of his CD tracks in our radio show almost every Sunday.
Lots of get well wishes from Robyn and Mitch in New Zealand.

Subject: RE: Les Barker - Guildford gig cancelled
From: Surreysinger
Date: 07 Jan 08 - 05:35 PM

Re the messages - I'll make sure that they're printed out and go with the card when it gets passed around on Friday...

irene

Subject: RE: Les Barker - Guildford gig cancelled
From: My guru always said
Date: 07 Jan 08 - 05:39 PM

This is awful! Glad it was a mild one though & hopefully will get Les to slow down a bit. Sending positive thoughts to Les!
Hilary Ward

Subject: RE: Les Barker - Guildford gig cancelled
From: My guru always said
Date: 07 Jan 08 - 05:42 PM

This website for the Guildford Institute seems to work!

Subject: RE: Les Barker - Guildford gig cancelled
From: My guru always said
Date: 07 Jan 08 - 05:50 PM

Tha singaround thing looks good, but the website says you need to be a member. Is that right?

Subject: RE: Les Barker - Guildford gig cancelled
From: Surreysinger
Date: 07 Jan 08 - 07:56 PM

Thanks for the link Hilary - unfortunately in my haste to post details everywhere I could think of I completely forgot to put that up (at the moment the details of the cancellation haven't been entered up, but that should be rectified by tomorrow).

Actually (unless there's been any big change which I haven't spotted) the website doesn't say you _have_ to be a member - that's never been the case. Anybody can book tickets for the Institute club, but members get a more beneficial deal. (If you're intending to come to more than three evenings it pays you to take out annual membership). As far as Friday night goes there will be no admission fee, but a "hat" will be passed around - see the other thread about this if you're interested.

Subject: RE: Les Barker - Guildford gig cancelled
From: Mo the caller
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 05:22 AM

I see you've got Tom Kitchen booked. If anyone likes hearing great fiddling they should swop their ticket for that one.

Subject: RE: Les Barker - Guildford gig cancelled
From: Surreysinger
Date: 11 Jan 08 - 12:49 PM

Messages have been printed off, and will be sent with the Music Institute club get well card!
irene

Subject: RE: Les Barker - Guildford gig cancelled
From: GUEST,Kate Early
Date: 14 Jan 08 - 04:16 PM

Gosh, hope out Les is well soon!