Obit: Roger Coult, Woja the Hippy (9 March 2008)

Subject: RE: Obit: Roger Coult, Woja the Hippy (9 March 2008)
From: GUEST,Mandomad
Date: 12 Mar 08 - 03:42 PM

A man who knew all the right chords at the right time,
A man who struck a chord with so many people,
Quiet encouragement was his way
and many would be the less for it today without his encouragement.
I remember with fondness
a night when we both played at the Market Hotel.
A memorable night of music, song and enjoyment.
Rest in peace Woja.

Subject: RE: Obit: Roger Coult, Woja the Hippy (9 March 2008)
From: Rockhen
Date: 12 Mar 08 - 01:54 PM

Thanks Shirley, and Natasha, for taking the time to contribute on here. It is really appreciated that you managed to give a few minutes, to include us when you have so much else on your minds. Take care all of you. Helen xxx

Subject: RE: Obit: Roger Coult, Woja the Hippy (9 March 2008)
From: GUEST,Della
Date: 12 Mar 08 - 11:01 AM

Woga was one of those rare performers who are capable of spontaneous witty repartee off the stage as well as on.

We have shared many nights out with the boys, also with the girls (Wog liked to tag a long on girlie nights out....for a laugh)

I met up with him a few months ago in Swigs for a (Large Willy or two) he had just finished writing a poem which he read out to me, it was hilarious, outragious and had me in stitches, It was nice to see that he was himself again after being troubled for so long.
I hope his many friends will remember that we all have to go at some point and to leave behind hope for others is the best thing a true friend could ever do, and he did that for so many including me,

Thanks Wog you helped me out of my writers block and get my life back
Love n Peace Dell xxx

Subject: RE: Obit: Roger Coult, Woja the Hippy (9 March 2008)
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 12 Mar 08 - 10:57 AM

Met Woja only a few times at GFC. A truly nice guy and a fine performer. Wherever you are now Woja, tune that guitar up and give 'em hell.
RIP.
S:0)

Subject: RE: Obit: Roger Coult, Woja the Hippy (9 March 2008)
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Mar 08 - 10:14 AM

We all played for you at the Tap & Spile last night Woja
Friends that could'nt make it would all have been thinking of you
It seemed to us you were there listening and smiling away like you did...enjoying everyone...
Love all your musical mates..and friends..
Sleep well..
xx

Subject: RE: Obit: Roger Coult, Woja the Hippy (9 March 2008)
From: GUEST,Shirley (Roger's sister)
Date: 12 Mar 08 - 09:55 AM

Just a couple more pieces of information about Monday ..

As Natasha has said, we've asked for family flowers only but any donations (direct) please to:

Shelter (Charity no 263710)
88 Old Street
London
EC1V 9HU

www.shelter.org.uk

We're also asking people to come dressed as they think appropriate, and we are sure that Roger himslef would find jeans, t-shirts etc entirely acceptable.

After the service, we will be gathering at the Tap and Spile.

Love, Shirley

Subject: RE: Obit: Roger Coult, Woja the Hippy (9 March 2008)
From: GUEST,Tony (Mooey)
Date: 12 Mar 08 - 09:23 AM

As a 'listener' it was always a treat when Roger got up to play. From the twelve inch extended 'Knockin' to the lovely, heartfelt song he sung about his Father, Roger always performed with enthusiasm and with a smile on his face.
I haven't known Roger for very long but my life is certainly richer for having known him.
Wherever he is let's hope he's got a guitar.

Subject: RE: Obit: Roger Coult, Woja the Hippy (9 March 2008)
From: GUEST,Tracey, the Fiddlin Floozie
Date: 12 Mar 08 - 07:02 AM

So many good friends. This is what I wrote in my blog, the day I heard of Woja passing away.

"I remember the first time I met Woja, at the Caistor Open Mic in January 2006. It was the first time I had ever performed on my own in public at such an event, and after coming off the stage, saw a vision in the form of an ageing hippy in a leather hat coming towards me. He gave me a huge hug, and told me I WOULD be playing on his next CD.

From then on, I saw Woja regularly at the Tap and Spile, and other musical events, and on getting to know him, found him to be a highly intelligent, musical, princpled man, with a very dry sense of humour, and I developed the greatest respect for him. I have fond memories of jamming along to Knocking on Heaven's Door. It was such fun all us musicians clattering into the open mic area, giving Rob Hanson nightmares about the number of inputs needed for Woja's entourage.

Although I never got to play on Woja's 'next' CD, I feel extremely priviledged that he asked me to play on Jasmine and Smoke for the Tap & Spile Charity CD.

Woja was a troubled man, who had many good friends who offered him help when he needed it. He was a true gentleman, who will be sadly missed in the Grimsby music scene. Rest in Peace, Woja."

A lovely, genuine guy, who will be sadly missed. To quote my husband. "Wherever he is, I hope he's got a guitar"

Subject: RE: Obit: Roger Coult, Woja the Hippy (9 March 2008)
From: Rockhen
Date: 11 Mar 08 - 09:01 PM

Hear hear, Doug...but knocking on Heaven's Door would have lasted longer :-)

Subject: RE: Obit: Roger Coult, Woja the Hippy (9 March 2008)
From: Doug Chadwick
Date: 11 Mar 08 - 08:26 PM

Just got back from the open mic night. Lots of good songs, all sung with Roger in mind. He would have enjoyed it.

DC

Subject: RE: Obit: Roger Coult, Woja the Hippy (9 March 2008)
From: Rasener
Date: 11 Mar 08 - 06:00 PM

Thanks Mark

Subject: RE: Obit: Roger Coult, Woja the Hippy (9 March 200
From: GUEST,mark atkinson
Date: 11 Mar 08 - 05:54 PM

Crematorium
Weelsby Road
Grimsby
North East Lincolnshire
DN32 0BA

Subject: RE: Obit: Roger Coult, Woja the Hippy (9 March 2008)
From: Rasener
Date: 11 Mar 08 - 05:34 PM

Natasha
My sincere condolensces and sorry to trouble you at such a difficult time, but do you have the address of the crematorium.
Les Worrall

Subject: RE: Obit: Roger Coult, Woja the Hippy (9 March 2008)
From: GUEST,Natasha(Roger's Daughter)
Date: 11 Mar 08 - 04:48 PM

The funeral will be held on Monday 17th for anyone who would like to go.
Commencing 12:15, but if people would like to gather at the crematorium from around 12 please.
Family flowers only, but donations can be given for the doorstep charity.

x

Subject: RE: Obit: Roger Coult, Woja the Hippy (9 March 200
From: GUEST,mark atkinson
Date: 11 Mar 08 - 03:29 PM

don't know what to say - i've known roj for about 20 years, and tho I'd lost touch of late due to being ill myself I still can't believe it. bye rog.

Subject: RE: Obit: Roger Coult, Woja the Hippy (9 March 2008)
From: Rockhen
Date: 11 Mar 08 - 02:08 PM

Please will anyone in the know, post on here once the funeral arrangements are known. I will do once I find out if no one else does first...

Subject: RE: Obit: Roger Coult, Woja the Hippy (9 March 2008)
From: GUEST,john boden
Date: 11 Mar 08 - 01:31 PM

I don't think anyone one here knows me, but Rog and I sat next to each other in class for 5 years. He was a smashing lad then, and when we met again after 30 or so years, and played a few games of seriously serious pool in the Tap he was just the same. Haven't seen him for about 3 years and I'm very shocked and sad. Listening to Bert Jansch playing Davy Graham's Anji whilst typing this - hope he would have approved. Myself and John Sills hope to be able to go to the funeral. Please let us know......

Subject: RE: Obit: Roger Coult, Woja the Hippy (9 March 2008)
From: Rockhen
Date: 11 Mar 08 - 01:05 PM

Sorry Mark, I guess my post looks a bit OTT and I know what u mean. I haven't accepted that he has gone yet. Please forgive me if I appeared business-like and uncaring.

Subject: RE: Obit: Roger Coult, Woja the Hippy (9 March 2008)
From: GUEST,Mark Willerton
Date: 11 Mar 08 - 12:47 PM

I still find that the words just aren't there...,and now I can't see the monitor.
So Long Bro.

Subject: RE: Obit: Roger Coult, Woja the Hippy (9 March 2008)
From: Rockhen
Date: 11 Mar 08 - 08:37 AM

For Woja
I have bought a small box which I would like to collect photos of Woja with his friends, to pass on to his family. If anyone wishes to email photos, PM me for my email address and I will print them off and enclose them with the others. If you haven't got copies I will happily copy them and return them if you don't mind.
I will also bring paper to the Tap and other music events for those who wish to write a brief, (or long!) message or remember a particular moment with him that touched you or made you laugh.
I would like it very much if his family could be given a collection of happy, funny or special memories of Woja from those who knew him as a friend.
(I also wondered if any of you have recordings of him, particularly including any out-takes!)
Sorry if this seems maybe a bit OTT. I just feel so shocked that I guess it is just something, I felt would maybe nice to do.
Hope to see some of you at the Tap tonight. I also hope we can make it a raise your glass to Woja night, although I think it will be very poignant. :-(

Subject: RE: Obit: Roger Coult, Woja the Hippy (9 March 2008)
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 11 Mar 08 - 07:45 AM

Villan
He realy enjoyed his trips to Faldingworth,and Gainsbro FC's
ANd he understood the pressure of being the main man on the evening.
Tim

Subject: RE: Obit: Roger Coult, Woja the Hippy (9 March 200
From: GUEST,Ian Onions
Date: 11 Mar 08 - 06:50 AM

I had to sit down and work out how many years I had known Woja. Twenty-Four. So many great memories of a kind,sweet human being. He and I both had a perverse pleasure in apalling puns and adventurous music. and beer and cheese. Can I reccommend looking at woja.blogspot.com?

I'll miss the old sausage so much...

Subject: RE: Obit: Roger Coult, Woja the Hippy (9 March 2008)
From: Doug Chadwick
Date: 10 Mar 08 - 07:12 PM

I first came across Roger at the Grimsby Tap & Spile Acoustic nights. As a long time guitar player but a relative newbie to playing in public, I sometimes suffer with stage fright. He was the M.C. on my first open mic night and his quiet encouragement made me feel welcome and helped me get through my set.

Roger did the artwork for the cover to the Grimsby Tappites charity CDs, so whenever I play them, I'll think of him.

DC

Subject: RE: Obit: Roger Coult, Woja the Hippy (9 March 2008)
From: Rasener
Date: 10 Mar 08 - 06:18 PM

So sorry to hear that. Although he came several times to Faldingworth Live, I never got much chance to chat with him, because of too much to do.
Woja, you are now in peace and hopefully on that magic carpet ride to somewhere that is nice and peaceful, where you can play music to your hearts content.
RIP
Les Worrall

Subject: RE: Obit: Roger Coult, Woja the Hippy (9 March 2008)
From: Hawker
Date: 10 Mar 08 - 05:52 PM

Don't think I knew him, but sounds like the world's lost another good 'un. May he be ong remembered fondly.
Cheers, Lucy

Subject: RE: Obit: Roger Coult, Woja the Hippy
From: GUEST,Kenny
Date: 10 Mar 08 - 04:45 PM

WOJA....What can i say that has'nt already been said...I knew he was ill..but did'nt know how serious..but never found the time to visit...and that hurts...he found me & my mate Tony..and introduced us to loads of wonderful people thru music...but it goes beyond that when you got to know the man...he sometimes lacked a little confidence in his music and perhaps life..i can relate to him... but the next time he was absolutley brilliant and beaming with it...besides his outstanding Computer IT skills he too helped people with.....he grew with people and allowed them to grow too...even in our/my short time of knowing him..to me that says it all..
We'll all Knock on that door one day...and i can picture him with his guitar saying...come on you lot what took you so long...
    Mama take this badge away from me
    Cause i can't use it anymore
    Its getting dark to dark to see
    Feels like i'm Knocking on heavens door
Goodnight Roger and God bless mate...
We'll see you again one day cos i really do believe...xxx

Subject: RE: Obit: Roger Coult, Woja the Hippy
From: GUEST,Allen Jarvis
Date: 10 Mar 08 - 04:00 PM

Having known Woja for just over a year i can honestly say he was a one off. He was different to say the least and a perfectionest in everything he done. A highly intelligent person as others have said and i feel honored to have know him. He may not be here in body but his spirit will live on through his music. We are all lucky to have him imortalized on recordings he has done. This is a sad day for music lovers in Grimsby. You had lots more to give Woja, Rest in Peace mate.

Subject: RE: Obit: Roger Coult, Woja the Hippy
From: GUEST,Richard Papps
Date: 10 Mar 08 - 03:42 PM

This weekend I have lost a friend. To myself and Nicola, Roger was always a gentleman. When we first began patronising the Tap & Spile in the spring of 2004, he was the first person to befriend us. It was Roger who encouraged me to attend the Open Mic and Acoustic Nights which helped me to gain confidence as a solo performer. I know there are many others who had the same experience. He was such an intelligent man, always up for a good discussion and debate about the ways of the world. I know he had his troubles and I regret not helping him more to overcome his problems. I shall miss his company and sense of humour. Most of all, I will remember him for his love of beer, music and performing. A couple of his songs, particularly the one he wrote about his father, remain favourites of mine. I will never be able to hear The Levellers song 'It's A Beautiful Day' without thinking of him performing his cover version. Wherever you are now Roger, I hope you have many Beautiful Days.

Subject: RE: Obit: Roger Coult, Woja the Hippy
From: Rockhen
Date: 10 Mar 08 - 03:08 PM

I would like to add to Tim's post about Roger Coult. I am sorry it is a bit long. I only know a little about him, I had only known him a few years. He was not a saint, he would hate to have been painted like that, but he was a very special man.
Woja will be missed by so many. Much love to his family and all those who were his friends. It was a big shock, I think, that Woja died so suddenly, even though he was very ill. It really wasn't his time yet...I still can't believe it...
After being rather nervous of my first sighting of Woja as a tall, hippyhaired man in his long leather coat, so much so, I didn't introduce myself, even though we had spoken online...I found him to be a gentle, kind man. As Tim said, he encouraged others in their music and in his own music, he played and wrote with genuine feeling. He wasn't one to start trouble, but he most definitely had the courage to speak out and state his loyalties if he felt passionately about something.
He had a quirky sense of humour. He often wrote brilliant blogs. The invasion of the teddybears was one of my favourite and we continued the joke for months...(he would say I should be writing this in orange italics so that it was invisible to the aforementioned fearsome monsters in cute disguise as all those who read it, were comforted to know they were colour-blind to orange,....nonsense but, harmless and daft, honest, it was funny....) yes, he had a zany sense of humour but I never heard him use it in anything but a gentle, and never cruel way...
Oh Woja, I was so sad and so shocked to hear the news yesterday. It was my birthday and I was gutted about that for a moment but then I figured, I will remember you with much love and a smile, every year on that day. I also believe you would want all those who knew you to remember you a positive way and to talk about you with a smile. As, another of your friends said, the 12inch version of Knocking on Heaven's Door, when you tried to involve the whole pub and not leave anyone out was one of the 'Woja Set of Moments' we will remember. You warned me when I came to visit you that you may start joking about your hospital treatment, as it progressed, in a macabre way, saying it was just your way of trying to deal with it and cope with what was a very shocking and frightening time for you. You had some tough times in your life, and I know those who cared about you, tried to support you as best they could.I think you knew that.
I will miss our 'pretend sparring' about guitars versus pianos, you were always so supportive of my 'terrible' instrument of choice! :-) You were a lover of language and its intricacies, and I will add !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! as that was another of your pet hates but always a joke.
Woja had just started upon a course of treatment. Who knows whether it would have been successful, or not? I think it would have been a very long and painful time, with much doubt about whether it was going to do any good. If you had to go anytime, I am glad you didn't suffer too much of that treatment, only for it to prove no use.
I am buying a notebook for anyone who knew Woja to write an entry about good times they remember sharing with him. If anyone wants to contribute, please see me at music stuff, those who know me, or PM me and I will add it to the book with your name. I hope you are at peace Woja and we will miss you.You were a master with language and would have written this so much better than I can...I wish you hadn't knocked on that door quite so soon. Love and hugs, Rocky x x x

Subject: RE: Obit: Roger Coult, Woja the Hippy
From: GUEST,Alex barton
Date: 10 Mar 08 - 02:48 PM

woja was a sensitive gentle person who touched many a persons heart with his music and conversation. A quiet man but somehow made you feel warm and wanted, i feel so lucky to have known him and so sad to have to say goodbye to him so soon, you have left a big gap in lots of peoples life and you'll always be apart of so many . good night and god bless xx

Subject: RE: Obit: Roger Coult, Woja the Hippy
From: GUEST,Fil
Date: 10 Mar 08 - 02:16 PM

Tim I completely agree with what you say about Woja. It really is sad news indeed and he will be missed my many, myself included.

Fil

Subject: RE: Obit: Roger Coult, Woja the Hippy
From: Big Mick
Date: 10 Mar 08 - 01:40 PM

Tim, I want to meet you one day. Any person that could write such a wonderful description of a treasured friend is an extraordinary person. Roger was lucky to have you as a friend, and obviously he was an extraordinary person to have inspired such love in a friend. His voice is already found in the people whom he encouraged to sing, so his life goes on.

I wish you all the very best, and may God be good to Roger.

All the best,

Mick Lane

Subject: RE: Obit: Roger Coult, Woja the Hippy
From: Peace
Date: 10 Mar 08 - 01:37 PM

It's a wonderful obituary when a person says what's in his heart for a friend who's passed on. Condolences to you, Tim. He sounds like a great fellow.

Subject: Obit: Roger Coult, Woja the Hippy
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 10 Mar 08 - 01:33 PM

In his sleep 9th march 2008.
Not a national hero or man of world wide renown.
A lovely man who helped a lot of people to find the courage to make their music.
He wrote many fine songs that only those that knew him have heard.
He had a hard life in many ways and gave what he could afford to give of himself.
He had many freinds here in Grimsby
He was a good man and a good freind.
He died in hospital in Hull where he was undergoing treatment for cancer.
God Bless you
Hippy