Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: GUEST,Rob Hunt
Date: 21 Sep 15 - 05:51 AM

I have "Closing time" on my mp3 so I listen to it frequently. A brilliant song sang as it should be by the one & only Mary Asquith. There`ll never be another like her.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 29 May 15 - 03:27 AM

Just listening to Closing Time. Masterpiece beautifully sung

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: GUEST,John Beard
Date: 28 Jun 12 - 05:40 PM

It's a lot of years ago, but I remember Mary, I think with Fran, in 1965/66 performing each week at a little folk club in the Ash pub in Stockport. I sang a few songs and began learning the guitar there. Other singers and instrumentalists around at the time included Tony Davis, Ian Gentle, Tom Yates, and Kevin Hyam. It was a good folk club made all the better by Mary's contributions.

I send my belated condolences to Fran for her loss. Mary will be missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: Vin2
Date: 14 Jun 12 - 11:10 AM

Ahh that's better

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Jun 12 - 11:09 AM

Sorry the last reply was me -
Vin2 - probs with membership etc

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Jun 12 - 10:29 AM

Nicely remembered Bryn. She was fab to watch and listem to and te Guild and Black Lion and Ring 'o' Bells, lovely voice.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: GUEST,Bryn Pugh
Date: 14 Jun 12 - 10:20 AM

Sorry About That - try [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: GUEST,Bryn Pugh
Date: 14 Jun 12 - 08:34 AM

I have a fresh E-Mail address, should anyone be interested :

[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: GUEST,Bryn Pugh
Date: 14 Jun 12 - 08:31 AM

Three years and better ; as I think I might have said erlier :

Sleep in Peace, Mary.

I well remember a gig at the Guild, when Mary was the "support", and

I was MC. I shall not name the outfit which was the "main", but Mary

could have wiped the floor with it, such was her talent.

Anyway : Mary said "I am going to sing this, because I can sense Bryn

Willing me to". The song : ' Cripple Creek ', as only She could sing

it.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: GUEST,Hazel Dressekie (Burgess)
Date: 20 Feb 11 - 06:13 PM

So very sad to hear that Mary has gone. I was at Stockport Art College with her in the 60's and we would meet up at the MSG or The Black Lion in Manchester. Good music, good memories.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: GUEST,Derek Emson
Date: 25 Dec 10 - 01:50 AM

In Googling long, almost forgotten names from my equally ancient past, i came across this sad news. I, like countless others was a regular visitor to the Spinners on Tuesday nights where Mary was a much respected regular performer. Derek Emson

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: Fran8
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 06:54 AM

Hello Lawrence. Thank you for your posting. Although we've never met, Mary used to talk about you and showed me photos of you. I know she had good memories of your times together. If you want, you could register on Mudcat and I'll be able to send you a personal message.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: GUEST,Lawrence
Date: 16 Jul 10 - 08:22 PM

Hi Fran, I was shocked to learn that Mary had died. I read all the posts here and thought for a long time about contributing. I have a dislike of going public! I knew Mary (and her mother!) very well for a time, an interesting time. She lived in Styal Avenue then, before and after her road accident. I like to think that in part we grew up together and then grew apart, but I'm probably flattering myself. At the time it caused me anger but now it just causes me regret. I left Stockport a good number of years ago and always meant to get in touch with Mary again and be a friend to her. She had so much to offer and as a friend I would and should have valued her. I'm glad she found a lasting partner in you, she deserved love. I know Whitby well, I lived near there for years. I'm glad you think Mary is at peace, I hope she is and you are too.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: GUEST,Rob Hunt
Date: 29 Jun 10 - 12:38 PM

I heard the sad news a few days ago but it`s taken me a little time to come to terms with it. Mary & I were quite close in the early 70s but we lost touch. although I`ve thought of her frequently I never managed to re-establish contact. Mary, my life is so greatly enriched by having known & loved you. Sleep well dear friend, sleep well. xxx
         Rob.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: GUEST,Pete Goodwin
Date: 28 Jun 10 - 11:05 AM

Hi Dave Gale,
How is the world with you and Jenn, it's years since we last spoke.
Last I heard of you was some years ago my inlaws and their friends were staying at a hotel in Devon and they were telling me that a man called Dave and his familey were also staying there and he played guitar and sang a few songs with the chap who was running the hotel (sounded like Robin to me).
If it is THE Dave (Country Folk) Gale, register with Mudcat and we can chat more.
Glad to find out you are still alive & kickin'
cheers

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: GUEST,Dave Gale
Date: 24 Jun 10 - 04:18 AM

Only just heard this sad news. Mary was a rare talent and an icon in the Northwest for many of us to follow. She was a true grit charracter and great fun when relaxed. You were an inspiration Mary and will be remembered for a very long time!

Dave

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: GUEST,Jim Bolton
Date: 17 May 10 - 01:50 PM

I have just heard of Mary's passing. I first heard Mary sing at a singers night at the M.S.G in the '70s. Even then it was obvious she was a major talent. Later she was a resident at Pete Williams Folk Club at Leigh and I got to know her slightly. I have often wondered what she was doing after the record came out. I didn't know she had been ill. A great loss, I am very sorry for her family and friends.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: GUEST,Tony Williams
Date: 16 May 10 - 05:19 PM

In 1969 I was 16. I used to go with a few friends from Macclesfield College to the Spinners Arms in Bollington for their Tuesday night folk evenings run by the Woods family.

Mary was a regular performer.I recall chatting to her many times during refreshment breaks whilst we sat on the stairs outside the room waiting for a song to end.She definitely drank pints then and smoked tipped cigarettes that she inserted in a holder at the top of her guitar.I subseqently saw her many times at Poynton and associated venues.

But 1971 saw me leave the north west and go off to university.Apart from odd visits to see family and friends I never returned ( though on one return visit in 1976 I saw Mary do a one woman show at Images nightclub in Macclesfield).

I had no ongoing interet in English folk music so heaven knows what jogged my mental processes to learn a couple of years ago that Mary had recorded an album and I could get it on CD. Brilliant.I could relive days.

Equally I have no idea what caused me to hit this site today.

Fran, I trust the passing of time has helped you. Also that your partner caused a spark for someone miles away, in both time and distance, to recall the gifts she had and gave

Regards

Tony Williams

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: Brian Peters
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 01:39 PM

A lovely account Fran, thanks for sharing it.
Brian

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: Fran8
Date: 19 Apr 10 - 03:50 PM

I don't know if anyone still looks at this thread, but I thought I'd post this anyway! I took Mary's ashes to Whitby this weekend. Mary and I spent some very happy and memorable times at Whitby during the folk week, and also at Robin Hoods Bay where we spent our holidays now and again. During our visits to Whitby FF, Mary took up the melodeon and became a very proficient player. Over the years, we spent many enjoyable hours at the English sessions at the Elsinore pub. Then, when she'd wrecked her shoulder heaving the bellows in and out, she decided to take up the mandolin and play Irish music. We decamped to the Ship Inn on the harbour for the remaining years, before Mary's mobility deteriorated making those Whitby hills an impossibility! I wanted to take her back there one last time. Our friends Pete Hood, Lynda Edwardes Sarah Hood and Sarah's little boy William (whom Mary adored) accompanied me. It was a perfect send off. As we drove into Whitby we played some recordings I made from Mary's folk club days. The weather was fantastic, and due to the volcano (!) there was nothing in the sky but seagulls. We all paddled into the freezing cold sea and put Mary into the waves, at one with the elements. It was very uplifting and I felt Mary was there and was truly at peace. The sadness of loss will always be there, but Mary is fine now. Thank you to all of you who took the time to write all the kind messages on this thread. They have all been greatly appreciated.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Dec 09 - 12:39 PM

Kevin Young and Lesley Young, at one time Rochdale Labour Club,now down in Sth Wales.

Hi all....we are devastated. It comes as incredible news but also brings back fantastic memories. I will never forget singing blues with Mary after hours in the Club and still have a photo that says that when you mean what you sing and love doing it, then the world flies happily along, regardless of jealousies, arguments, lies and politics.
I shall always remember that night and will always miss her.
Peace,love and freedom to you all and get in touch if you want, just say hello.
Kevin Young
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: GUEST,captain spacefreak , Greece
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 04:09 PM

I used to listen to "Closing Time" through an old audio tape while sunbathing in Goa-India, during the glorious late 70ies/early 80ies. Too sad that I 've learned that Mary died. One by one we flow through the Grey Havens.

I still have that Mother Erath vinyl stored home. Shall spin it in memoriam. Especially this and the equally wonderful "In Dreamland Tonight".

She could easily rank among the very best. Especially when it came to Dylan covers.

Rest peacefuly Mary. Your music always made my day brighter.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: GUEST,Dave Tuxford
Date: 01 Dec 09 - 07:27 AM

My acquaintance with Mary's music only goes back to the late 1980s when I discovered the North West folk scene but I was sad to miss her funeral (I was abroad). The last time I saw her perform - some years ago now - was at the Cross Keys; subsequently I kept hearing reports that she was ill but her death still comes as a shock. Another one gone. The immortality of her music is assured by 'Closing Time' (up there with 'Who Knows Where The Time Goes', I think) but of course there were the others like 'Stage Fright' to which only her own charismatic interpretation could really do justice. I hope someone who knew her well will feel able to write a proper obituary for the Folk North West magazine and perhaps put something up on the North West Folk website (northwestfolk.co.uk).

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: GUEST,Les Hutchison
Date: 28 Nov 09 - 11:18 AM

How very sad ! I knew that Mary was ill but I always expected to walk into a club sometime, somewhere and hear that fantastic voice again. I am listening to her as I write, having set up my turntable etc. in my "den". It's the first LP that I've played, since we revamped the house yonks ago, cos I only just got round to installing my old stereo.
Then I logged on to her web site to check how she was ?........
A special talent ! She will live on !

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: C Stuart Cook
Date: 26 Nov 09 - 04:01 PM

I've been trying to extract some memories from the fog of time. As with so many things I now realised I should have been paying more attention at the time.

I think the first time I heard Mary was at the Stockport College Folk Club at the Odfellows Hall on Greek St but I may have heard her in a pub somewhere first. Not a club just an informal session. Possibly the Arden Arms between Brinnington and Denton.

After that I saw her many times principally at the Pennine's club at Hyde United but also at the MSG.

I can't think I ever saw her after 1974 but do seem to have a memory of her turning up at a singaround somewhere in more recent times.

Listening to people talk it seems to be another facet of Mary that people talk of depending on when they knew her. I'd never heard "Closing Time" before. The song that always pinned ears back was her singing of McColl's "Jean Harlow" which couldn't have found a better voice to inhabit. The Dylan stuff also found a good home.

Mary's sad death has prompted me to dust off a couple of songs I wrote in the 90's, that both had some remembered elemements of Mary in their composite character. Both gone down well when sung in tribute.

Memories have been stirred in other areas as well. Is Bryn Pugh the one I remember as the first ever person I saw on the stage at MSG?

Alex, I presume with the reference to the Purple Gang is the man who never missed a drumbeat at a Stockport College gig where they'd decide to import a pair of strippers right in front of him? And went out with Barbara Holt?

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: Peter Stockport
Date: 25 Nov 09 - 07:32 PM

A great send off, well done Fran who organised it the way Mary always said she'd want it to be.
It was a very special day and a fitting tribute to a tremendous person.
There's a very sort clip here

Mary Asquith- The way she wanted it to be

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: GUEST,John Bailey
Date: 23 Nov 09 - 05:51 PM

As a young floor singer at the MSG in the late 60s, I was in awe of Mary as a performer and could only dream of aspiring to such talent. Lovely memories of a lovely lady.I have been playing Closing Time a lot recently since Phil Drane's visit in October when we reminisced about Manchester back then whilst listening to Mary. My thoughts will be with you tomorrow

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: GUEST,Peter Stockport
Date: 23 Nov 09 - 11:39 AM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: mikesamwild
Date: 22 Nov 09 - 05:34 AM

Sad news I knew her at Harry's club in the old days. A nice lady.RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: GUEST,Alex Sidebottom
Date: 20 Nov 09 - 04:24 PM

Not been able to stop thinking about her since the terrible news. they had some big names at Hyde United club, Tom Paxton, Humblebums, Carthy etc but Mary could hold her own with any of them. I was playing drums with the Purple Gang and I remember her Jamming with us when she was pissed! must have seen her dozens of times. she had the ability to inhabit a song and make it her own. One of the best interpreters of Dylan songs i ever heard. A loud hearted spirit and will always be rememberd.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: GUEST,Mary Bass
Date: 20 Nov 09 - 04:04 PM

So very sorry to hear of Mary's passing. I still play the album from time to time - takes me back to getting to know the folk clubs when I moved to North Manchester in 1978 - cracking voice, good woman - sincere condolences to Fran and family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: Vin2
Date: 20 Nov 09 - 10:36 AM

Hi Claire Seem to recall Mary doing a great version of Goodnight Irene. Next time your down at Rochdale Labout Club let me know and p'raps we could all sing it in memory of Mary.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: GUEST,Chris Cole
Date: 20 Nov 09 - 08:49 AM

If ever the term criminally ignored applied to anyone in folk it certainly was true in Mary's case. Her massive stage presence and passionate spirit touched everyone who knew her. Condolences to Fran and family.
             Love,Chris and Jan.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: GUEST,Claire Mooney
Date: 19 Nov 09 - 07:07 PM

Hugely sad news to hear of Mary's passing - not only did she sing great songs, have a brilliant sense of humour and an incredible stage presence she was a wonderfully spitited character who will be long remembered for all the right reasons. A one-off diamond!Heartfelt condolences to her partner and family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: GUEST,Lee and Judi Brown
Date: 19 Nov 09 - 11:53 AM

Just heard the news and can you believe we were only playing 'Closing Time' last night. Very sad but at least we have the memories of seeing her at Heaton Moor and Hyde United.
Condolences to all of Mary's family and friends.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: Vin2
Date: 18 Nov 09 - 05:09 AM

It' weird, even when you don't know someone personally and you've not seen the person like Mary play for many years, it's always nice to no they're still around and then when you hear they've passsed away you feel a kind of loss. Just shows the effect their presence/talent (probably unknowingly) has/had on folks.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: GUEST,Jack Taylor
Date: 17 Nov 09 - 06:54 PM

Sorry to hear the sad news. Very fond memories of watching Mary gradually formulate her unique voice and style at the MSG singer's club in the mid to late 60's. Safe journey, Mary.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: Fran8
Date: 17 Nov 09 - 05:33 PM

Thank you for all the lovely tributes you have paid to Mary. They are very comforting at this difficult time. I just wish she was here to read them. She never really knew how good she was. I have now arranged Mary's funeral. It will be in Stockport on Tuesday 24th November. If you would like to attend please send me a Personal Message via this site and I will get back to you with the details.

Regards,
Fran

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: GUEST,Marion Dennerly
Date: 17 Nov 09 - 05:53 AM

R.I.P. Mary.
I remember the first time I saw you at the Unicorn. I walked up the stairs and you were already singing. All the hairs stood up on my arms. It was truly wonderful. You will be sadly missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: Brian Peters
Date: 16 Nov 09 - 07:20 AM

I was reminiscing last night about seeing Mary perform at Poynton in the 1970s. There was always such a buzz of anticipation when she walked on to the stage, and the whole room nearly took off when she hit the first notes.

Really sorry, Fran.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: GUEST,Clive Gregson
Date: 16 Nov 09 - 06:50 AM

Just got the sad news from Jim Schofield.... I always greatly admired Mary. A great talent, a warm heart and a wicked sense of humour. My condolences to Fran, family and friends.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: Mary Humphreys
Date: 16 Nov 09 - 05:33 AM

My sincere condolences to Fran and all Mary's friends and family. I too have many happy memories of hearing Mary's distinctive voice in Manchester clubs in times gone by.
Mary Humphreys

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - 11 November 2009
From: GUEST,Barrie
Date: 15 Nov 09 - 07:12 PM

Many happy memories of Mary from the Manchester area folk clubs of the late 60s - early 70s. Phil and I booked her many times at The Bush on Market Street, Hyde. After her gig, we'd take her to the International Club in Manchester for a pint and a plate of Lazlo's goulash - which Mary paid for with her gig money! An enormous talent, and a lovely person. Rest in Peace, old friend. xxx

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - November 2009
From: GUEST,sandy
Date: 13 Nov 09 - 04:18 PM

Mary was the most fabulous soulfull and inspirational musician I ever met and I met a few starting at the MSG in the late 60s early 70s. I admired her greatly. I am very sorry to learn this sad news.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - November 2009
From: GUEST,Rob Ixer
Date: 13 Nov 09 - 12:44 PM

I am saddened to hear this she was always herself- sober or not.
Whenever I think of her I smile. She has a glass sharp wit and voice.
The early 70s in Manchester were such good times and she was at the heart of that although perhaps not having good times herself.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - November 2009
From: Vin2
Date: 13 Nov 09 - 12:22 PM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - November 2009
From: Bryn Pugh
Date: 12 Nov 09 - 06:58 AM

P S I can't PM you with this since you are a Guest. Perhaps you might E-Mail me with an address at [e-mail], please ?

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - November 2009
From: Bryn Pugh
Date: 12 Nov 09 - 06:46 AM

Dear Fran,

Our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences.

Erica and Bryn Pugh.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - November 2009
From: GUEST,Fran
Date: 12 Nov 09 - 06:37 AM

Just a quick note for now as I'm still coming to terms with the shock. Mary was my partner for nearly 30 years I got her into hospital the Sunday before last. We both expected that she would only be in for two or three days while some tests were undertaken. She deteriorated very quickly and eventually died peacefully at 8 o'clock yesterday morning while I was with her. I will be making the funeral arrangements over the next few days and will try to get the details to people who are interested in attending.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mary Asquith - November 2009
From: GUEST,Simon Prager
Date: 11 Nov 09 - 07:17 PM

I just heard this bad news from Saffron Summerfield. I contributed some bits of guitar, mandolin and vocal to her album but I haven't
seen her for years. I remember her as a warm person with a brilliant 'lived in' voice. Thank goodness that we still have some record of what she did to remember her by.

Simon Prager