2011 Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: The Sandman
Date: 25 Dec 23 - 06:07 AM

condolences to you

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: John J
Date: 25 Dec 23 - 05:42 AM

Christmas Day's come around again...but my heart isn't filled with glee.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: John J
Date: 25 Dec 21 - 04:52 AM

The last 10 years have flown by, I still find myself wanting to pick up the phone to speak to you.
Missing you loads.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 13 Sep 21 - 03:20 PM

My Mum would have been 90 just over a week ago, John, but sadly passed away earlier this year. Something else to share but more sad than beers in Florida :-)

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: John J
Date: 13 Sep 21 - 12:43 PM

Happy 90th Birthday Mum - I hope you've found a good music session to play in.....missing you loads!

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Dec 20 - 04:48 AM

After all this time I still feel the need to pick up the phone for a chat with Mum - every time I hear something interesting on the radio, or maybe hear a new tune or song.
It's all a bit of a bugger really.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: John J
Date: 30 Dec 19 - 09:39 AM

A bit late - Mudcat was down on Christmas Day.
I can't believe how the years speed by, yet Mum is on my mind as much today as she was on Christmas Day 2011.
I'd love her to be playing with me at tomorrow's ceilidh, I'll just have to imagine her squeezing away on her accordion in a better place.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: Noreen
Date: 27 Dec 18 - 06:19 PM

It's good to be reminded of the lovely lady, JJ- I can clearly see her face lighting up when we bumped into each other at a festival, she laden with her accordion and heading for a session :)

(My lovely mum will be 89 in a couple of weeks!)

Hugs xxx

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: GUEST,akenaton
Date: 25 Dec 18 - 05:35 PM

Best wishes Johnny, one of the really nice folk.
My dear old uncle who brought me up died on New Years day twenty years ago, as did my much loved Gina, Jan 1st 2018.
A sad double anniversary.    Ake

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: John J
Date: 25 Dec 18 - 05:05 PM

The years pass so quickly - missing you loads Mum.
xx

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: rich-joy
Date: 25 Dec 17 - 06:25 PM

Just been told that Darwin Folk & Blues stalwart, Chris Pemberton, passed at 8am Xmas morning.
Though I only met him the once, I know many in the Northern Territory Family of Folkies (some of whom are Mudcatters), were well acquainted and will surely miss him :)

Vale Pembo.




R-J
Down Under

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: peteglasgow
Date: 25 Dec 17 - 04:28 PM

don't really know if this appropriate to put this on here but i feel i should somewhere. my old man died today - he was 92. we didn't really get on as he was an establishment , military and lifelong daily mail reader and enthusiastically voted to leave europe. i saw neil young doing a gig on an arena programme in 1971? after that i was never going to be what he wanted me to be and we never really resolved that difference. still, i'm happier that he died peacefully in hospital rather than his home which had become a disaster area. it's weird being an orphan at 61 - don't really know what to say, or think

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: John J
Date: 25 Dec 17 - 04:18 PM

It could have been last Christmas never mind 2011, my memory of that day is so clear.
Miss you loads Mum - we all do!
xx

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: John J
Date: 25 Dec 16 - 06:56 AM

Five years have passed and I still want to phone her up, drag her out to a music session or singaround - but she can't come.

She's there in spirit though.

I miss her greatly, more than I ever thought I would.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: Joe Offer
Date: 27 Dec 15 - 09:30 PM

With me, it's my grandmother. She died in 1982, but I still think I should be able to pick up the phone and talk things over with her.

Your mum was a special person, John. We enjoyed her. May you treasure her memory all your life.

-Joe in California-

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: GUEST,brakn
Date: 27 Dec 15 - 04:58 AM

"If I hear a radio programme that I know would interest Mum my immediate thought is to pick the telephone"

I know exactly what you mean. It was the same with my mum; it's as though she were still living in Sale!

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 26 Dec 15 - 08:23 AM

All the best from me too, John. I only met Helen a couple of times but she was a lovely lady. I lost my Dad last January and we miss him greatly so I know how you feel.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: John J
Date: 26 Dec 15 - 05:03 AM

Such very kind and moving words, thank you.

:-)

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: akenaton
Date: 25 Dec 15 - 10:58 AM

Hello again John, It's twenty years since I lost my dearest friend, my uncle who acted as a father for most of my life.
It is humbling to know that there is someone who would give their lives to save yours...without hesitation.
I know exactly what your mum meant to you....and the feelings never leave.
I'm sure she would be delighted to know that her son is such a fine individual....One of the best I've met in the folk world.   
Happy Christmas and a very Guid new Year.....Ake.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: John J
Date: 25 Dec 15 - 10:46 AM

Thanks for your kind words, Christmas Day will always be tinged with sadness now.

Ho hum.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Dec 15 - 10:10 AM

Those memories are good things, sad as they are. Have a lovely xmas.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: maeve
Date: 25 Dec 15 - 08:10 AM

John, thanks for your mum's poem. Lots of us are remembering family and friends today. You're not alone.
Regards,
Maeve

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: John J
Date: 25 Dec 15 - 06:51 AM

One of Mum's famous poems:

Voyage of Discovery

You've never heard of Stretford? Good heavens, fancy that!
Not heard of Urmston either? Well, I'll eat my hat!
Consult an atlas pinpointing their exact location
Then come along prepared for a unique revelation.

On arrival cast about, you're certain to discover
Lush meadowland where little paths meander by the river.
The Mersey, great dividing line between two ancient shires
Above whose swirling currents the wild kingfisher soars.

In stark contrast, albeit close to this verdant delight,
Stands Stretford Precinct where large supermarkets dominate.
Shop at leisure then move onto your next port of call,
The bustling town of Urmston, enjoy a pleasant stroll
Round tree lined parks; its cosy bars, but come on market day
When inimitable bargains are laid out on display.

Five star restaurants abound, enticing clientele
With gastronomic art born of inspirational skill.
The natives welcome visitors with amiable chat
And if you're not impressed well, I repeat, I'll eat my hat!

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: John J
Date: 25 Dec 15 - 06:19 AM

Four years on.

If I hear a radio programme that I know would interest Mum my immediate thought is to pick the telephone to tell her to listen to (invariably) BBC R4. Then reality hits home.

It's all a bit of a bugger.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 25 Dec 13 - 01:41 PM

Agreed John J: I can now talk or even sing about my Dad whom I lost one year before your Mum, also on Christmas Day, but it does take time. Something especially poignant about losing someone on Christmas Day: I am not particularly religious but my Dad was.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011she let
From: Leadfingers
Date: 25 Dec 13 - 11:34 AM

My Old Mum's birthday was Christmas Eve , so it was a bit drear this year as she left us in May . Sympathy Mate !!

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: John J
Date: 25 Dec 13 - 06:22 AM

The pain is perhaps diminishing with time, I'm not so sure. Every now and then it pops out of nowhere to bite you on the bum.

The sadness and sense of loss remain the same.

JJ

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: Bernard
Date: 28 Dec 12 - 01:37 PM

JJ - take comfort in the knowledge that so many of us will fondly rememeber her for a very long time!

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: ranger1
Date: 28 Dec 12 - 01:19 PM

It does get less painful over time, but you'll never stop missing her. I've been writing letters to my dad for the last four-and-a-half years, helps when I miss him most.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: GUEST,Yvonne
Date: 28 Dec 12 - 01:15 PM

She was a lovely, funny and exceedingly bright Woman. I think of her very often,JJ. She and I often got a fit of the giggles. She had such a mischevious smile and sometimes her humour was wicked.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 28 Dec 12 - 12:14 PM

sounds like a really lovely woman, I hope you hold good memories

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: GUEST,Harry
Date: 26 Dec 12 - 06:42 AM

Lots of love JJ...fond memories of your mum.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: Brakn
Date: 26 Dec 12 - 06:34 AM

Thoughts are with you JJ. Might see you later - can't find your itinerary.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 26 Dec 12 - 06:25 AM

~S~

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: catspaw49
Date: 25 Dec 12 - 08:12 PM

At some point the hurt will become a good hurt......Still painful but wrapped in memories. Not a day goes by that I don't think of my Mom and something she would enjoy or be fun to talk with about or even to argue. She made me stand behind my opinions!

And all those things and many more are with me every day. I was 18 when she died in 1967.............


Spaw

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: John J
Date: 25 Dec 12 - 06:14 PM

Here we are, a year down the line - and it's still no less painful.

What is most strange are the occasions when I hear something on the radio, learn a new song or tune, or perhaps read an article and then think - 'I must tell Mum about that, she'd be very interested'. The thought is fleeting, but the hurt of the realisation that she's not there any more lingers on.

Ah well.

JJ

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: Gillie
Date: 06 Jan 12 - 06:57 PM

Commiserations John, I never meet your Mum, she looks like she was a beautiful lady. I believe I meet you once at a Mudcat gather. Pain only lessens over time, I feel. May you feel joy for having known her. xx

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: John J
Date: 06 Jan 12 - 09:29 AM

Thanks Noreen, and to everyone who came to the funeral yesterday.

The chapel was full to overflowing - standing room only. There were even people stood outside in the entrance hall.

It was a dreadfully painful day yet it was wonderful too. More than one person came up to me at the pub session to tell me that Mum was there, right in the middle of the session - having a ball, as ever.

JJ

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: Noreen
Date: 05 Jan 12 - 05:56 PM

I've been thinking of you all today, JJ, and your Mum has been in my thoughts a lot.

I'm sure you'll have given her a great send off :)

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: GUEST,Susie
Date: 31 Dec 11 - 02:28 PM

I'll be at the Crem... but will have to zoom off after as I am singing at an apple wassail in Newton St Margarets, down the Golden Valley, the other, far side of Hay - Helen would appreciate this no end, and I'll raise a glass and toast her round the apple tres and over the bonfires.
She was a real one-off - a lovely lady with a huge talent and a very big, warm heart. You chose you Mum very well, JJ.
with love
Susie in Powys

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: olddude
Date: 31 Dec 11 - 09:43 AM

Very sorry to hear this news, you and your family are in my prayer
very sorry John

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: Arcane Lag
Date: 31 Dec 11 - 08:28 AM

Thanks John,it will be a privilige for us to be there to celebrate thew life of a truely remarkable woman.

Alan & Glenys

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: John J
Date: 31 Dec 11 - 07:37 AM

I'm really humbled by all these lovely messages - thanks folks!

Mum's funeral is at 2.30pm on Thursday 5th January:

Altrincham Crematorium
Whitehouse Lane
Dunham Massey
Altrincham
WA14 5RH

Come as you are - it's what Mum would have wanted.

Afterwards (for a laugh, cry, sing, play, chat, leap around etc):
Saracen's Head
Paddock Lane
Warburton
Lymm
WA13 9TH

JJ

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 31 Dec 11 - 03:45 AM

My sincere condolences, John. Like others I only met Helen once or twice but she made a lasting impression. I know Rest in Peace is the wrong thing for her to do, so I will just say I am sure she will enjoy the other place as much as she enjoyed this one:-)

Our thoughts are with you.

Dave

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: Malc Bedworth
Date: 30 Dec 11 - 04:48 AM

Hi John, just heard the news, really sorry to hear this she was a lovely lady, love to you and all the family (also from Dave and Gill)
Malc.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: GUEST,Harry Basnett
Date: 28 Dec 11 - 04:45 PM

So sorry to hear of your mother's passing, John. It's been a long time since we've seen any of the old crowd but we've never forgotten you.


   All our Love....Harry and Sara.xxx

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: Spleen Cringe
Date: 28 Dec 11 - 03:55 PM

Sorry to hear this John - hope you're doing okay. Really enjoyed meeting your mum when she came down to the Beech - lovely person with a really mischeivous twinkle in her eye!

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: John J
Date: 28 Dec 11 - 03:49 PM

Thanks for all the really lovely messages - it's most comforting to know that you're all out there, caring.

Bernard's put this
up on Lymm Folk Club's website - thanks Bernard.

JJ

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: Hawker
Date: 28 Dec 11 - 10:39 AM

Oh! John J So VERY sorry to hear such sad news, huge hugs to you and your family. What a marvellous woman! Though she will be sorely missed, you really do have some fanyastic memories of a lady who really knew how to live life to the full. Try to hold on to that in the dark moments.....and you know you are always welcome for a visiti to Cornwall if you need to get away from it all.
Love, Lucy & Kevin x

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Helen Jocys 25 Dec 2011
From: Neil D
Date: 27 Dec 11 - 10:20 PM

So sorry for your loss,
                Neil and Christina