Obit: 'Catter Bo Foaks (9 Aug 12)

Subject: RE: Obit: 'Catter Bo Foaks (9 Aug 12)
From: GUEST,Quin
Date: 03 Nov 13 - 08:59 PM

Sad news! I first met Bo (Colin Bower), with my Dad, sometime in late 1980, in a guitar store in Tonbridge, Kent. Bo and his wife (Pam(?))lived just across the round near the train station. I was looking for a new guitar and Bo could see that I could play, and asked me to audition for his band Pugwash. That was the start of many years of good fun. I joined Pugwash and we played sometimes as many as three gigs a day. In 1982 we recorded at Abbey Road!!!   Bo had a friend who worked at the BBC who wanted the experience of recording a band such as ours. We rehearsed for weeks and managed, in one day, to record an entire albums worth.

One of you mentioned "The Boxer". I used to sing this with Bo on a regular occasion, and when he was on form, although I heard him sing it a 100 times, I still had a hard time keeping up with him as he ripped through the terrible double entendres. It was fun!

We lost track for a while, after I left the band to go work in Saudi Arabia and reconnect in 2004 on his last night with Pubwash before heading to retirement in Tenterden.

He was a friend and mentor to many, and a hell of a recanteur.

Sadly, both my Dad and Bo passed within five days of each other. I miss them both!!

Subject: RE: Obit: 'Catter Bo Foaks (9 Aug 12)
From: Rusty Dobro
Date: 27 Apr 13 - 05:10 AM

Tempted to put Joe's last post to music - lots of built-in rhymes, and scope for 'hobo', 'goin' slow' and such.

Not sure if it would find an audience, though.

Subject: RE: Obit: 'Catter Bo Foaks (9 Aug 12)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 26 Apr 13 - 06:25 PM

I thought Colin had posted here quite often, but I could find only four posts under the name of "Guest,Bo Foaks." He was registered as "Bo Foaks," but never posted under that name. He certainly seemed to have been revered.

I've wondered about that "Bo-Bo" term for the wheel configuration of diesel and electric locomotives, and Rusty Dobro's post above finally made me look it up. Wikipedia has a very comprehensive article on the UIC classification of locomotive axle arrangements. A B-B (Bo-Bo) configuration has eight wheels on four powered axles, arranged in tow 2-axle Bogies, or wheel trucks. Co-Co locomotives have two trucks with three powered axles each. I think it's mostly Co-Co Union Pacific locomotives that go past my house every hour or so, on their way across the Sierra with their mile-long trains. There are even some Bo-Bo-Bo-Bo locomotives with four 2-axle trucks, like the GE Dash 9 Series, now surpassed the current GE Evolution Series, which have a Co-Co configuration. This list of largest locomotives even has 12-axle BoBoBo-BoBoBo and CoCo-CoCo-CoCo-CoCo locomotives. Bo Foaks would have been in his glory to see them.

Rest in peace, Bo.

-Joe, a fellow trainspotter-

Subject: RE: Obit: 'Catter Bo Foaks (9 Aug 12)
From: Rusty Dobro
Date: 26 Apr 13 - 03:50 AM

Actually, it was Colin Bower, not Bowyer.

Trivia for Foaks completists: the 'Bo' came not from his surname but from his amusement on hearing train-spotters referring to certain diesels as 'Bo-Bos'.

As for 'Foaks', he was a regular at a session in Farningham, Kent, where it was the practise to book floor-spots by writing your name and home town on a blackboard. He wrote 'Bo, 7oaks', crossing the 7 in the continental way. The MC read this as 'Foaks', and a legend was born.

I'm meeting a couple of his other school friends down in Kent next week: no doubt a glass or two will be raised to his memory.

Subject: RE: Obit: 'Catter Bo Foaks (9 Aug 12)
From: The Barden of England
Date: 25 Apr 13 - 04:51 PM

Yes, the very same I'm afraid. I miss him greatly.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Obit: 'Catter Bo Foaks (9 Aug 12)
From: GUEST,Philip Tory
Date: 25 Apr 13 - 05:37 AM

Is this "Bo Foaks" one Colin Bowyer, formerly of Sevenoaks Kent?

Subject: RE: Obit: 'Catter Bo Foaks (9 Aug 12)
From: GUEST,Henry Piper
Date: 26 Sep 12 - 06:26 PM

Only just heard the sad News, Bo called for both of my Barn dance bands "Wassail and "Rags and Tatters" on many occasions before his move to Cornwall,and as I live in Devon,I always meant to drive down and renew the aquiantance, but sadly never got round to it,

Subject: RE: Obit: 'Catter Bo Foaks (9 Aug 12)
From: Rusty Dobro
Date: 26 Aug 12 - 12:17 PM

In Bo's memory, an ornamental cherry tree, appropriately named 'Great Heart of Kent', has been planted in the gardens of the historic Stuart House in Liskeard.

Subject: RE: Obit: 'Catter Bo Foaks (9 Aug 12)
From: GUEST,Rebecca Webb
Date: 26 Aug 12 - 07:05 AM

The funeral went well despite the appalling weather. A really great turn out. He certainly will be missed by all both in Cornwall and elsewhere. Tenterden Folk Festival will certainly be strange this year as one half of the Bo and Bob double act is no longer with us.

Subject: RE: Obit: 'Catter Bo Foaks (9 Aug 12)
From: Rusty Dobro
Date: 16 Aug 12 - 07:07 AM

It seems that there will be a humanist service at Bodmin Crematorium at 0930 on Friday 24 August, followed by a tree-planting and informal music; any friends are welcome.

Not the best of dates, as the Bank Holiday traffic to Cornwall will be horrendous, and also many of us, myself included, will have been booked for festivals that weekend, but hopefully he will have a good send-off.

Subject: RE: Obit: 'Catter Bo Foaks (9 Aug 12)
From: Girl Friday
Date: 15 Aug 12 - 11:36 AM

I was at Sidmouth when the news came that one of the folkies had died. A day or so later, I heard that it was Bo. A great loss to the folk scene .

Subject: RE: Obit: 'Catter Bo Foaks (9 Aug 12)
From: Vic Smith
Date: 13 Aug 12 - 01:09 PM

Bo calling and leading the dance at last year's Tenterden Folk Festival

Subject: RE: Obit: 'Catter Bo Foaks (9 Aug 12)
From: The Barden of England
Date: 13 Aug 12 - 04:06 AM

I have put elsewhere that I knew this day was coming quite a long time ago, but the news was still horrible to take. Over the last few years we always went on to stay with Bo after Sidmouth Folk Week, first time was at his house in Looe and then his lovely house just outside Liskeard which he had put so much time and effort into. When I heard that he had gone I sang a song for my good friend and had a good weep so I could say goodbye with as much love as I could.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Obit: 'Catter Bo Foaks (9 Aug 12)
From: Liz Randall
Date: 12 Aug 12 - 04:36 PM

Sad news. I'll miss the grin - and the laugh. At peace now.
Liz

Subject: RE: Obit: 'Catter Bo Foaks (9 Aug 12)
From: Kampervan
Date: 12 Aug 12 - 03:55 PM

I only met Bo once, at Tenterden two years ago, but the fantastic way that he ran his session, his very individual sense of humour, his encouragement of reticent floor singers and his great performances made sure that I have never forgotten him.

Hoping to be at Tenterden again this year and there's no way that I'll miss the special sing around, which I'm sure will be standing room only.

So long Bo and kind thoughts to his family.

K/van

Subject: RE: Obit: 'Catter Bo Foaks (9 Aug 12)
From: vectis
Date: 11 Aug 12 - 07:08 PM

Bumped into Bo (figurativly) many times and always enjoyed the sessions more for his company. A really nice bloke.

Subject: RE: Obit: 'Catter Bo Foaks (9 Aug 12)
From: GUEST,TFF
Date: 11 Aug 12 - 12:10 PM

We will be dedicating the whole of the 20th TFF (4th to 7th October 2012) to Bo's memory and holding a special sing-a-round on the Saturday. Come along and sing the songs Bo would have sung.

Tenterden Folk Festival

Subject: RE: Obit: 'Catter Bo Foaks (9 Aug 12)
From: Kit Griffiths
Date: 11 Aug 12 - 09:28 AM

"If I recall correctly, he used to sing a rather strange version of 'The Boxer'"

That, I think, was an "adapted" version of Fred Wedlock's "adapted" song "The Folkie".

-I laughed until the tears ran down my trousers....

Subject: RE: Obit: 'Catter Bo Foaks (9 Aug 12)
From: Little Robyn
Date: 11 Aug 12 - 06:27 AM

Sad to lose a Catter - a family member, even if we haven't met.
Robyn

Subject: RE: Obit: 'Catter Bo Foaks (9 Aug 12)
From: Dave Masterson
Date: 11 Aug 12 - 06:04 AM

Very sad indeed. Heard the news yesterday from Alan Castle. First met Bo back in days of yore at the Coach House, Farningham. If I recall correctly, he used to sing a rather strange version of 'The Boxer'.

Alan is hoping to organise an event celebrating Bo at this years Tenterden Folk Festival.

So long Bo, I hope you've found peace.

Love Dave & Eileen.

Subject: RE: Obit: 'Catter Bo Foaks (9 Aug 12)
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 10 Aug 12 - 11:35 AM

Bo is now in the "In Memoriam" Thread.

RIP

Peter

Subject: RE: Obit: 'Catter Bo Foaks (9 Aug 12)
From: Vic Smith
Date: 10 Aug 12 - 11:23 AM

Very sad news. I always enjoyed his company.

Subject: RE: Obit: 'Catter Bo Foaks is unwell.....
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 10 Aug 12 - 04:41 AM

He was a lovely bloke.

Subject: RE: Obit: 'Catter Bo Foaks is unwell.....
From: Rusty Dobro
Date: 10 Aug 12 - 04:33 AM

I first met Bo in 1959, when he was still CM Bower, of the first form. Before long we were in the first of several rock groups, gravitating from Kent to South London, and then to a residency at the St Moritz club in Wardour Street where Gaz Mayall (son of John) now holds sway. He was a (very) wild drummer in those days, a great crowd pleaser, which gave the rest of us a chance to go to the bar during his extended solos.

When he began to switch to guitar, we played regular floor spots at Sevenoaks Folk Club, and he happily found his new direction. While all this was going on, I was also riding his Honda for him at Santa Pod drag races until he got his own licence, and after that would sometimes find myself riding against him in qualifying.

When he moved to Cornwall he found a job as a tour guide at the Carnglaze Caverns, doubling as sound engineer at the Rum Store underground concert hall. All the time he was busy with his session and club appearances, and he became a stalwart of the Tenterden Festival in Kent.

Our visits to each other's turf could be interesting: on one occasion, I asked him to find me a pub session where I could do one or two from the floor, and instead found myself opening for Gordon Giltrap. On a return visit, I took him to the Low House at Laxfield, of glorious memory, where he was very well received, to the extent that a pub-crawling party of London dockers plied him with a series of jugs of finest Adnams ale. My planned evening of riff-swapping and reminiscences had to wait.

Bo was a kind and gentle soul, and it was sad that he rarely found the happiness in his private life that he brought to so many with his music. At the moment, I understand that it was his wish that no-one should attend his funeral, but I will post again if that changes.

Subject: RE: 'Catter Bo Foaks is unwell.....
From: Kit Griffiths
Date: 09 Aug 12 - 02:34 PM

I'm very sorry. I knew Bo from the early days of Travelling Folk. A great singer, and raconteur. RIP.

Subject: RE: 'Catter Bo Foaks is unwell.....
From: GUEST,bouzouki bob folkestone
Date: 09 Aug 12 - 12:45 PM

sad news bo foakes passed away overnight 09 aug 2012 he will be sadly missed at tenterden folk festival kent england and everywhere he lit up with his talent and warmth.

Subject: RE: 'Catter Bo Foaks is unwell.....
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 02 Jun 12 - 10:16 PM

Always sorry to read that a Mudcatter is ill. I hope he continues to improve.

Subject: RE: 'Catter Bo Foaks is unwell.....
From: Rusty Dobro
Date: 02 Jun 12 - 05:29 AM

That's more like it - he's home, and working hard to regain some fitness. In theory, he's reachable by email and snail mail, but with six months to catch up on, may not respond for some time yet.

Subject: RE: 'Catter Bo Foaks is unwell.....
From: SylviaN
Date: 11 Apr 12 - 03:22 PM

Great news.

Subject: RE: 'Catter Bo Foaks is unwell.....
From: Rusty Dobro
Date: 11 Apr 12 - 06:46 AM

I've just updated Bo with all the names above - he sends his love, and is working hard on physio to be allowed home.

Subject: RE: 'Catter Bo Foaks is unwell.....
From: Liz Randall
Date: 09 Apr 12 - 02:09 PM

Glad to hear you are getting better slowly. Lots of love.
Liz

Subject: RE: 'Catter Bo Foaks is unwell.....
From: GUEST,Judy G
Date: 09 Apr 12 - 08:13 AM

Hi, So very sorry to hear that Bo Foaks is unwell. Does anyone know what is wrong ?

We send our love and best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Subject: RE: 'Catter Bo Foaks is unwell.....
From: SylviaN
Date: 19 Feb 12 - 07:45 AM

All the very best from Keith and me

xxxx

Sylvia

Subject: RE: 'Catter Bo Foaks is unwell.....
From: Rusty Dobro
Date: 19 Feb 12 - 07:14 AM

Glad to report that Bo has now been allowed home, though everyday life presents difficulties, and he hasn't been able to return to his elderly Takamine (or his e-mails) yet. I'll pass on any Mudcat messages.

He would welcome visits and telephone calls - PM me for details.

Subject: RE: 'Catter Bo Foaks is unwell.....
From: Vic Smith
Date: 03 Feb 12 - 09:21 AM

Best wishes to Bo from old mates Vic & Tina.

Subject: RE: 'Catter Bo Foaks is unwell.....
From: GUEST,Gavin Atkin
Date: 03 Feb 12 - 08:25 AM

Cheers Bo - I do hope things improve really soon.

Gavin

Subject: RE: 'Catter Bo Foaks is unwell.....
From: Girl Friday
Date: 03 Feb 12 - 07:30 AM

Get well wishes from someone who though not well aquainted with Bo, remembers those well-run folk sessions. I think I got into The Eight Bells once or twice.... it was always packed to the gunnels by the time I got there. BTW... the pub is now Cafe Rouge.... but they haven't gutted the place... and it is quite pleasant.

Subject: RE: 'Catter Bo Foaks is unwell.....
From: GUEST,George Frampton
Date: 03 Feb 12 - 03:52 AM

Get well soon, Bo! I recall you fondly from the Eight Bells session. The move from playing drums was quite wise.
We're relying on you to keep Den Giddens sane if ever your paths cross!

Subject: 'Catter Bo Foaks is unwell.....
From: Rusty Dobro
Date: 03 Feb 12 - 03:46 AM

Mudcat veteran Bo (Bo Foaks) is currently rather unwell, and confined to Liskeard Community Hospital, Cornwall to face a gruelling course of treatment.

He has been a stalwart of the Cornish folk scene for many years, and before that in Kent, after making a very welcome switch from drums to guitar and mandolin. Many 'catters will also have encountered him at his annual workshops and sessions at the Tenterden Folk Festival.

He has not been well enough to contact his many friends in the world of music, but would welcome visitors (check with Oak Ward first), and of course your best wishes and prayers.