Obit: Geoffrey Hughes

Subject: Obit: Geoffrey Hughes
From: Dave Sutherland
Date: 29 Jul 12 - 05:17 PM

Geoffrey Hughes best remembered for his roles in Coronation Street and Keeping Up Appearances, although from the early sixties onwards he was one of this country's finest character actors, who died on 27th July was a genuine and active follower of folk music. I found this out back in 1971 when he was appearing in "Slip Road Wedding" at the University Theatre for their contribution to that year's Newcastle Festival. I was supposed to be having a meeting with the theatre's musical director Iwan Williams when we were interrupted by the actors having finished rehearsals and Geoffrey, upon learning that I was from the North East Folk Federation, wanted to discuss sea shanties for the rest of the night. He also got around a few of the local folk clubs while he was in the area on nights when he wasn't on stage.
His untimely death has robbed us of one of a most memorable actor and the music of one of its most forthright champions.
RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoffrey Hughes
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 29 Jul 12 - 11:54 PM

So sorry to learn this; at the same time, glad to hear he was a folk music supporter.

In other musical notes on his career - I was surprised to see that he was the voice of Paul in the Yellow Submarine. Just saw a special showing of that in a theater last weekend...

~ Becky in Tucson

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoffrey Hughes
From: GUEST,Gail
Date: 30 Jul 12 - 03:10 AM

He played bodhran too, often in sessions in Leeds when I lived there in the early 80s.

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoffrey Hughes
From: GUEST,Captain Farrell
Date: 30 Jul 12 - 04:38 AM

I last saw him at Trimdon Labour club watching another great Lonnie Donegan.

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoffrey Hughes
From: GUEST,Graham Bradshaw
Date: 30 Jul 12 - 02:18 PM

I remember doing a sound gig with De Dannan back in the days when Mary Black was singing with them. Geoff was there, and they got him up to play with them, and duet with the great Johnny 'Ringo' McDonagh. And he managed to hold his own as well. A fine bodhran player, and an all round good bloke.
Very sad.

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoffrey Hughes
From: Don Firth
Date: 30 Jul 12 - 11:25 PM

This is sad news.

I wasn't all that familiar with his work other than in "Keeping Up Appearances" (I kept waiting and hoping that Richard would finally loose it and murder Hyacinth!).

But--Onslow was my rôle model!

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoffrey Hughes
From: Bugsy
Date: 31 Jul 12 - 03:55 AM

I have him on a DVD playing with Fairport Convertion at Cropredy.

Sad news of his passing. Condolences to his family.


Bugsy

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoffrey Hughes
From: Betsy
Date: 31 Jul 12 - 06:01 AM

I only met him the once at a Christmas time "do" round at Garbutt's house. Vin had a road accident many years ago (before mobile phones, E.mails ) in Australia, and was in hospital for a short time. Geoff was over in Oz and read about the mishap to this English folksinger (previously unknown to him) and proceeded to visit Vin in Hospital. Vin was overwhelmed by his invalauable offer of any assistance (contacting people at home etc.,) - and Vin often recalls just talking to someone like Geoff at a difficult time , gave him great relief.
When time moved on and Geoff joined "Heartbeat" which was set not too far from Vin's home in N.Yorkshire it gave them a chance to renew their friendship - which I know was most valued by Vin and Pat.
A lover of folk music as already documented by others in this thread he loved his Bodhran which he played well the night we met, truly a good Samaritan ,and a very unassuming, decent , humourous guy who gave pleasure to millions including me.
p.s. Many Dutch people loved "Keeping up Appearances", and, his banging the Tele to make the programme re-ppear made him a well loved character !!!.

Thanks Geoff , and Rest in Peace.
Betsy

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoffrey Hughes
From: Harmonium Hero
Date: 31 Jul 12 - 12:41 PM

This is a sad loss. I knew him slightly - and briefly, back in the early 80s. A nice bloke, and, as has already been commented on, a good bodhran player. Never mind De Dannan and Fairports, he also played with the original Ildanach on a couple of occasions! In fact, it was him that got us those bookings in the first place.
Condolences to family and friends. JK.

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoffrey Hughes
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Jul 12 - 01:30 PM

This is indeeed sad news. 'Keeping Up Appearances' and 'As Time Goes By' got me through the 90s. The 'Brit Com Block' on our local PBS station was always something I looked forward to on Saturday nights. Onslow quickly became my favorite character of all. Found myself watching him to the exclusion of others in his scenes because his 're-actions' were funnier than his 'actions'.

Didn't know he was a keen bodhran player. Makes sense, though as his rhythm and timing in comedy were impeccable. Never have seen Coronation Street and from all that's been written in obits and such I'm poorer for it.

As are all of us for your passing. RIP, Mr Hughes.

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoffrey Hughes
From: SINSULL
Date: 31 Jul 12 - 01:50 PM

I loved Onslow. Always assumed he played the banjo. RIP,
SINS

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoffrey Hughes
From: Don Firth
Date: 31 Jul 12 - 03:50 PM

Onslow in—um—action. . . .

Having just heard that his sister-in-law, Hyancinth, is coming over, his "Oh, NICE!" sounds more like a response to a death sentence.

And

A characterist plaint.   Obviously, all is not right with the world!

Don Firth

P. S. Geoffrey Hughes with bodhran:   CLICKY

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoffrey Hughes
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 31 Jul 12 - 03:54 PM

He had a lot of friends here on the Isle of Wight, where he lived. Never bumped into him, sad to say, as I live at he other end.

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoffrey Hughes
From: GUEST,Eye Lander
Date: 31 Jul 12 - 07:08 PM

He came to Folkstation a couple of years ago and had, as I remember,
agreed to Mc the following year but became ill so was unable to do so.

Jillie

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoffrey Hughes
From: maggi
Date: 31 Jul 12 - 08:08 PM

A few years ago I won the raffle in aid of Katherine House Hospice at Cropredy. Geoff signed the prize of a guitar with 'Onslow' after his name, but I loved him better playing Eddie Yeats, so I was a bit disappointed. Foolish me.

Condolences to his family and friends, and RIP Geoff - you were a top bloke.

Subject: RE: Obit: Geoffrey Hughes
From: Wheatman
Date: 01 Aug 12 - 04:16 AM

A supporter of Straw Bear in the early years. Sad news indeed. Brian