Obit: Neville Nicholson (Nov 2013)

Subject: Neville Nicholson
From: Murpholly
Date: 14 Dec 12 - 03:13 PM

Many people out there will know Neville Nicholson who has been doing the rounds of the folk clubs and festivals for many years, often acting as steward. I have just had a long conversation with him the result of which is he is to be admitted to hospital in Sheffield on Monday 17th December for immediate treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. He was quite positive, though obviously devastated and worried about his future - or lack of it. We managed to have a couple of laughs and he says he is going to take the words of some new "mucky" songs in with him to learn and thus relieve me of having to listen to his coal-mining repertoire. (My grandfather was a miner but my dad had the sense to get out. Neville has always pulled my leg about being an escapee.) I am sure you will all want to send Neville your best wishes and prayers if appropriate. We shall liaise with his wife and visit as soon as possible.

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: GUEST,Musket sans cookie
Date: 14 Dec 12 - 03:17 PM

Oh heck . Thoughts with Nev and family.

Get back to Epworth soon. I might change the habit of a lifetime and sing a mining song when you get back....

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: Lenny's mum (inactive)
Date: 14 Dec 12 - 03:36 PM

We've just been given the news, our thoughts are with Neville and his family. Hope things become more positive soon.

Janet and Malcolm

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 14 Dec 12 - 05:37 PM

He's tough as ould boots, but give him our love anyway. We've got a Shanty UK do on at Goole on the 19th Jan so tell him he'd better be up and runnin for that.

The Goolies.

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: r.padgett
Date: 15 Dec 12 - 03:08 AM

A nicer bloke you could not wish to meet!

and down to earth and practical

Come on Nev!

Ray

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 15 Dec 12 - 03:57 AM

I've never met him, but he sounds like my kind of bloke. All best wishes for recovery and return to singing. Roy.

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: GUEST,AEOLA
Date: 15 Dec 12 - 09:56 AM

Sorry to hear that. A nice chap who I've met at many Fests and hope to at some more.

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: Tatterfoal
Date: 15 Dec 12 - 10:27 AM

Hope he is on the road to recovery I miss him at the Folk Club .   Wish him all the bast from me.
Peter

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: BanjoRay
Date: 15 Dec 12 - 12:49 PM

I don't think Nev's into the mudcat, but just in case:-
Get better you old git - we miss you!

Ray

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: GUEST,Neville EPNS
Date: 16 Dec 12 - 06:26 AM

Name spelling is a little out (Nichol is correct) however what lovely sentiments from those I know and the best wishes of some I do'nt.
I am looking at six to eight weeks of chemo therapy so wont be around for some time. best I can hope for is small periods of remission.I had to go and develop a strain that only about 400 people a year develop.Wish you all a happy xmas and new year. At least I will still have a home to come back to all the best to Jude.There is always some one worse off .... this time it looks like my turn in the barrel.Bye for now love Neville

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 16 Dec 12 - 01:56 PM

We'll be thinking of you, Nev. Speedy return, old mate.

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: ossonflags
Date: 16 Dec 12 - 03:24 PM

Keep in there big man....hope to see you soon. love from Mary and me

Subject: RE: Neville Nichol
From: Murpholly
Date: 20 Dec 12 - 02:52 PM

I'm at the bottom of the mine for getting Nev's surname wrong. (Two friends both N. N. so expect Norman is wondering whose Christmas Card he has received by mistake!) Ep'th Folk produced a special card for him which Dermot and I delievered today. He laughed his socks off and was quite delighted - until the doctor came to insert a tube and we had to go away for 20 minutes. The main chemo starts tomorrow apparently but he is keeping very positive and has already discovered one nurse who is a folk singer and another is from Ireland so he keeps trying to serenade her with Fields of Athenrye. Two other patients in small ward with him and I get the feeling the three of them are up to as much mischief as their illnesses allow. Watch this space and we'll do our best to keep you in touch. He did ask me to post his thanks for all the best wishes he has received and to say he is quite touched by everyone's thoughts.

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: r.padgett
Date: 21 Dec 12 - 04:36 AM

Aw thanks for the above!
Ray

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 21 Dec 12 - 05:54 AM

Nice bloke Nev. I hope all goes well

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: Michael
Date: 21 Dec 12 - 04:50 PM

Mary sends hugs and kisses, I'll just shake hands!

Mike

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: GUEST,Lady Aelfleda
Date: 22 Dec 12 - 05:47 AM

Hi Nev
So sorry to hear your news. I'm doing OK so stop worrying about me & concentrate on getting yourself better.
All the very best
Jude

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: stallion
Date: 23 Dec 12 - 05:21 AM

Don't know Nev but this thread does epitomise what is the very best of this site, it is , has been and still will be, if we allow it, the very best of support networks. So hang on in there kid and we may get to meet in the future.
Peter

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: SylviaN
Date: 23 Dec 12 - 05:32 AM

Positive thoughts and best wishes from Keith and me.

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: Gillie
Date: 23 Dec 12 - 05:36 AM

Good luck Neville. Stay positive and we'll see you at next year's fesivals.

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: GUEST,Eileen
Date: 23 Dec 12 - 07:32 AM

Sorry to hear the news. Best wishes Nev.
Eileen & Dave

Subject: RE: Neville Nichol
From: Murpholly
Date: 03 Jan 13 - 02:46 PM

Visited Nev. in hospital today with a print off of messages from Mudcat and list of others asking after him. His chemo. has started and despite losing some weight he looked good with silver locks and beard neatly trimmed. He was also on excellent form and asked me to pass on his thanks to all for their messages. He remains quite positive and although finds it difficult to concentrate he has a stock of music and a pair of spoons to hand when he wants to keep his hand in though he says his voice is very croaky. Who cares says I as long as he keeps in touch with the folk world.

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: r.padgett
Date: 04 Jan 13 - 04:27 AM

All the best Nev!

Ray

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: r.padgett
Date: 05 Jan 13 - 04:21 AM

refish

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: Murpholly
Date: 11 Jan 13 - 09:29 AM

Just had a telephone conversation with Nev. who is Home. He has enjoyed two wonderful nights sleep in his own bed and is pleased to be eating home cooked food and cuppas made the way he likes them. He has to return to the hospital for more chemo but in the meantime apart from avoiding coughs and colds and such like he is able to relax with his feet up in front of the T.V. Says he hasn't found the strength to tune his guitar or banjo yet but has started making contact with folkie friends about. So far, so good and lets hope he keeps on getting stronger and we shall be entertained by the spoons shortly if nothing else.

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: Murpholly
Date: 27 Feb 13 - 05:38 AM

Things have been very quiet over the last few weeks but just had an e-mail from Nev. to say having had bad reaction to chemo now on some form of maintenance drugs and feeling a lot less tired - thus awake enough to send some messages. He's hanging on in there so keep the messages coming.

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: GUEST,Aelfleda
Date: 27 Feb 13 - 10:42 AM

All best wishes to Nev, still keeping everything crossed but it's getting a bit uncomfortable!

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 27 Feb 13 - 04:35 PM

Looking forward to seeing you back on the canal, Nev. We're training up new crews on the tug. Sobriety's in dry dock. Chris is extending the rudder to try to improve steering. All okay at the museum.

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: Michael
Date: 01 Mar 13 - 06:07 AM

All good wishes from Mary and me. Mary sends a virtual hug.

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: Murpholly
Date: 20 May 13 - 03:30 PM

Had a long chat with Nev's wife the other day. Nev is still at home although they are seeing him at hospital regularly and trying to get the medication correct. She has been through a bit of a rough time health wise too and trying to look after Nev sounds as if it has been a bit of a strain - even just sorting finances, aids, telephones, etc.   Computer has crashed so not receiving e-mails. Dermot and I will try and visit shortly if he is having a good day but in the meantime watch and pray.

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: r.padgett
Date: 21 May 13 - 02:58 AM

O dear and thanks for keeping us update Murpholly

I am sure he is aware of all his friends support and regards to his missus, home care is indeed draining

Ray

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: Murpholly
Date: 17 Jun 13 - 12:07 PM

Had a really long chat with Nev. yesterday. He is still hanging on in there and has even spent sometime out in the garden and picked up his guitar again. He said the first time he got it nicely tuned and then was too tired so put it back down. Second time started playing but right shoulder began to pain him. Suggested holding it a different way (á la Cash?) or transferring to ukelele. He was due at Hospital today for more chemo but we are hoping to visit tomorrow if he is not too exhausted. Is beginning to talk about going out for an hour to a session somewhere but wife has not given permission - yet and he is really beginning to miss the festivals he cannot get to. He thanks everyone for cards and messages and says he cannot answer them all as a) no addresses and b) too tired even if the inclination is there. So keep fighting Nev, we are with you all the way.

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: r.padgett
Date: 17 Jun 13 - 01:05 PM

Thanks for the update

Yea keep fighting Nev

Ray

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: Michael
Date: 17 Jun 13 - 04:52 PM

Yes,thanks for keeping us updated.

Will miss you at Beverley Nev. all the best.
Mary & Mike

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: ossonflags
Date: 18 Jun 13 - 07:41 AM

Thanks for the update Murpholy; will miss you at Beverley big man, keep in there comrade,

Mick and Mary

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: Murpholly
Date: 18 Jun 13 - 02:02 PM

At long last managed to get to see Nev. He has lost some weight and a little hair but the beard is still in tact and as the weather is good he looks quite brown! He met us at the gate with the aid of a walking stick (wheel chair and zimmer in garage at the moment but don't tell the O.T. Dept. they might want them back!) His last blood test at the hospital was okay not good but not bad but that has cheered him up and given him a bit more fight. We left a book on Learn to Play the ukelele which although he might not use gives him something else to think about. We did comment on what's wrong singing unaccompanied and we did have several snatches of songs from him during the time we were there. He thanks everyone for all their best wishes but says he cannot write to all - even if he had addresses. Diane is embarrassed by the spoons he appropriated from the hospital but Nev says his collection is not complete as he does not have any silver spoons in B flat minor!!! Watch this space folks.

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: Murpholly
Date: 24 Oct 13 - 06:32 AM

After a long time the present news is good. We picked Nev. up from home last night and took him to Ep'th Folk where we first met him. He seemed to have a great night and Musket performed his promised mining song. Nev. did his turns and we delivered him home safely just before the witching hour. Long may it last and we shall hopefully get him out again soon. (Not managing the spoons yet as arthritis in the hands playing up but did appreciate hubby's monologue).

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: Michael
Date: 24 Oct 13 - 07:06 AM

Just last week we were wondering how Nev was doing, very pleased to hear he's performing again. Please pass on our best wishes.
Mary and Mike (Beverly, Stainsby and Whitby Festivals)

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 24 Oct 13 - 02:26 PM

Great stuff.
Please pass on my best wishes to Nev.

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: Murpholly
Date: 24 Jun 14 - 05:17 PM

Okay, so I never got round to correcting the name but friend Nicholson passed away last November and am sorry to say that spoon playing Nev gave up the fight on Saturday. He will be missed by many folk clubs and even more festivals. Am really glad we got to see him several times last summer and even managed to get him to Ep'th Folk a couple of times. Hope he is beating out those spoons to the harp but keeping clean of all that coal dust.

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 24 Jun 14 - 07:13 PM

Very sad news, I like many other people, have fond memories of a lovely man. Sleep well my friend.

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: Musket
Date: 25 Jun 14 - 04:09 AM

Sad news indeed. We will have a sing for him, with his obligatory glass of water, at Epworth tonight.

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: Michael
Date: 25 Jun 14 - 08:24 AM

Nev was missed at Beverley(again)last weekend.We have fond memories of him from many festivals.a lovely man indeed.

Mary and Mike

Subject: RE: Neville Nicholson
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 25 Jun 14 - 01:24 PM

Very sad news. RIP Nev.

Subject: RE: Obit: Neville Nicholson 2014
From: Murpholly
Date: 10 Jul 14 - 07:06 AM

Attended Nev's funeral last week and Der played the coffin in to one of Nev's favourites "It's nearly over now, now I'm easy" among others including "So long, it's been good to know you". The massive turn out seemed to appreciate it so we were pleased. We left the Crem. to Rose of Allendale which was another of his favourites and of course included his love of boating. Wife Diane has asked me to thank all Folkies for their kind thoughts, prayers, best wishes and cards and she has also asked us to distribute all his worldly folkie memorabilia. It will take us some time to sort through it all but if anyone would like a C.D. or two or other bit to remember him by please get in touch especially Cleckheaton, Beverley or Whitby attenders. Sorry the spoons have all gone in the Memory Box for his grandchildren!

Subject: RE: Obit: Neville Nicholson 2014
From: r.padgett
Date: 10 Jul 14 - 10:58 AM

Really sorry I missed this

I knew Nev as a gentleman though no bodies fool who loved life and had real sympathy for the underdog

He loved his folk music and the waterways and though I cannot speak for his family certainly would believe that he will be missed by all who knew him!

Ray his friend from Barnsley

Subject: RE: Obit: Neville Nicholson 2014
From: GUEST,BanjoRay
Date: 10 Jul 14 - 01:01 PM

I used to see Nev at the Ukrainian Club, Doncaster and the Epworth Folk Club. He had a fine collection of old mining songs, a lovely voice and a dry wit. If there is a heaven he'll be playing his guitar properly, now!
Bye Nev...
Ray