Obit: Dance Caller 'Bobbie' Ritchie (2013)

Subject: Obit: 'Bobbie' Ritchie
From: Dave Hunt
Date: 23 Aug 13 - 12:40 PM

Sad news today of the death of 'Bobbie' Ritchie - wife of Simon Ritchie..of Thaxted, Essex. She was a well know, and excellent, dance caller and also played accordion. We have shared music in many sessions over the years. She had been ill for some time but we thought that when she was taken off the ventilator last week, and managed to get out into the hospital garden that she was improving...very sadly it turned out not to be so. Sincere condolences to Simon and the family DAVE and MAGGIE

Subject: RE: Obit: Bobbie Ritchie
From: GUEST,George Frampton
Date: 23 Aug 13 - 01:09 PM

I'm very sorry to hear that, especially after hearing she was responding to treatment. Both Simon and Bobbie were sorely missed in the Sidmouth Volly this year, and I'm sure everyone at Sidmouth will join me in expressing our sincere condolences to Simon and the family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bobbie Ritchie
From: Vic Smith
Date: 24 Aug 13 - 07:25 AM

Yesterday, I was sitting in the Conservative Club concert room at Whitby Folk Week, waiting for the Kevin Mitchell interview to start. Sitting in front of me were Rosie Davis & Jimmy Hutchison. Rosie turned round and took my hand to soften the blow of telling me of Bobbie's death. Whilst she was still holding my hand, Jimmy told me that he had just heard of the news of the death of Jane Turriff.
I didn't know which way to turn. I felt devastated at the news of the death of two women that I admired totally in different ways. I suppose that Jane was in her 90s and it was her time, but Bobbie was still in her prime of life. It is a cruel loss.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bobbie Ritchie
From: treewind
Date: 24 Aug 13 - 11:37 AM

We're devastated to hear of Bobby's death. Recently she had been turning up at local sessions (along with Simon and son William) so we'd seen quite a lot of her; after her sudden hospitalisation we'd still see Simon every week and we'd be asking how she was. Our band had started working with her as a caller from time to time. In June Mary and I were in Thaxted and got a tour of their wonderful home, and she was telling us about all her plans for it - in short, we were really getting to know her as a friend.
Many of us will miss her bubbly and forthright personality, and she's going to leave a huge gap in many people's lives.

Subject: RE: 2013 Obit: Dance Caller 'Bobbie' Ritchie
From: Vic Smith
Date: 25 Aug 13 - 06:32 AM

Bobbie dancing with Jerry O'Reilly at the Keith Summers weekend in London in May

Subject: RE: Obit: Dance Caller 'Bobbie' Ritchie (2013)
From: GUEST,Jackie and John Fish
Date: 27 Aug 13 - 03:49 PM

We had known Bobby for many years through our links between Oakworth Morris and Thaxted Morris and a shared love of country dancing. We last spent time with her at the Thaxted meeting at the beginning of June and our last words, as ever were "looking forward to seeing you next year"
It is so sad to know that so much has happened in so few weeks.We send our heartfelt sympathy to Simon and the family,
When I think of Bobby I will always see her dancing.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dance Caller 'Bobbie' Ritchie (2013)
From: GUEST,Liberty Boy (sans cookie)
Date: 28 Aug 13 - 01:48 AM

This has been the most devastating news. A lovely person, always with a smile and always ready to dance!

Subject: RE: Obit: Dance Caller 'Bobbie' Ritchie (2013)
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 28 Aug 13 - 07:57 AM

So very, very sorry to hear this, and what a shock! She was always such a lovely, bright presence. Our warmest sympathy to Simon and the family.

Bonnie & Michael

Subject: RE: Obit: Dance Caller 'Bobbie' Ritchie (2013)
From: Howard Jones
Date: 28 Aug 13 - 08:35 AM

Very sad news, and a surprise as I'd only learned she was ill a few days ago. Since my move up north many years ago our paths didn't often cross, but it was always a delight to see her when we did meet - I think the last time was at ECMW last year. Deepest sympathy to Simon and the family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dance Caller 'Bobbie' Ritchie (2013)
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Oct 13 - 04:51 PM

When we saw you at Stowmarket Simon we thought you looked 'older' We had no idea. So very sad to hear the news. Babs and Mike Surridge (We go to Mendlesham and play concertinas each march, and usually to Stowmarket each August)

Subject: RE: Obit: Dance Caller 'Bobbie' Ritchie (2013)
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 29 Oct 13 - 07:34 PM

Oh dear - I just happened to see this - I danced with Bobbie quite a few times at Sidmouth. Back in 2010 she led some dance workshops. I have scribbled in my programme 'nice woman, superb dancer'. Can't quite believe someone so full of life can now be gone.

I can still remember twirling Bobbie around the floor. Thrashing her around might be a better description. She was such a proficient dancer I found her especially memorable. Great loss.

"..never send to know for whom the bell tolls"

Subject: RE: Obit: Dance Caller 'Bobbie' Ritchie (2013)
From: GUEST,Simon Ritchie
Date: 01 Mar 14 - 09:22 PM

Only just stumbled across these kind messages, many thanks. Poor thing.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dance Caller 'Bobbie' Ritchie (2013)
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Mar 14 - 09:30 PM

Only just found the pic, many thanks.