Obit: RIP Dave John, founder of MFFF 2014

Subject: RIP Dave John, founder of MFFF
From: MBSLynne
Date: 27 Feb 14 - 09:41 AM

Dave John, the founder of Moira Furnace Folk Festival and originator of the Scrag End Folk club died this morning after a long struggle with cancer. His memorial will be the festival, one of the best. He needs no other.

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: RIP Dave John, founder of MFFF
From: GUEST,Monologue Man
Date: 27 Feb 14 - 09:54 AM

The Moira Furnace Folk Festival Committee decided several months ago to commemorate the inspirational idea that Dave Johns had for the festival on the Moira Furnace site by naming the main marquee "The Dave Johns marquee".

When we told Dave of our decision he was touched at our thoughts.

We were pleased to tell him that without Dave Johns there would not be a Moira Furnace Folk Festival.

We are so grateful for your inspirational idea dave. Rest in Peace in the knowledge that you will live on in the folk world for many years to come.

Subject: RE: RIP Dave John, founder of MFFF
From: GUEST,Guest John James
Date: 27 Feb 14 - 09:58 AM

Very sad news. Dave was very kind & generous to me. I will not forget him. He sent me some copies of his CD's..I will play them again today.
He would like that
Thank you Dave John.

Subject: RE: RIP Dave John, founder of MFFF
From: OlgaJ
Date: 27 Feb 14 - 10:23 AM

Dave was one of the first people to give us a break when we moved to South Derbyshire in 2004. Without his support and faith in us we probably wouldn't be doing what we are doing now up here in Yorkshire. Thanks for the push Dave. RIP.

The Jackson clan.

Subject: RE: RIP Dave John, founder of MFFF
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 27 Feb 14 - 10:46 AM

Never met him but have enjoyed his legacy tremendously for the last 2 years. Condolences to all his friends on here and elsewhere as well as his loved ones.

DtG

Subject: RE: RIP Dave John, founder of MFFF
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 27 Feb 14 - 10:59 AM

So sorry to hear this. Dave has certainly left the best possible legacy in MFFF, one of the country's finest festivals. My condolences to his family and friends.

Subject: RE: Obit: RIP Dave John, founder of MFFF [2014]
From: My guru always said
Date: 27 Feb 14 - 11:11 AM

Oh, I am sorry to hear this sad news. Had heard that Dave was poorly, but hadn't realised he was going through this struggle. Yes, Moira FFF is a real legacy, thanks Dave! Candle lit at Old Keepers.
Hil

Subject: RE: Obit: RIP Dave John, founder of MFFF [2014]
From: Acorn4
Date: 27 Feb 14 - 12:06 PM

Dave's enthusiasm for all things folk is now enshrined in the Festival which is his memorial - he had the vision to see what potential it had.
Gave us one of our first gigs at the Scrag End. R.I.P

Subject: RE: Obit: RIP Dave John, founder of MFFF [2014]
From: GUEST,OldNicKilby
Date: 28 Feb 14 - 05:59 AM

Dave was one of the "Good Guy's" certainly a character and he could never be regarded as a Plastic Person. My favourite story concerning Dave was when a couple of Blokes turned up at a Singaround and did not want to sing. After some cajolling one of them agreed, and sang "Why Paddies not at Work Today". "Jeez" said Dave " You sound just like that bloke from the Dubs , Sean Cannon" "Ah said he , that's not surprising I am Sean Cannon"
Dave then tried to get him to do a booking for 30 quid. Always a trier.
I respected Dave greatly for all that he did and achieved

Subject: RE: Obit: RIP Dave John, founder of MFFF [2014]
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 28 Feb 14 - 10:11 AM

Sad news. I have added Dave to the "In Memoriam" thread.

RIP

Peter

Subject: RE: Obit: RIP Dave John, founder of MFFF [2014]
From: The Sandman
Date: 28 Feb 14 - 02:20 PM

old nick , what an
amusing story

Subject: RE: Obit: RIP Dave John, founder of MFFF [2014]
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Feb 14 - 05:43 PM

Link to Dave John's funeral arrangements.

Subject: RE: Obit: RIP Dave John, founder of MFFF 2014
From: GUEST,SteveT
Date: 01 Mar 14 - 05:03 AM

A sad loss. I never made it to MFFF (I left the area just as it started up) but remember Dave well from the Scrag End. There was always a warm welcome from him.

Subject: RE: Obit: RIP Dave John, founder of MFFF 2014
From: MBSLynne
Date: 01 Mar 14 - 06:40 AM

That story is typical of Dave.

He was always good as a folk club host because his enthusiasm was boundless and he thought everyone who got up and sang or played was totally brilliant. His praise was quite genuine and made those slightly lacking in confidence feel really good.

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Obit: RIP Dave John, founder of MFFF 2014
From: Acorn4
Date: 03 Mar 14 - 07:00 PM

The funeral for Dave has been arranged for Friday, March 7th, 3:45pm at Bretby Crematorium.
If you wish to join them people will be meeting at The Shoulder of Mutton Inn, Oakthorpe from 1:00pm
and leaving from there at 3:00pm.

For those of you who have enquired where to send condolences please send them to Dave's daughter:-
Susie McGraw,
1, Measham Road,
Donisthorpe,
Swadlincote,
Derbyshire,
DE12 7QQ

there are also plans for a singing session at the pub from artound 7.00pm in the evening.

Subject: RE: Obit: RIP Dave John, founder of MFFF 2014
From: GUEST,Monologue Man
Date: 05 Mar 14 - 08:55 AM

Susie, the daughter of Dave Johns, has just been told by the Funeral Directors the booked service time she was given 3.45pm, at the crematorium, was incorrect.
The correct time is 3.15pm at
Bretby Crematorium
Geary Lane
Bretby
Burton upon Trent
Staffordshire DE15 0QE

Therefore the leaving time from the Shoulder of Mutton, Oakthorpe, would be no later than2.45pm

Subject: RE: Obit: RIP Dave John, founder of MFFF 2014
From: GUEST,Guest-Nick W
Date: 08 Mar 14 - 03:18 PM

Dave Johns was kind enough to give me a booking at the Scrag End,ahem, more years ago than I care to remember!.The crematorium chapel was packed with those standing being three deep and I think that he would have approved of the tribute to him[complete with acoustic music]at the pub afterwards.My heart goes out to Susie and all of his surviving family.Ill as he was he took the time and trouble to visit me on the cardiac ward after my incident last November.I'm sure that I speak for Pete Oakley too when I say that we were glad to have a bit of quality time with Dave,albeit late in the day,whilst eating out on a couple of occasions recently.Pete expressed a wish that,if faced with a grave illness,he himself would respond with the type of bravery,good humour and stoicism shown by Dave.I heartily concur with those sentiments.We're sad to have lost a friend much too early whilst folk music,both local and further afield,has lost a tireless and enthusiastic champion.