Obit:- Elsie Maynard, April 20th, 2015

Subject: Obit:- Elsie Maynard, April 20ht, 2015
From: GUEST,John from "Elsie`s Band"
Date: 22 Apr 15 - 07:27 AM

It pains me to report the death of Elsie Maynard of "The Queens Arms", Cowden Pound, Kent, U.K. Age 91 years, she had a fine innings, her body failing but her wit and humour as sharp as a needle. She died peacefully at the care home in Speldhurst. We, the band, offer our condolences to family members. We have much to thank her for, indulging us for 35 years of more with running our "Sing & Play Evenings" and feel privileged to be part of her "family" and she will be held dear in our memories. I have no doubt there will be many in the folk music circle who will have fond memories of their nights in "The Queens Arms".

Subject: RE: Obit:- Elsie Maynard, April 20th, 2015
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 22 Apr 15 - 10:14 AM

You are quite right John, there will be many folk people who have fond memories of Elsie, and the club named after her. I certainly do. I enjoyed several visits there and grew to admire Elsie's workrate in serving two bars on her own and always with a smile. I got the feeling she enjoyed the singing as much as the audience and guests did. I do hope that this is not the end of the club, which is an outstanding place, the site of so many pleasant memories for me. I hope Elsie's Band keep on playing too. The folk scene in general could do with more like them. Rest in Peace Elsie. Condolences to her family. Roy Harris.

Subject: RE: Obit:- Elsie Maynard, April 20th, 2015
From: Vic Smith
Date: 22 Apr 15 - 12:31 PM

She was a legendary figure to the folk music community in S-E England - and Roy is right - always a smile.

Subject: RE: Obit:- Elsie Maynard, April 20th, 2015
From: GUEST,Jon Dudley
Date: 22 Apr 15 - 03:04 PM

Oh dear, a very sad day. I was taken into 'Annie's' as it was then, as a babe in arms, Annie being Elsie's mum. We used to pop in from time to time to see Elsie who had, in addition to friendships in the folk world at large, a great rapport with both Bob Copper and George Hamilton IV! I loved hearing her recount tales of local dances long ago where she often partnered my grandad whom she said was 'beautifully light on his feet' - unlike his grandson. I do hope the pub will carry on as a community-run establishment. It's amazing to think how remote and rural that part of Kent felt in the 50's, and whilst still beautiful, it is now home to some pretty prosperous commuters . With Elsie's parting, another link with those carefree childhood days has gone - rest in peace dear lady, you deserve it.

Subject: RE: Obit:- Elsie Maynard, April 20th, 2015
From: Alan Day
Date: 22 Apr 15 - 05:28 PM

Very sad to hear this news.Elsie was a one off she wanted her pub to stay exactly the same as when she took it over.
Dear Elsie and her legendary sausage rolls will never be forgotten.
Al

Subject: RE: Obit:- Elsie Maynard, April 20th, 2015
From: Rob Naylor
Date: 22 Apr 15 - 09:58 PM

Sad to hear that, John.

Subject: RE: Obit:- Elsie Maynard, April 20th, 2015
From: treewind
Date: 23 Apr 15 - 03:27 AM

Very sad news. I think I only once actually saw her, briefly a few years ago as a small head peering over the top of the bar as she sat behind, but her influence and presence in the hearts and minds of everyone at the club was obvious, even recently when she wasn't living there any more.

I've heard that the pub is now in safe hands and likely to continue to be run along similar lines as before. It's almost as if Elsie was waiting for that to happen before letting it go.

Subject: RE: Obit:- Elsie Maynard, April 20th, 2015
From: vectis
Date: 23 Apr 15 - 05:06 AM

I spent quite a few musical evenings at Elsie's and my husband has fond memories of Annie's. The likes of these two landladies will not be seen again I fear. Farewell Elsie and thank you for the music and sausage rolls, no lager, children or coach parties - indeed.

Subject: RE: Obit:- Elsie Maynard, April 20th, 2015
From: billybob
Date: 23 Apr 15 - 06:17 AM

Sad News , a very dear lady, Elsie's. was a wonderful unique folk venue. You had to get there very early to find standing room.A fabulous life well lived, bless you Elsie, I hope you had a wonderful welcome in the heavenly club with so many there to greet you.
fond memories
Wendy xxxxxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Obit:- Elsie Maynard, April 20th, 2015
From: My guru always said
Date: 23 Apr 15 - 08:23 AM

So sorry to hear this news but glad that Elsie ended her life peacefully. She's still a legend, as are her sausage rolls. Thank you Elsie, raising a glass!

Subject: RE: Obit:- Elsie Maynard, April 20th, 2015
From: doc.tom
Date: 23 Apr 15 - 02:37 PM

Sad news. But what a lady she was. Glad she went peacefully. It was always a pleasure to gig at 'Elsie's'. We often dine out on her NO LAGER SOLD HERE notice! TomB

Subject: RE: Obit:- Elsie Maynard, April 20th, 2015
From: GUEST,Mike Yates
Date: 23 Apr 15 - 02:40 PM

My God! I had forgotten those sausage rolls! But I do remember some great nights in the late '60's & early '70's when Ken Stubbs and George Spicer would be there to sing, along with so many other lovely people. Can it really be so many years ago? You are all right - Elsie was a great landlady and I too am sorry that she has now left us. But 91 was a great innings!

Subject: RE: Obit:- Elsie Maynard, April 20th, 2015
From: GUEST,Mary Humphreys
Date: 24 Apr 15 - 03:31 AM

A landlady of epic status who supported folk music in the best way possible. May she rest in peace. Thank you Elsie for many wonderful evenings' entertainment.
Mary Humphreys

Subject: RE: Obit:- Elsie Maynard, April 20th, 2015
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 25 Apr 15 - 05:23 AM

News of this has just reached me in the west of Ireland... very sad news- the pub was and still is a monument to Elsie's respect for tradition (I don't just mean the music)- this lady enabled many years of informal music at this lovely old pub. I was fortunate enough to be there annually just about from the start of the club, and a measure of its status was that I heard such 'source' singers as George and Ron Spicer, Louise Fuller and Charlie Cottenham sing 'from the floor!

All credit to the organisers of course, but without Elsie Maynard all our lives would be a lot poorer... R.I.P.

Subject: RE: Obit:- Elsie Maynard, April 20th, 2015
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 25 Apr 15 - 06:59 AM

Jim,your post ref Elsie is spot on. Especially the last line.I enjoyed my times at Elsie's more than almost any other. I ate my sausage rolls there, also heard the Spicers, sadly now passed away,and loved the take on folk music that Elsie's Band demonstrated. My life would surely have been poorer without those convivial evenings at Elsie's. My earnest hope is that new management will allow the sessions to continue. R.I.P Elsie. You will not be forgotten.

Subject: RE: Obit:- Elsie Maynard, April 20th, 2015
From: GUEST,John from "Elsie`s Band"
Date: 25 Apr 15 - 12:15 PM

Dear Roy & Jim and All Posters,
                I feel sure your kind words and thoughts will be well appreciated. The new owners, Jonathon and Min Hancock intend to keep the pub running in the same fashion, maintaining the same approach as always. Elsie, although only the tenant, was very happy when she new the Hancocks` were buying it.

Subject: RE: Obit:- Elsie Maynard, April 20th, 2015
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Apr 15 - 11:08 AM

Subject: RE: Obit:- Elsie Maynard, April 20th, 2015
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 26 Apr 15 - 04:06 PM

Elsie has been added to the "In Memoriam" thread. A great lady. My condolences to all who know and love her.

RIP

Peter

Subject: RE: Obit:- Elsie Maynard, April 20th, 2015
From: GUEST,John from "Elsie`s Band"
Date: 16 May 15 - 06:16 AM

Elsie`s funeral was held yesterday, May 15th, 2015 and she was buried (Elsie`s request) in Holy Trinity Church, Markbeech, Kent, close to her family members. The church was filled to capacity with large numbers standing which is testament to how many hearts she touched in her ninety one years.

Subject: RE: Obit:- Elsie Maynard, April 20th, 2015
From: GUEST,Jon Dudley
Date: 17 May 15 - 03:44 AM

I wish I could have been there. A dear soul.

Subject: RE: Obit:- Elsie Maynard, April 20th, 2015
From: vectis
Date: 18 May 15 - 12:23 AM

I am very pleased that she had a good send off, she would have enjoyed that. Now the great heavenly sing can have sausage rolls.

Subject: RE: Obit:- Elsie Maynard, April 20th, 2015
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Jul 15 - 12:56 PM

Very sad news reached me all the way to Prague - used to pop in "Annie´s" when living under caring wings of Sisters of St.Andrews as a volunteer, only few metres from Cowden Junction... One would have to search the world through and wouldn´t find such a place - time has stopped there at some special "modus" - a modus vivendi, really... Was lucky enough to join the music evening and was offered the sausage rolls people remember here... Thank you, Elsie, may you rest in peace! Radka from Prague

Subject: RE: Obit:- Elsie Maynard, April 20th, 2015
From: Brian Peters
Date: 11 Feb 18 - 12:50 PM

Just to report that I performed at 'Elsie's' on Saturday, and things were much the same as ever, except for the legendary landlady's presence of course. Sausage rolls still on the bar. Pub unchanged except they now sell Larkins' ale from just up the road. A wonderful place.

Great to share songs once more with 'Elsie's Band', too - though I do miss Tony!

Subject: RE: Obit:- Elsie Maynard, April 20th, 2015
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 17 Aug 20 - 05:22 AM

News just reached me from my spies in the south.

This wonderful old pub has been kept open by local people who appreciate its value, but times have changed, it seems.

I can only guess why it has happened but the pub has been redeveloped as a holiday home. The bar room is listed, so pretty unchanged, but readers can see what has been done on www.holidaycottages.co.uk ref 78982.

Maybe somebody more local than me can add other information ?

Subject: RE: Obit:- Elsie Maynard, April 20th, 2015
From: GUEST,John from "Elsie`s Band"
Date: 18 Aug 20 - 01:04 PM

Jim,
You are spot on. "The Queens Arms" has been transformed and is advertised as a holiday let. Details and pictures can be seen on the web. Vera said it was £800 to £1000 per week, depending on the time of year I suppose. Should the tenants wish they may have the use of their own private bar, the right hand one. At the beginning of the "lock-down" easing a local chef and his associate set up a "pop-up" diner in the car park at the rear, open on certain days of the week offering all day hot food and drinks. From what I could see on their opening notice they seemed to major in chicken dishes.

As regards the long term for the public house all bets are off and as you know the premises do not lend themselves to easy and safe access under the present health advice. I`m afraid the "old days" are past and not to be repeated. Let them be revered and looked upon fondly. Over the many, many years of helping to run "Elsies" from the outset I feel privileged to have been in the intimate presence of so much talent, knowledge, help and fellow feeling of the folk music world. For the above we thank each and every one of you who has blessed this venue. We feel we also found many friends.

I hope it is not long before you are all confidently playing and singing to your audiences again.

John

Subject: RE: Obit:- Elsie Maynard, April 20th, 2015
From: Sarah the flute
Date: 18 Aug 20 - 01:50 PM

Oh that is so sad
We were really looking forward to performing at Elsies this year with Morrigan and hoping it would just be a postponment.
Well we can just hope for the future and the return of some sort of normality

Subject: RE: Obit:- Elsie Maynard, April 20th, 2015
From: Vic Smith
Date: 18 Aug 20 - 02:44 PM

Our Isle of Wight/New Zealand reporter wrote
"no lager"

If I remember rightly that long-standing notice in the entrance lobby read: -

NO LAGAR