Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)

Subject: Obit: Bert Draycott 1930-2017
From: GUEST,jojofolkagogo
Date: 13 Oct 17 - 12:18 PM

Bert Draycott The World Champion Spoons Player sadly passed away on 29th September 2017 - cant find any other thread on Bert's demise.
I have just attended Bert's lovely Funeral service where well over 150 people attended.
The day was simply splendid and there were lots of memories and songs.
The Eulogy for the service will (I hope) be posted on Mudcat in the next few days so you can imagine you were there at the Church.
and your memories of him can be put on THAT thread so the family can read them.
Bert will be greatly missed as he leaves a huge hiatus on the folk scene. Jo x

Subject: RE: Obit: Bert Draycott 1930-2017
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Oct 17 - 05:58 PM

Missing you Bert

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: The Sandman
Date: 14 Oct 17 - 03:53 AM

I always looked forward to seeing Bert, from my first meeting at folk club at Pity Me Durham, he was always great fun, i shall miss him.RIPBert
Dick Miles

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: Raggytash
Date: 14 Oct 17 - 04:07 AM

Bert was simply a STAR, a truly lovely funny man with so much talent, a joy to be with. Rest easy Bert.

My condolences to his family and all who knew him.

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: Brian Peters
Date: 14 Oct 17 - 07:04 AM

Raggy has stolen the words I would have used. A lovely man indeed, bursting with joie de vivre. When he came along to my gigs I would always get Bertie up to accompany some of my tunes on the spoons, and he always stole the show!

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: GUEST,David Nuttall Wakefield
Date: 14 Oct 17 - 10:29 AM

I was shocked and saddened to hear this news......lovely man and a great talent. Many happy memories of him in the Black Horse at Whitby.My condolences to all his friends and family.

David

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: SussexCarole
Date: 14 Oct 17 - 06:47 PM

Lovely memories of the good times Andrew & I have spent with Bert especially at Whitby this year. What a character - we will miss him.

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 15 Oct 17 - 05:36 AM

A man who will be sorely missed. A great talent. I have added his name to the "In Memoriam" thread. My condolences to all who know and love him.

RIP

Peter

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: Raggytash
Date: 16 Oct 17 - 04:36 AM

I've been thinking about Bert and Brian Peters phrase "he always stole the show" which brought to mind Bert joining one of our annual Rescue Boat fund raisers about 18 months ago.

Yes Bert once again stole the show, I think the assembled company would have been happy if Bert had just performed all night such was his ability and talent.

I last saw him in August in the Black Horse, Whitby were once again he stole the show. By far the best "turn" all afternoon.

I am sure he will be greatly missed, not only by myself, but by all who had the good fortune to ever see him perform.

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Oct 17 - 04:44 PM

Refresh for family

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: JHW
Date: 17 Oct 17 - 06:40 AM

'I think the assembled company would have been happy if Bert had just performed all night'
I'm sure Bert would too. Its hard to believe he won't just pop in somewhere. He was always out and about, always full of cheer.
Big church in Sedgefield was full and extra chairs. Well deserved.
We will miss you Bertie. WCSP

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Oct 17 - 03:05 PM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: r.padgett
Date: 18 Oct 17 - 04:11 AM

A great character, miner (pit deputy), working man's club entertainer, world spoons champion, walking stick whittler (I have one!)

Folk club star and friend of the Wilsons

Enjoyed his company and self penned songs and stories god bless the man

Ray

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: GUEST,davehowdon
Date: 18 Oct 17 - 09:33 AM

devastated to hear that Bertie had gone next time you hear thunder it will be him teaching the angels to play the spoons

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 18 Oct 17 - 04:21 PM

Always looked forward to his turning up to do a floor spot at the Festival Folk Club during WFW. He was a grand performer to get the audience going, but a bugger to keep him to his allotted time. Never wanted to stop him anyway, but when you have other floor singers to do their turn, needs must. RIP old mate.

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: GUEST,jojofolkagogo
Date: 19 Oct 17 - 12:38 PM

Refresh - lovely to hear your memories of Bert
He really was The Best !

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 19 Oct 17 - 03:13 PM

Sad to hear this- I met him first as a fellow resident of Don Watson's excellent Red Lion club at Trimdon village in Durham, not far from his home in Fishburn. Must have been about 1972.... Some other residents were Pete Wood, Jez Lowe, Ged Foley (two thirds of Hendon Banks with a girl called Christine ?..) .but Bert was normally the highlight of the night=- including the guest.
he had a good mate from Elwick, one Denis Rowan, who sang mainly Irish songs, but also some of Bert's- Denis died a lot of years ago.
All these folk, and the Trimdon Folk Band made an LP called 'TRimdon' in 1975 which still wears well- think Don Watson still has a few hundred if you want one!
I don't remember his spoons playing at that time, more the comic songs like 'Nee netties doon the pit' and the accompanying pit humour.
Last time I saw him was at the Durham Miners' Gala 2017, onstage in his stage gear with all the Labour dignitaries, giving it rice with the Shotton Stot and the Roker Ripple on his spoons. To my knowledge (I am at a distance) he only ever lost his title once, some years back, after Marie Little spent months scheming to impress the judges with her Pelvic Thrust!
A consummate performer and all round good bloke- you'll be missed me oul pal- RIP Bert and keep yer timmer in up there

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: GUEST,jojo
Date: 20 Oct 17 - 04:23 PM

Refreshing again

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: GUEST,jojo
Date: 21 Oct 17 - 01:50 PM

Sadly no Eulogy yet :-(

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: GUEST,Malcolm Storey
Date: 22 Oct 17 - 09:49 PM

Heading up to the Welly on Thursday with the Whitby 3 to enjoy Jim Bainbridge.

Hoping to have my recordings and filmings of Bertie all gathered together and copied by then.

I will come with stuff on CD/DVD to let the Wilsons have to include in a celebration night I believe they are planning in Bertie's memory.

Will also hopefully have something on a USB that we can plug into one of the pub's TVs to perhaps have few minutes of film either before or after the club.

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 23 Oct 17 - 08:45 AM

Look forward to seeing you, Malcolm!

jojo- I've just done an appreciation of Bert which will be in the next issue of Living Tradition- they are struggling for permission for a decent pic of him- if you have one send it to admin at living tradition in next 48 hrs jim

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: GUEST,Jojo
Date: 23 Oct 17 - 03:59 PM

Jim
have sent a photo of Bert to Living Tradition
Today 23rd Oct - hope they can use it.
Jojofolkagogo

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Oct 17 - 05:14 PM

So sad to hear - who can fill his shoes ??

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: r.padgett
Date: 28 Oct 17 - 02:50 AM

I introduce him to Patti Smith EPNS at Whitby a year or two ago ~ Patti was in awe of his spoons playing

Ray

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: Carol
Date: 29 Oct 17 - 03:13 PM

Hi there Raggytash just to say when we brought Bert and Anne to the Lifeboat evening in 2015 was it? We'd already been in the Seasons (think that was the restaurant's name) for a meal and told them they were lucky that evening as the had a Star visiting them, the WCSP, Bertie. They thought we were kidding so we told them to Google Bert Draycott and they came back and then asked him to play the spoons, the other customers got a private performance from a lovely man who really enjoyed entertaining everybody. So glad he met up with us on our wedding day and will miss his company so much.

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: GUEST,Gordon Draycott
Date: 29 Oct 17 - 05:19 PM

I'm filling up reading all these comments.
I will try to sort the eulogy but is there a email address I can send it to rather than having to type it out ?

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: Raggytash
Date: 29 Oct 17 - 05:27 PM

If you put it onto a word document Gordon you should be able to copy and paste it on here.
Cheers

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: GUEST,jojofolkagogo
Date: 29 Oct 17 - 11:45 PM

Gordon,
Thanks, I had almost given up hope of ever hearing the Eulogy. Looking forward to seing it. Very much appreciated.
Jo

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: GUEST,jojofolkagogo
Date: 29 Oct 17 - 11:51 PM

Alternatively, my email is:

[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: JHW
Date: 30 Oct 17 - 06:26 AM

Mike Hughes publishes the Folk Roundabout which covers the NE of England and I'd guess he would like it in the magazine.
[e-mail] is Mikes email.

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: Raggytash
Date: 30 Oct 17 - 06:32 AM

Can I make a suggestion John & Jojo.

If you're typing email addresses do not use the @ symbol use AT instead. I believe some programmes can scam sites such as this for email address and then the addressee gets bombarded with spam.

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: GUEST,jojofolkagogo
Date: 30 Oct 17 - 03:31 PM

Ah, many thanks 4 that Raggy - I did hesitate about putting my e-dress on here - shall take your advice in future - cheers!

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: GUEST,Tom Wilson
Date: 02 Nov 17 - 07:15 AM

I've just posted off my own personal memorial to Bertie which will appear in the next edition of the EDS magazine.
My memories of Bertie go back to 1966 and Aycliffe Stock Car Track - his daughter, Lesley, recalls polishing his F2 World Championship trophy, so he was a bit more than a pair of spoons!!

I subsequently new him through the '70's, and beyond, but it was during this last decade that he became a weekly regular at our own Folk Club at The Welly and that we, occasionally, travelled further afield with him - I'm frequently told by those who were at Manifold Fest in 2015 'The Wilson Family interview Bert Draycott' session will remain indelible in their memories forever - AND OURS!

A born entertainer and raconteur, Bertie was also (literally) a mine of knowledge and - as with The Elliotts - a living connection to our Coal Mining heritage.

Not to be able to give a chorus of "he-ere's Bertie" as he came through the door of the folk club, at ten past eight every Thursday night, is a heartfelt loss to all of our regulars. He's already sorely missed and will remain so for a long, long, time.

Rap Her t' Bank, Bertie - your good friends Tom & the lads

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Nov 17 - 01:07 AM

So nice to read that, Tom - but what is EDS? Not Living Tradition and not Folk Roundabout? So what then?

Yes Bert will be greatly missed by me and hundreds of others.

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 05 Nov 17 - 08:20 AM

English Dance and Song - the quarterly EFDSS magazine....

Kitty

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Nov 17 - 04:25 PM

Thanks Kitty - just could not figure it out ! Doh!

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Nov 17 - 03:04 PM

Refresh for Gordon Draycott - where r u ??

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Nov 17 - 02:50 PM

Still waiting for Eulogy

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Nov 17 - 11:43 AM

what do you mean by a 'eulogy'? both Tom Wilson and Jim Bainbridge have given appreciations of the man- what more is provided by a 'eulogy'?

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: GUEST,Concerned Guest
Date: 09 Nov 17 - 07:57 PM

Gordon Draycott mentioned the eulogy - I don't know why and in what context.

It would seem he is now having problems over this.

Let it be!

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Nov 17 - 03:29 PM

Oh just seen this - I remember seeing him on Tv some long while ago, a lovely jolly man, so sad he is gone.

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: JHW
Date: 12 Nov 17 - 05:00 AM

'what do you mean by a 'eulogy'
I had thought the Eulogy being referred to would be the wider story we heard about Bert in church at Sedgefield

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: jojofolkagogo
Date: 12 Nov 17 - 04:18 PM

Concerned Guest:
Generally speaking :
An Obituary is a written statement about a death, such as you might see in The Times
A Eulogy alternatively is a speech given in praise of someone - especially at a funeral.

What I am referring to in my Opening Post is the Eulogy given (spoken) at Bert's funeral - which was NOT heard by many people in church because (1) of its size and (2) the extremely bad sound system.
I know I for one, and many others, would like to know the life of Bert which was given at church that day.

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: jojofolkagogo
Date: 12 Nov 17 - 04:23 PM

To Jim Bainbridge
I have seen your article about Bert in Living Tradition - very nice, although they did not use my photo which showed Bert in his Red and Grey with Bowler, holding up his spoons.
was a nice photo they did use nevertheless.

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: jojofolkagogo
Date: 14 Nov 17 - 07:20 PM

Sadly missed - forever on youtube

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: GUEST,Concerned Guest
Date: 14 Nov 17 - 08:17 PM

Yes well!
Thank you jojofolkagogo.
I am well aware of the difference between an obituary and a eulogy.
The thing that concerned me was that Gordon was obviously (to me) having trouble recalling what he might have said and perhaps putting it in a coherent form. Understanderble really.
As I said previously - let it be.

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: jojofolkagogo
Date: 15 Nov 17 - 01:21 PM

Then why ask the question ? You understand not ! The Eulogy was written out.
It just needs to be put onto Mudcat. Gordon did not speak at the Funeral.
It means a great deal to me - what is it to you. Thank you.

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: JHW
Date: 15 Nov 17 - 01:57 PM

I would have liked another chance to hear about Bert's non folkie pursuits - I hadn't realised there was a sound system in church and I missed a lot of what was said.

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 15 Nov 17 - 02:47 PM

Haven't seen my own piece about Bert in the Living Tradition- my copy takes a while to reach Drumkeeran.
If anyone recorded the eulogy, am sure the eulogy could be transcribed onto here- any offers?
Chatting recently to Tom Wilson, I learned of Bert's interest in stock car racing, and as well as Tom's post above, am sure he'll include that in the piece he's doing for EDS magazine.

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: jojofolkagogo
Date: 15 Nov 17 - 06:08 PM

Thanks Jim and (I think) John or JHW
JIM : if you PM me your e-dress I can forward the article I received from LT - Jo

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: jojofolkagogo
Date: 18 Nov 17 - 05:22 PM

Oh, why dont you join Jim?

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: GUEST,Gordon Draycott
Date: 19 Nov 17 - 02:11 PM

Hello again
So sorry I haven't been able to sort/publish Bert's eulogy but please have patience - it's coming soon !

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: jojofolkagogo
Date: 19 Nov 17 - 04:53 PM

Oh wonderful Gordon - heard u were at the Tin Soldier play at BA Town Hall and that they did a tribute to Bert - how lovely.
Looking forward to hearing from you - regards, Jo

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: GUEST,Guest, amazed
Date: 20 Nov 17 - 04:59 AM

I agree with the above concerned guest, let it be.
Jojo you seem to be the only person requiring this eulogy, if so, requested a copy from Gordon. no doubt he could send a copy personally to you then you could read it to your hearts delight.
Bert's son Gordon has other things on his mind, he is still in mourning of his father etc. so give the guy some peace.
Again bring this to an end.

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 20 Nov 17 - 12:27 PM

My copy of Living Tradition jncluding my piece about Bert has finally reached Lovely Leitrim. I asked if they'd use a picture of Bert with his 'stage gear' on as I'd referred to it in the piece.

It was all a bit short notice when I heard that no-one else had offered, so your pic may not have arrived in time?- LT are also very aware of the copyright aspect, although I'm sure you would have been OK about that. Having said that, the one taken by Pete Heywood is a really good one.

As for joining Mudcat, I subscribe to the Marx Bros. view that I would never join a club which would have me as a member.
I just like to dip in now & then...

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: jojofolkagogo
Date: 20 Nov 17 - 03:00 PM

Jim
I did indeed offer my photo with absolutely no copyright infringement - theirs for the taking.
Mayhap as u say, it was too late 4 print or more than likely not of good enough quality - was taken on my phone.

Joining the club - sounds exactly like what Oscar would say !!

Amazed - would like nothing better but dont have contact details for Gordon - but can assure you I am not the only one who did not hear in Church.

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: JHW
Date: 20 Nov 17 - 06:31 PM

I'd guess there were hundreds who didn't hear much but the main thing was we were all there to give support as I think the few of us are doing in keeping this ball in the air.

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: GUEST,Gordon Draycott
Date: 20 Nov 17 - 07:32 PM

Lesley sent me the eulogy wording yesterday so if anyone wants a copy please my email is [e-mail]
cheers

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: GUEST,Guest. amazed
Date: 21 Nov 17 - 04:25 AM

Now that all have an address to send to and obtain this eulogy may we now let Bert rest in peace, oh sorry, play those spoons to all in heaven. And may Gordon have some peace.

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: GUEST,Gordon Draycott
Date: 21 Nov 17 - 07:26 AM

It was disappointing to learn that people in certain areas of the church could not hear what was being said but our Lesley was told to speak loudly and clearly and everyone would hear but obviously that was not the case.

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: JHW
Date: 21 Nov 17 - 11:30 AM

No criticism of the speaking. A sizeable church, all areas full and extra chairs as Bertie well deserved.

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: jojofolkagogo
Date: 21 Nov 17 - 05:31 PM

Many thanks, Gordon
Jo

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: GUEST,Guest, amazed
Date: 28 Nov 17 - 05:10 AM

All has gone quiet, everyone must now have a copy of that eulogy.
Hope you have your copy Jojo framed and on your wall.

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: JHW
Date: 28 Nov 17 - 05:42 AM

Thank you amazed for keeping the thread going.

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 29 Nov 17 - 01:37 PM

Lovely man, Bert, but he was a hard man to get off the stage- seems to be continuing on Mudcat!

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: GUEST,Trevor Sheridan
Date: 29 Nov 17 - 02:05 PM

And he was on an vinyl LP from Folkways in 1981. I would to get it !!!

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: GUEST,Trevor Sheridan
Date: 29 Nov 17 - 02:08 PM

Oops! missed out 'like'

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: GUEST,Malcolm Storey
Date: 29 Nov 17 - 09:07 PM

Glad this has now all settled down and Gordan can relax.

As previously mentioned (probably elsewhere) I have a fair amount of video and audio of Bert in the last few years.

I treated myself to a late night session, last night, of the videos and Judy commented how inadvertantly pleasurable the Bertie disco was as she tried to get to sleep.

What a consumant performer he was as well as being such a lovely man.

I also have some (not many) photos mostly of Bert as audience which show to my mind how much he valued the folk scene.

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: nutty
Date: 30 Nov 17 - 03:49 PM

Trevor - the LP you refer to (of Bert at Trimdon Folk club) is available on Spotify

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Feb 18 - 05:25 AM

There is another Bert Draycott CD available called W.C.S.P.
Only 5 tracks for £7.50 (£5 of which goes to age UK)but if anyone wants a copy I'm sure it can be arranged.
Cheers

Subject: RE: Obit: spoons player Bert Draycott (1930-2017)
From: Mysha
Date: 04 Feb 18 - 09:09 PM

Oh dear.

I missed this at the time. Sad news.

I met Bertie a few times at the Durham Folk Party. My best memories aren't so much about him performing, though (well, those are good as well), but about the time we had both picked the same quiet spot to pitch our tents. He had recently been given a set of bones, hence he was curious about the different-looking bones that I had with me, while I was curious about about his spoons playing. There we sat beside the tents and talked instruments and other stuff.
Then after, during the Garden Party, we sat and played together, finding that with different instruments we would play mostly the same beats. The exception was that he would do finger rolls with the spoons, which bones can't normally do. I'm still trying to match those as well, though. (-:

I'd hoped I might one day see him do a whole show, but alas. From his contributions to sing-arounds in Durham, I can confirm that once Bert started, it would be a while before he would stop. Let's keep him in our memories and make it a very long time before he stops there.

                                                               Mysha