Brixton Bert - Benefit

Subject: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: GUEST,auntie Wend
Date: 02 Oct 02 - 02:16 PM

Some of you will know Brixton Bert well and would like to know that he is living in Walton on the Naze Essex,having been a great favourite at the Walton Folk Festival for 14 years he decided to move from Surrey 2 years ago.Unfortunatly 8 weeks ago Bert had a stroke,he is improving slowly,starting speech therapy etc.However his close friends would like to arrange a benefit concert,maybe in Surrey or Kent?If you can help,take part as a performer,help organise,or best of all,buy a ticket,we would like to know!You may even have a good venue that we could use? Most important, any messages from old friends will be passed on to Bert, as contact is very important at the moment!   

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 02 Oct 02 - 02:31 PM

Well, that's a shame - I missed on going to Walton this year, and I hadn't heard.

He's one of the best. (Well, not when it comes to tuning, for which he has always showed a certain disdain, - but that's a key part of the performance.)

Post information about how he's getting on please, and about the gig.

And pass on my best wishes. Walton needs waking up sometimes, and Bert's the man to do it.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 02 Oct 02 - 03:03 PM

Can't make the gig but I'll buy a couple of tickets to swell the coffers. Dear old Bert was a fixture in the 60s and 70s when I was involved in the London folk scene. Send him my best wishes, although he may not remember me, I certainly remember him with affection.
Slainthe to you Bert, and get better soon.......Giok

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Bert
Date: 02 Oct 02 - 03:25 PM

Seeing as he's a "Bert" I'm sure hell be tough enough to get over this. Best wishes, young fella, get well soon.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 03 Oct 02 - 05:58 AM

Bert was on the folk/skiffle scene a long while before I was. I probably first met him at the old Croydon Folk Club at "The Waddon", although he was also quite a regular at Derek Sargent's club at Surbiton. I saw Bert at Walton this year and he definitely didn't look good. He's still managing to get to the pub though - so all isn't lost, but his speech is very slurred and he seems to have suffered some memory loss - completely unrelated to the pub !

I'm also concerned because Bert had quite a lot of his own, mainly humourous, songs. Does anyone know or have any recordings of these - it would be a pity if they were lost. I can remember a version of "Frankie and Johnny" where they were both gay, a rather derogatory song about the police, and an amusing trad folk song parody ("with a hey-nonny-nonny and haul away, one last chorus of titty-fal-lal, and we'll save the rest for another day").

If anyone can suggest a venue for a benefit night for Bert, I'm sure we would have no problem in finding people who would be willing to perform. Wendy has told me that she will try to contact Johnny Silvo who's coming over soon, and I'm sure that he'd come if he was free. We'd need somewhere that people could get to easily - probably Central or SE London would be best. Perhaps a folk club would be willing to re-allocate one of it's "Singers Nights".

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: GUEST,GUEST Ralphie
Date: 03 Oct 02 - 06:36 AM

Please add my best wishes for a speedy recovery to the inestimable Bert...
If I can help out by playing (whatever) at an event. Only too happy to do so.
Cheers
Ralph Jordan (Not at home at the mo)

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: GUEST,vectis at work
Date: 03 Oct 02 - 06:51 AM

Good idea. I'll help in any way I can just let me know. The old reprobate was looking pretty good when I saw him at the end of August considering the state of his health.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 07 Oct 02 - 05:27 AM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: croc
Date: 08 Oct 02 - 04:55 PM

Good idea How about one over Essex way and one over in Kent, perhaps at elsie's so everyone can get involved.
Croc

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: GUEST,Pedant
Date: 08 Oct 02 - 05:50 PM

Shouldn't that be Elsie's?

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 09 Oct 02 - 11:04 AM

I thought about "Elsie's" (The Queen's Arms at Cowden Pound, Kent - south of Edenbridge) but it's almost impossible for anyone to get there on public transport. I'm also not sure if it's large enough.

If anyone wants to oraganise a benefit in Essex - perhaps it should be in the Walton-on-the-Naze direction and "Auntie Wend" is better placed to sort that out.

If you know any of Bert's old friends please try and contact them.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: GUEST,auntie wend
Date: 09 Oct 02 - 01:58 PM

we started out thinking about Walton,but as most of the folkies at the Walton Festival tend to live south of the Thames and Walton is not on the way to anywhere (except the North Sea)decided Surrey or Kent would get the biggest audience.I might ask Joan Gifford,Wivenhoe Folk Club to use a singers night!As they are always sold out.
Does anyone have Johnny Silvos number in Sweden as I have mislaid it!
He is at Wivenhoe in November.
I would also like to contact Diz Disley,Shirley Collins and Toni Arthur as they are all good friends of Bert's.
News of the man himself,the locals at the Royal Marine are going round to see him and giving him lifts to the pub.We are still waiting to see the speech therapist and for an appointment for the brain scan.
All messages left on mudcat I will pass on to Bert,so thank you all!

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: breezy
Date: 09 Oct 02 - 03:14 PM

contact Silvo thru Perrotts Folly 01637 860866 but I think its too late for this year, good luck.
Rum Bum and what else
I'ld willingly make an evening available in St Albans

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 09 Oct 02 - 03:44 PM

If you struggle with Perrotts Folly, PM me and I'll give you Silvo's number in Norway [not Sweden] As has been said it's probably too late for this year, but no harm in trying. Pop Johnny Silvo into the Google search and you'll find the Perrotts web site, on there you'll find all of Johnny's tour dates. If he can do it, it will have to fit in with that schedule.
Failte.....Giok

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: GUEST,auntie wend
Date: 09 Oct 02 - 04:02 PM

thanks Giok and Breezy,
have just got off the phone to Norway(sorry Sweden)and as you guessed Johnny is fully booked but will tell everyone about the benefit when we know where and when.He also put me in touch with Van Johnson who is in touch with Diz,Steve Benbow,Don Partridge and Alan Young , so will spread the word!
St Albans sounds great,any help ,we will be thankful for!

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: breezy
Date: 10 Oct 02 - 04:13 AM

well done a-wend

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 10 Oct 02 - 05:15 AM

How would a venue in Eltham, SE London suit people ?
It's just off the A20 and the A2, only about 10mins drive from Blackwall tunnel, near Eltham station and on many bus routes.
There's plenty of room and the acoustics are quite reasonable.
It is an old (listed) building and it also has a PEL - and a bar of course.

Rock Chick and Dipsodeb will know what I'm talking about.

If people are interested, I will see if it would be possible - it would probably be a Wednesday night.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 11 Oct 02 - 08:30 AM

I have spoken to the organisers of the club at "The Tudor Barn", Well Hall, Eltham (one of whom is Mudcat's DIPSODEB) and they have very kindly offered to make a night available for a benefit. The suggested date is Wednesday, 20th November, but we could have a fortnight later if we desired.

Who would be interested in and available on the above date.

BTW "The Tudor Barn" is situated in Well Hall Pleasance where Joe Stead ran some wonderful Folk Days in the past. There is a small picture of it on this site.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dead Horse
Date: 11 Oct 02 - 11:14 AM

And a complete site www.cajunbarn.co.uk
(tho it be Cajun)

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: GUEST,auntie wend
Date: 11 Oct 02 - 06:48 PM

thanks Dave,the venue sounds perfect!Lets all get going and tell as many folks as possible,so who would like to sing,make the buffet and more important, buy a ticket? Brixton Bert has given so much to all of us in the past lets get together to say thank you!

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 11 Oct 02 - 06:52 PM

Thanks Dead Horse, your link didn't work for me (I think it needs the 'http://'
at the front) - this one should.

Mind you the first piccy that comes up is you and the missus - blatant self advertisment !

Does that mean that we'll be seeing you at Bert's Benefit ?

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: croc
Date: 11 Oct 02 - 07:08 PM

Mid week not good for those travelling a distance (public transport or whatever). Elsie's (yhank you pedant) could be a Saturday - or more than one session if needed
Croc

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 11 Oct 02 - 07:32 PM

I just feel that Elsie's is not the easiest place to get to from Central or North london.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Lanfranc
Date: 12 Oct 02 - 08:54 AM

Count me in, whatever the venue.

My best wishes to the old reprobate, may he make a startling recovery and delight us all.

Alan

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 13 Oct 02 - 04:23 AM

Before we finally fix the 20th Nov at The Tudor Barn - who is going to be able to make it ? - Breezy ?, Ralphie ? - I'm still waiting for Auntie Wend to come back some names as well.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: GUEST,auntie wend
Date: 13 Oct 02 - 10:56 AM

I have just heard that Bert went into hospital last night,Bill and i are going up to see him now.will give you all the latest news when i get back,he is in the medical assesment unit at colchester general hospital turner Road colchester essex if anyone would like to send a card!The ward sister says he will be there for at least a few days

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: GUEST,auntie wend
Date: 13 Oct 02 - 05:42 PM

Hi there,
Bill and I saw Bertie this afternoon,he is very confused and rather poorly,however he is at last being checked out and will be assessed as to when he can come home and what help he will need.For example his flat is lovely but on the second floor,four flights of steps!He has also been reluctant to have help with shopping and cooking but now we hope he will accept all the help he is entitled too!
I have spoken with his sister Jean who lives in France and we are hoping to contact his daughter Jackie,can anyone help with a contact number?
Bill and I will ask him to back to our house if the flat is out of the question,he stayed with us for a few months when he left Surrey so he is at home here.
The benefit is really important now, so please let us know how you can help!

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 14 Oct 02 - 06:15 AM

Come on then 'Catters - how many of you know Bert and would be interested in doing a spot for his benefit if we hold it on 20/11 ?

We are going to try and provide a buffet, so that any of you who have a long journey don't have to have a meal first - Linda's looking after that side of the proceedings and should be making a posting.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Essex Girl
Date: 14 Oct 02 - 08:44 AM

We do hope to provide a buffet for the benefit. We have to clear it with the management of the Tudor Barn first, but I will let you know the form as soon as possible. Hopefully we will be able to provide it ourselves and if so we might try to run it on American Supper lines. Any suggestions or offerings will be gratefully received

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: GUEST,auntie wend
Date: 14 Oct 02 - 12:27 PM

American supper sounds great! I can do a mean Key lime pie and Philadelphia cheese cake(Billy says its as good as his mom's and that is a compliment!Took me 15 years of practice though!)
We went to see Bert again this afternoon,he looked much better,more colour in his face and managed a few smiles.
Back to the benefit,I will contact Skinners Rats tonight and Tony is going to ask BOPP!

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Lanfranc
Date: 14 Oct 02 - 01:15 PM

As I said before, Dave, count me in. We'll brave the Blackwall Tunnel or maybe the Woolwich Ferry (we do believe in ferries!).

Would a large pot of chilli con carne be of any use as a contribution to the buffet?

Alan

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 15 Oct 02 - 04:34 AM

I need to confirm the date (20/11) with DIPSODEB tomorrow (Wed) night.
Is everybody happy with the date ? - it is still possible to move it back a fortnight if required.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: GUEST,auntie wend
Date: 16 Oct 02 - 01:48 PM

Bert had an MRI scan on monday and today, Wednesday ,has been moved to Oldchurch Hospital in Romford,he has settled in OK!They are doing an op. tomorrow as he has either a brain tumour or(hopefully)an absess.They will do a biopsy and it takes5/10 days for the results,I am not sure if he will stay up there or if he will be moved back to Colchester.I will update daily with news and if he stays in Romford maybe some of you, closer than I,could visit?At the moment support in that form and cards to wish him well are important.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Essex Girl
Date: 17 Oct 02 - 09:32 AM

We have spoken to the Landlords of the Tudor Barn and they are happy for us to bring in our own food. As I suggested we will try to arrange it on a bring and share basis. I will post nearer the date when we have an idea of numbers.
If Bert does stay in Romford then Dave and I will be able to visit him.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: GUEST,auntie wend
Date: 17 Oct 02 - 06:44 PM

I have spoken to Berties daughter today,they did not do the operation today,we do not know why?She has to phone Friday morning and will let me know the latest.
At the moment all our thoughts are with Bert,if you wish to send a card it is ward B1 Oldchurch Hospital ,Romford Essex(I do not have the post code..sorry)
Lets all hope for good news tommorrow!

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: vectis
Date: 18 Oct 02 - 05:04 AM

Card is on the way. I hope Bert is staying cheerful. I know he hates hospitals. Give him a hug and a kiss from me.
Mary

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: auntie wend
Date: 19 Oct 02 - 05:20 PM

Saturday
I think Bertie may be back in Colchester on Monday,Billy and I and Dick and Martina are going to see him in Romford Sunday,PM me for more news.(He did not have the op.but this is not the place to discuss!)
Put the benefits on hold for the moment,however they may be really important,so lets see what happens in the next few days?

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: auntie wend
Date: 20 Oct 02 - 07:22 PM

Saw Bertie today,he was pleased to see us,had a better colour,and when Bill took him outside for some fresh air(and a ciggie!)even eyed up a rather lovely young lady!!
We hope he will be back in Colchester hospital tommorrow.Then we will have to wait and see,but I think the benefits will be important,lets all gat together and maybe do a few in as many plces as possible?

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 21 Oct 02 - 04:40 AM

Well, the benefit at Eltham is still on for the 20th November. All we need are plenty of people who are willing to come along and perform for a good cause. Have you had any luck with any of your prospects Wendy ? - nice to see that you've at last sorted out your cookie!

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: auntie wend
Date: 22 Oct 02 - 02:04 PM

Update for you,Bert is stll in Oldchursh hospital Romford,waiting for a bed back in Colchester.please e mail me for more information on what is happening.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: auntie wend
Date: 22 Oct 02 - 02:06 PM

Dave,
Tony is here as I type,and if they are free,BOPP will do the benefit

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 25 Oct 02 - 09:48 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: auntie wend
Date: 26 Oct 02 - 02:01 PM

Bertie is still in Oldchurch,the transfer to Colchester is still in the pipeline,but it is very frustrating as we can only visit at weekends as it is 70 odd miles,if any old pals live in the area please pop in(phone the hospital first,in case he has moved back here!01708 7082312 direct line to ward)
I had a message from Berts sister Jean,who has been looking at our messages,she had the brilliant idea of Martin Wyndham read! Do you have a contact number for him Dave?You wanted a big name!

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 27 Oct 02 - 05:49 AM

I'll see what I can do. I expect that Joan Gifford has his phone number - he used to be one of the residents when she was running Charlwood F/C.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dipsodeb
Date: 27 Oct 02 - 12:13 PM

glad to see that everything seems to be going OK for berties benefit do.
The Folk Mob, Tudor Barn are looking forward to everyone coming down and supporting this great event, lets hope it all goes well and that we raise a good amount for the benefit fund.
I have spoken to the Management and they are fine about the evening and a buffet being provided.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: auntie wend
Date: 02 Nov 02 - 10:06 AM

Bert is back in Colchester hospital,so he is seeing visitors every day as the Walton crowd are only 16 miles away.
We are hoping to arrange a minibus from Walton to come up for the benefit,making final arrangements at the shanty weekend at The Royal Marine Nov 8th/10th (should be a fun weekend if anyone would like to come to Walton for a break!)
Dave, I will ring you re. the other artists, I have been ill all week so have not been able to contact them but I will catch up over this weekend!Hopefully we will be able to confirm who is appearing and ticket prices this week?

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 04 Nov 02 - 11:17 AM

Hi Wendy

I was on holiday (sorting out Linda's car etc !) last week - so didn't get on the net much.

Let's make sure we've got everything sorted out this week - I'll be up at Walton next weekend anyway (I assume that you haven't forgotten that I want to park the caravan in your drive) so we should be able to finalise the last details then.

Are there any updates on Bert's condition ?

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: auntie wend
Date: 04 Nov 02 - 07:23 PM

We saw Bertie today,his sister Doris and brother in law are staying with us till next Monday,so they will be here for the shanty weekend.
Bertie was very weak today but I am sure having his sister here will give him a boost.Keith is wondering if the hospital could cope with a shanty session in Berts room on sunday as we would love to be able to take him out for the afternoon,but I am sure that is out of the question!
I will keep you all posted with news,Bill is taking Doris to the hospital in the morning.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 05 Nov 02 - 04:29 AM

"Slattery" (Pete Hicks, Pete Currie, Rick West) have comfirmed that they will come and perform at the benefit on 20th November. They are an excellent band performing both foot-tapping tunes and rousing chorus songs. At one time they were all members of Skinner's Rats.

We hope to have comfirmation of some of the other other guests soon.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 05 Nov 02 - 04:54 AM

As an addendum to the previous posting.

Pete Currie is a mudcat member (under his usual alta ego of "Blossom").
You can also find many pictures of the trio (some of them looking incredibly hairy during the 60/70s) on the Skinner's Rats website.