Brixton Bert - Benefit

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: auntie wend
Date: 01 Dec 02 - 06:05 PM

Thanks to everyone who came to Berts funeral last Monday,we had standing room only at the service,we think 130 people came back to our house for lunch!Then we all went back to the Royal Marine for lots of music.
You may like to know that Berts daughter came to Walton today and has given Berts collection of tankards to the pub to be displayed as a permenant memorial to Bert.(At least 100!!)
We also hope to get the Walton folk festival committee to rename the chorus cup competition as the Brixton Bert Chorus Cup!
Lots of love to Berts brother in law Alan,liz,Mark,Mary,David and all the other catters who helped with the concert and raised so much money for the charity that his children nominated.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: auntie wend
Date: 23 Nov 02 - 09:24 PM

The celebration of Bert's life continues,on Thursday Bill and I took Bert's sister Doris and husband Rod to see Johnny Silvo at Wivenhoe,we spent the interval laughing with John and "Chopping" remembering all the times Bert was with them ,John flies back to Norway Monday so will miss the funeral but left a very generous donation to the fund.I can tell you the charity is The Queen Elizabeth foundation(for people with learning difficalties)
Tonight we had dinner with Doris and Bert's sister Jean who has flown in from France with Brian and tomorrow his brother Fred and wife will arrive.The funeral is at 11.45 Monday at Weeley crem. near Clacton,please join us if you can,you are welcome back at our house for lunch.We are sure to all land up at the Royal Marine for music later.
Thanks to everyone who has been phoning us and e mailing us over the past few weeks.I am very aware that all your thoughts and support have helped Bill and I very much,after all we were only doing what all of you would have done had you been closer!Big thanks to Jane who has been in the kitchen with me all afternoon helping with the cooking for Monday.
Finally,thanks to Bert for his friendship and love,a very special gentle man!xxx

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 22 Nov 02 - 10:01 AM

That previous e-mail should of course read:

If anyone wants an address to send money to, just PM me and I'll PM an address back to you.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dipsodeb
Date: 22 Nov 02 - 09:43 AM

I'm glad that everyone had a great time on Wednesday. It all went really well. Everyone at the Folk Mob said what a great evening it was. We were really pleased to be able to help out with the venue.

I would like to thank Graham one of our members, who spent alot of time with Dave organising the memberships for everyone at the last minute, as without his efforts we might not have been able to go ahead.

Now you know where we are, anyone is welcome to come along whenever. We are there every Wednesday 8.30pm alternating weeks of sing around and PA nights.

Debs

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 22 Nov 02 - 08:39 AM

I anyone wants an address to send money to, just PM me and I'll PM an address back to you.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 21 Nov 02 - 04:44 AM

Thank you to everyone who made the celebration/tribute concert so successful last night.

Thanks to all the performers - I don't know when I've heard such a wonderful evening of songs and music before.

Thanks also to all the people who brought food for the buffet.

Thanks to FOLKMOB for letting us take over their club for the evening,
I must apologise for the fact that I forgot to thank last night. I'm sorry if none of the regulars got a chance to perform, but I hope you all enjoyed the visiting talent, some ofwhom had known Bert for a long time.

Thanks to Wendy for organising the coach down from Walton and everything else she and Bill have done to ease Bert's last months.

And finally thanks to everyone who came along and heped to raise the magnificent sum of over £330 (we've still got some late donations) to go towards the charities which Bert's son and daughter are going to nominate.

As I said last night, I could have imagined Bert leaning on the edge of the bar with his rather sardonic expression, making critical remarks, and enjoying every minute of it.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Lanfranc
Date: 21 Nov 02 - 04:33 AM

And what a gig it was, I haven't enjoyed an evening in a Folk Club as much for years! A strange thing to say about a wake, but true.

Bert would have been "chuffed". In fact, I'll wager his shade was grinning down on us as he sipped his celestial rum.

The sheer variety of talent that gathered to celebrate Bert's life was pretty damn' awesome - well done, Dave, for pulling the whole thing together.

Thanks, indeed, to all involved.

Alan

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 18 Nov 02 - 04:57 AM

There is now an OBIT thread for Bert HERE which would be the best place for people to post personal tributes to Bert.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: GUEST,croc
Date: 17 Nov 02 - 05:28 PM

Good bye Bert and thanks for some af the best toems I've had.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: auntie wend
Date: 17 Nov 02 - 03:43 PM

Bertie died at 5.30 am Sunday 17/11/02.
Billy and I were with him,we have talked to all his family and they wish the concert on wednesday to go ahead.
We would like to celebrate Berts Life.
Lots of you will have memories of his life,we would like to include them in this celebration.
We would like to include your stories of Bert's antics on the folk scene!
The funeral is to be arranged,but please contact me on
[e-mail] and Billy and I will give all the information.Or phone on 01255 670087
Thank you all
Wendy

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 17 Nov 02 - 10:34 AM

So sad, he seemed like a permanent fixture in the 60s and 70s when I was involved with clubs in London and thereabouts. Hard to believe he's gone, hope he has an easy journey across the void. Can't make the do, as I'm 600+ miles away, let me know an address, and I'll send the price of a couple of tickets anyway.

In sorrow....Giok

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: rock chick
Date: 17 Nov 02 - 09:24 AM

I have received the sad news from Dibsodeb, lets make it a really grand night on Wednesday by celebrating his life.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 17 Nov 02 - 08:21 AM

I have just received the sad news from Wendy that Bert died this morning. I am sure Wendy will want to post further details her self.

Wednesday evening is still to go ahead - as a tribute to Bert. Any money raised will now go to a charity nominated by Bert's relatives.
Let's try and make it an evening that Bert would have really enjoyed.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 17 Nov 02 - 06:02 AM

If anyone else wishes to come on Wednesday - Please let me have your name and address ASAP. We will be able to sign in non-members, but we want to try and get as many as possible with membership cards as we can to keep it all above board.

If anyone wants to contribute any sandwiches or other finger snacks to the buffet please let us know.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: auntie wend
Date: 15 Nov 02 - 05:59 PM

Dave I will have the Walton list for you Sunday afternoon.
Bert is being moved tomorrow (Saturday)To; Tall Trees Nursing Home,
Oaks Place,Mile End Road,Colchester,CO4 5XR.
Bill went to see it yesterday,the room is lovely and over looks the beautiful garden.We are going to take a few photos and bits and bobs from the flat to make Bert feel at home and Bill is going in the ambulance with him and settle him in at Tall Trees.
Anyone coming to the benefit that could video everything?As Berts two sisters would love to join us but Jean is in France and Doris in Shropshire.They would love to see a video of the concert.

Subject: Membership
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Nov 02 - 05:54 AM

Dave,

Can you add me to membership list. Dave Toye, Riverway, Magpie Lane, Horsham. Sussex. RH13 6QE.

Thanks

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 14 Nov 02 - 10:05 AM

We have only just been informed by the landlord of the The Tudor Barn that he does not have an entertainments license. The infamous Greenwich Council entertainments "police" spoke to him the previous week and advised him that all his music "clubs" must have their membership systems up to date.

The Wednesday Folk Night is run by "Folkmob" who are currently updating and checking all their membership records. This should not cause any problems if all (or at least most) of the performers and audience are registered as members (no charge) at least 48 hours prior to Wednesday night.

Therefore could anyone wishing to go, please PM me their Name and Address before midday Sunday and I will arrange for membership cards to be waiting for them on Wednesday night.

Any extra people may be signed in by current members (up to six each).

I'm sorry about this - I had assumed that the building already had a license as the freehold is owned by the council and licensed for Weddings and all sorts of things. Evidently it would be almost impossible to get a PEL because the modifications would not be allowed as the building is a listed structure !

Just one more illustration of how stupid the entertainment licensing laws are.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 13 Nov 02 - 09:48 AM

No stopping at all the pubs on the way though Wendy !

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: auntie wend
Date: 13 Nov 02 - 09:25 AM

The coach will be leaving walton at approx 5.0pm on the 20th.we can arrange to have pick up points on the A12,Colchester,Chelmsford etc.so let me know if you wish to join us en route!
Also supper dishes would be most helpfull if anyone can bring a dish with them!

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 13 Nov 02 - 08:33 AM

OK now that we've sorted out some excellent guests:

JOHNNY COLLINS, GRAEME KNIGHTS, ELSIE'S BAND, SLATTERY,
who out there would like to come along - if you're an old friend of Bert why not sign up for a song or two now.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 11 Nov 02 - 07:14 PM

If I know Bert, it was him who was "sorting out" the nurses !

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: auntie wend
Date: 11 Nov 02 - 06:57 PM

how wonderful that you know some Bert originals,I know Dave is keen to get any of Berts songs collected.
We would welcome all singers on the night.
News regarding the man himself,Bill saw him this morning and he had enjoyed a bacon sandwich for breakfast!He has been in much better spirits for the last week as his sister Doris was staying with us for a week and sorted out the nurses!!She visited everyday from 10 am to 4.0 pm ,got Bert to eat,drink(bribed with the small occasional rum)and start to take his tablets again.Doris was a real tonic,she even played her harmonica with all the old tunes to raise a smile.
We took her to the shanty weekend at the Marine and she met all of Berts friends from Walton,some from Kent ,and the Shanty Men from Caap hoorn in Holland.We have renamed her Brixton Doris!
We hope Berts daughter and son may come to the benefit on the 20th.We will be( hopefully) a coach load from walton,will confirm arrival time later.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From:
Date: 11 Nov 02 - 05:18 PM

I spoke to Diz Dizley this evening and he already has a gig that night otherwise he would have come. I gave him the address of the hospital and he going to write.

I'd be happy to do a couple of songs on the night - including a Bert original - if you need any more performers.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dipsodeb
Date: 11 Nov 02 - 01:54 PM

Hiya Auntie Wend
have you any idea what time you will all be arriving at the Tudor Barn?
Dave mentioned that you might be booking a coach/mini bus!

Dipso Deb

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 11 Nov 02 - 04:24 AM

***** N E W S *****

We are waiting for final comfirmations from:

Johnny Collins & Graeme Knights
and Elsie's Band.

Keep this date free - it's going to be a GREAT night !

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Lanfranc
Date: 07 Nov 02 - 05:55 AM

Two weeks to go. Any firm idea of the lineup, Dave?

Do you need a PA, or anything else for that matter?

Regards

Alan

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 07 Nov 02 - 04:16 AM

After discussion with Wendy, we have decided to charge £5 entry for the benefit concert at Eltham on the 20th. Obviously any extra contributions will be gratfully received.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: auntie wend
Date: 06 Nov 02 - 06:08 PM

with regard to where any money may go,I am writing this with Berts sister Doris by my side.Bertie may have to go into residential care,at the moment we will see the Consultant tomorrow,Doris says he may go into private care,and any money raised will go towards making him as comfortable and cared for as possible.For example,we could buy an electric chair that reclines.Even if private care is not possible extra comforts to make him happy will be very important.So all efforts to raise funds will be used exclusively for Berts well being!

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dipsodeb
Date: 06 Nov 02 - 05:55 AM

Hi Dave,
hope all is well with you & Linda. Not long to go now till the Benefit, let me know if there is anything we can do.... What's happening Re: Publicity for the event, is it all purely by word of mouth? Do you have any idea as yet of the entry charge etc..

We can advertise locally through our usual channels if you like it's no problem. Richard (bass player) has said that if we can give him some more information about Bertie and the event, he would do a leaflet.

Take Care
Debs

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 06 Nov 02 - 05:22 AM

At the moment we don't know whether Bert will ever be any fitter. I'm sure that any funds we do raise will be useful, if only to provide a few little extras for him. Wendy is best placed to answer this question as she is on the spot, and with her husband Bill has probably seen more of Bert than most of his other friends, recently. This benefit was her suggestion in the first place.

Subject: RE: Brixton Bert - Benefit
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Nov 02 - 10:10 AM

What are you raising the money for?????
What is the money going to pay for???
How is it going to benefit Bert?

Wouldn't it be wiser to wait until he is in a fit state to make use of the funds?

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.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 25 Oct 02 - 09:48 AM

refresh

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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.