Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker (11 May 2003)

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker (11 May 2003)
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 19 May 13 - 04:09 PM

So glad to see all the positive energy in this thread, and what looks like the dawn of brighter days. With my very warmest wishes -

Bonnie

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker (11 May 2003)
From: The Barden of England
Date: 19 May 13 - 03:00 PM

That was a special day. Thanks Richard.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker (11 May 2003)
From: Leadfingers
Date: 19 May 13 - 11:48 AM

Good to remember the good times with good friends

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker (11 May 2003)
From: GUEST,CS
Date: 19 May 13 - 11:38 AM

So glad it went well for you. She'll always be with you in ways, children are the living legacy of course. I'm sure there will always be an important place for her, but yes, it's a good time to be moving on. It's healthy to both remember what has been, embrace what is, and to be open to what is yet to come. Enjoy the summer. I really do wish you & your new lady all the best.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker (11 May 2003)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 May 13 - 11:26 AM

Sounds like a great event, Richard. Moving forward with a nod to what came before is how we maintain perspective.

SRS

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker (11 May 2003)
From: My guru always said
Date: 19 May 13 - 11:09 AM

We were thinking of you yesterday Richard, and we'd have loved to join you in your Remembering BBQ Party but alas, other priorities took hold. Greatd to see that you all had a great time, well done!

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker (11 May 2003)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 19 May 13 - 10:06 AM

It was yesterday and it was a magnificent party.

Jacqui's oldest brother Robin did several songs on her guitar. Andy who nearly became my son-in-law became besotted with one of my other Hagstroms and did several songs. I joined him on a couple (we found related meanings in both "You can't always get what you want" and "The Flame Still Burns") and Big Pat blew some fine harp on some others. Jo, my oldest daughter, sang a couple - as did Rachel: both are such lovely singers. The Barden of England was in fine voice. Alchemy did some lovely harmony stuff and we had a real wall of sound with them and the assembled company when we (Roger the Chorister)did "Byker Hill" and "3 score and 10". KevtheClogs REALLY cheered us up with "The Crow on the Cradle". Loads of others sang and Cari and Tony Fiddler did some fine tunage.

Many friends, musical and otherwise, came. We sang on in the garden - Jacqui's garden, where her ashes are scattered - to about 2 am, and burned a vast quantity of wood to keep warm round the firebarrel (which has now officially died).

Vast amounts of meat were burned and food eaten - and the drink flowed free. We counted one young lady outside 4 bottles of red wine!

But the best thing was that we kept a perfect balance between party and remembrance. RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker (11 May 2003)
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Jan 13 - 02:12 PM

I'd be honoured to join you in this

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker (11 May 2003)
From: Phil Edwards
Date: 17 Jan 13 - 03:48 AM

I don't know you, Richard, except through Mudcat, and I'm a generation too young to have known Jacqui in her prime - and I'm 52.

We're none of us getting any younger - but the future's still unwritten. There is a time for letting go.

A close friend of mine died suddenly just after qualifying as a psychotherapist. I saw drafts of her doctoral thesis while she was writing it, and I thought it was terrific. After she died there was talk about getting it published in some form; another of her friends was very keen and I was going to help with it. Then I was the one pushing for it and the friend wasn't so sure. Then time passed, and I've got the drafts on my hard drive somewhere, and I can't even remember the friend's name. Everyone goes the same way in the end, and sometimes some wonderful things are lost along with them. It's hard.

But: the future's still unwritten. There's a time for letting go. I wish you every happiness.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker (11 May 2003)
From: The Barden of England
Date: 17 Jan 13 - 03:40 AM

I'd be up for that Richard. 10 years - where did that go?
John Barden

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker (11 May 2003)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 16 Jan 13 - 05:17 PM

It's 10 years this year. I will never forget Jacqui but some of you will know that sometimes with her there was love - and sometimes there was its opposite. No prisoners. If there was less than love, there might be room for less than its opposite.

I have just met a wonderful young woman. We don't know all that the future may bring. She is a singer and player too. Maybe this is the year completely to let go and to stop re-reading (from time to time) this thread.

If I could fit a mini-camp-bbq-song fest into my garden this year in Mid-May would anyone think that a good thing to do and place to go to write the final underscore? If there is an overspill need I might be able to arrange something with the pub over the road or neighbours.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker (11 May 2003)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 26 Apr 11 - 07:50 PM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker (11 May 2003)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 01:24 PM

Hi Dave. Jacqui often spoke of you and Toni. I have emailed you.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker (11 May 2003)
From: GUEST,Dave Arthur
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 09:58 AM

Hi - I've only just discovered this thread, and found it very interesting and moving. It's wonderful that someone can be so well rememberd by so many people.
My ex-wife Toni, and myself, and a few others - Dave, Eddy (the Chapman), the Coven Band etc., started the Phoebus Awakes in Catford, back in the Dark Ages. Barry Walker and Jacqu were around, of course, at the same time in South London, and obviousy knew Bert Lloyd. If anyone knows more about the Bert Lloyd/Walker connection I'd love to hear from you. I saw at the top of this thread a reference to the Walkers' influence on Bert's The Idiot?
What was that about? I am three quarters of the way through a Bert Lloyd biography and am just getting to the folk revival of the 60s and would welcome any infomation on the above, also any Bert anecdotes or memories of his gigs, con=versations, stories etc.

Wishing you all that's best, Dave Arthur
contact me at email: [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker (11 May 2003)
From: growler
Date: 04 Nov 07 - 04:46 PM

Although Richard is a Depressing old Git, I have to say if it were not for him and Jacqui, I would not be in the Folk scene. The support I got from The both of them allowed me to be part of the Folk network in Medway.
Thanks

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker (11 May 2003)
From: My guru always said
Date: 03 Nov 07 - 07:42 PM

Positive thoughts Richard, love & hugs,
Hil x

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker (11 May 2003)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 03 Nov 07 - 02:58 PM

Ah yes, nose to the grindstone, shoulder to the wheel, chin up, best foot forward, put your back in to it - Hell, in that position you look like a caricature of Richard the third, with no horse....

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker (11 May 2003)
From: GUEST,Girl Friday without cookie
Date: 03 Nov 07 - 02:54 PM

Hello Richard. Chin up, best foot forward my dear. We're all here for you. See you on Thursday we hope.

Sue and Trev

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker (11 May 2003)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 02 Nov 07 - 09:00 PM

No, I'm not away (except with the fairies)

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker (11 May 2003)
From: Alice
Date: 02 Nov 07 - 08:53 PM

To Richard and your friends and family, even though you will be away,
I hope you eventually read my message of deep sympathy for your loss.

Alice in Montana

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker (11 May 2003)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 02 Nov 07 - 08:51 PM

Dammit I should not be back here for another 6 months.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker (11 May 2003)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 11 Sep 06 - 03:49 AM

Re-reading this in the morning I should like again to thank all those who have contributed to this thread. Jeri, I hear what you say, but the love dies when the lovers die, while the music can live for ever.

Jon, I really must contact you when I am next north of London.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker (11 May 2003)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 10 Sep 06 - 07:49 PM

Jacqui's mother's 91s birthday party today.

Family produced a copy of the book of 1st 50 years of Sidmouth.

1966 and 1967, there she is in the backgrounds of photos, with her husband Barry.

The 1967 one is the one of Rod Stradling, to the right of the one of Dave and Toni Arthur. She's the striking blonde.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker (11 May 2003)
From: Peace
Date: 24 Oct 05 - 06:50 PM

Sharon. Gal I had a major crush on when I was in High School. Sweetest, nicest gal anyone could ever want to meet. Developed bone cancer. Died. I'd gone back to see her from NYC where I was living. I had always hoped to return to Montreal and maybe get more serious than our age and circumstances allowed when we were younger. Found out she had felt that way about me, too. I have written many songs. None about her. Just don't know where to start. Maybe, someday, maybe.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker (11 May 2003)
From: Jeri
Date: 24 Oct 05 - 01:40 PM

'Saccharine and obvious' may just seem honest to others.

"Even the family don't realise the only thing worthwhile (after survival and sufficiency) is music." I disagree. It's love, and the way a person's love has touched the lives of others. Music is a way of doing that, but not the only way.

Sometimes the songs don't come because you're trying to write THE song. You know - the one about everything. The one you have to 'get right'. Write first, then make it right. Look for something small - a day, an event, something she said, something she loved, her guitar, one of her songs - and make people feel it. Then write as many more as you need to. Most will probably remain your secrets, like love letters. Some will help you remember and heal and will inspire you to share them.

If none of that sounds right, maybe you need to write one for yourself first - an angry one - before you write for Jacqui.

I know this is all very presumptuous of me, but I hope I've helped a bit.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker (11 May 2003)
From: Dipsodeb
Date: 24 Oct 05 - 01:06 PM

I'm sure the perfect song is in there and one day when the time is right it will unravel from your mind. They say that getting things down on paper helps to unload and maybe that's what needs to happen.

Life's a bitch and unfair, things will never be the same but it is true that time slowly heals and life goes on sorry if I sound trite. Just feel for you that's all. I have just re-read Jaquis Obit and I can read your sorrow in every line.

Still round the corner there may wait
a new road or secret gate.
And though we pass them by today
tommorow we may come this way,
and take the hidden path that runs
towards the moon or to the sun.

((Debs))

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker (11 May 2003)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 23 Oct 05 - 05:31 PM

Funny, goes around, comes around. Bad day today. Thinking how the world was stacked against woman musicians in the 60s. Might be because I've just put Jacqui's Hagstrom J-45 in for a refret (not easy with bound necks).

Woman musician - basically gives it up for love and kids and survival and mammon - (must check some of the musical history)

Husband (not me, first husband) doesn't play any more.
First daughter doesn't sing any more.
Son doesn't play anymore.
Here am I without a tenth of her talent still playing (after a fashion).
Second daughter (my daughter) still working on yet another band, but hey this is the noughties and if you are going to be woman rock singer you are too old at 23 right (unless you are already "made")?

Medical profession still sticks together - no practical way to prove they killed her.

History passes on. The marks that ought to have been left by a musician of rare ability were never written, and no effective trace will be left. Even the family don't realise the only thing worthwhile (after survival and sufficiency) is music.

Not good. And the song that is in me somewhere about it (which might be a lasting epitaph, if I could get it right) won't come without being saccharine and obvious. It hasn't come for nearly 3 years. The musicians who knew her then are dying. The values we knew then are dying. Maybe the song I'm looking for is the brontosaurus stomp.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker (11 May 2003)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 11 May 05 - 06:28 PM

Jon, I talked to Edie, Jacqui's mother today (for obvious reasons). She thought you were the very tall one with very long hair who Ted (Jacqui's late stepfather) refused to let into the house because of the hair. Was she right?

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker (11 May 2003)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 11 May 05 - 06:26 PM

Today

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker (11 May 2003)
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 08 May 05 - 01:00 AM

Thanks anyway Richard, We all still have our own recordings....in our memories.
It has been good to revive those memories, this last few days.
All the very best to you and yours.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker (11 May 2003)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 07 May 05 - 11:34 AM

She semed to have no faith in her own songs - sort of "noble stag beset by hounds at crag". I may have some words, but she never played them and I don't know the tunes.

She largely stopped playing for quite a while.

The only recording I know of was done about 8-10 years ago of her, and me, (and some bits of Rachel, our daughter, then 13-15) at a friend's bedroom studio in Edgeware. It's pretty dire! The only copies I have are on cassette tape and the masters were on ceramic cassette and no longer exist. Also, by then, her top range had been lost to the tobacco, so there was no upper register, and she had had bronchitus that summer so everything was re-set down a tone (which sure wrecked some of my lines!). She did conceptualise some great harmony, however, but for the last few years she had so much trouble with her breathing that it was a standard joke that all of our songs were in the key of J mobile...

I think the best part of our musical performances were her fiery recorder lines - quite unlike any other recorder player I ever heard, no polite "toot toot" about it at all.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker (11 May 2003)
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 07 May 05 - 01:11 AM

Richard,
I may have met these guys but regret I don't remember the names.
Jacqui and I were usually alone at her place, except for her kids of course. Whilst we had a few friends in common who were at MCOFT, I don't recall meeting many others of her friends (except briefly). I only went to 2 or 3 gigs with her.

I remember once, one of our mates (Barry Lytollis - who was on my course) came back with us to hers after a gig, and I REALLY didn't want him to....if you know what I mean! He stayed for ages and wouldn't take the hint! When he eventually went, Jacqui and I were both too knackered! Happy days!

Do you have any recordings of Jacqui's work? If I recall, she penned some of her own stuff. I played her a few of my own humble efforts, one or two of which seem to have stood the test 'cos I still play them and I don't always get booed off! Anyway it would be great to hear her sing again, if such recording exist.

My e-mail is [e-mail] if you want to contact.

Yours
Jon Nix

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker (11 May 2003)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 06 May 05 - 10:16 PM

Yes, School Lane. I still have the Hagstrom. Damn fine guitar.

Some years later I gave myself sunburn using an arc welder on that Escort - arc goggles, but it was a nice day so I wore shorts and no tee shirt. Boy was my chest red. But at least the front suspension stayed on a bit longer.   

Did you know Andy George? He used to know her in the folk clubs and was fond of a beer and also used to go to hers from time to time for musical purposes - she caught him peeing in her front garden (after the beer, you see) one night, and oh boy did she tell him off!

Perhaps you also knew Ian Syreeta - another guitarist (but an electric player) from her teacher training college? Or the other muso with attitude from the same teacher training course, Janet Baker? Alas neither made the wake - we had lost touch with Ian, and Jan and Tony had a gig.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker (11 May 2003)
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 06 May 05 - 07:53 AM

Richard,
Thanks for this note, I'm sure it is the same gal.
The slim figure, blond hair, tatty Escort, Hagstrom......yep that's Jacqui.
She lived in Lower Halstow, (School Lane, I think).
May I add my (belated) condolences for your sad loss.

My, the memories flood back. Many a time we sat cross legged on her sitting room floor playing guitar and swapping songs. (I remember bunking off class to go round to hers.)

I was a mere amateur then (still am !) and some 6-7 years younger than Jaqui, but she encouraged me to play on and keep trying.

Now here I am 30 odd years on still playing folk clubs in the Rutland area (as a floor singer) and still thoroughly enjoying it. I often drift back to those happy days, in my mind. To paraphrase Ralph McTell ("tonight in some way I loved you").....In those days, in some way, I certainly loved Jacqui.

What a small world we live in! All the best to you Richard, and everyone else who knew and cared for Jacqui.

My club will meet next Tuesday night, at the Hatton Arms, in Gretton, near Corby and I will sing a song for Jacqui, I hope that she'll be listening, it's the most fitting tribute, I think.

Jon

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker (11 May 2003)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 04 May 05 - 10:40 PM

Hi, Guest Jon.

Insomnia again...

Might very well have have been the same Jacqui. Jacqui was born 1945. Her first daughter Jo-Ann was born 1967 and her son Dominic 1972. Her teacher training course was then done at Sittingbourne, but she did take some O levels just before that in order to get on to the course, and I think she did them at MCCOFT, Fort Horsted. Her then house was in Lower Halstow. I don't know exactly by date when she separated from Barry but I can place the rough time she finally finally finally split from him (he had spent a lot of time away doing the hippy trail etc, which was when he lost his Levin in the Ganges) as during the teacher training course because she had to change from music as her main subject to drama, since sad songs caused her to break out in floods of tears.

She had a blue-ish/silver-ish Ford Escort 1300 Estate, none too pristine, which she said cost her some hot dates because she would get offered a lift "home" from folk clubs but have to take her own car back and get home to relieve the baby sitter! As a striking looking very slim young woman of an assertive nature with her own guitar (the Hagstrom J-45) and (bottle) blonde hair down to her waist she got plenty of offers in the folk clubs at the time, many not musical!

A little after that she used to play as a duo with a reasonably regular boyfriend of hers called Dave Wiltshire, and I first saw her at Dartford Folk club, when a friend of mine Pete Lewis came out of the club to the bar where I was drinking and said "I've just seen a bird who's just your type, really skinny". She also used to be pretty regular at the old Medway singer's club in Wouldham which is where she said she first noticed me, but we didn't actually meet until Cambridge (I was there with the same Pete Lewis, and he had pulled, so he had the tent and I had to sleep in the car) probably '74.   She was up there with a boyfriend who was a photographer (and I think his name might have been Keith) and I scrounged breakfast off them (being up early after sleeping in the car) and then broke the G string on her guitar. Also Dominic peed on me.   We started going out together some weeks after that but we drifted apart when I went up to Chester to do my Law Society finals February '76.

After that she had a pretty serious thing with a bloke called Ken who was a roadie, (and she would have stayed playing but I don't know for sure who her musical partner would have been, might still have been Dave Wiltshire at least tome of the time) but we got back together again in 1980 and stayed that way (sometimes rather more by hook than crook).

G'night, it's nearly 4 am.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker
From: GUEST,simonb
Date: 04 May 05 - 03:52 PM

My last memory of Jacqui, was standing in the bar of the George Vaults,at Sweeps, while Richard had run down the road to get some 'proper beer' and when the barman asked me what I wanted, Jacqui said ' give him anything, he'll drink it'.
   Cheers mate, it was crap

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 04 May 05 - 10:55 AM

Further to my post above, I never knew of Richard Bridge.
The Jacqui I knew was separated from her partner at the time.
Jon

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 04 May 05 - 10:51 AM

I was at Medway College of Technology in Chatham (Fort Horsted Campus) in the early 70's and knew a Jacqui Walker who played around the folk pubs/clubs in the Chatham & Rochester area. From the obit notices it would have been about the right era, and she would have been around the right age.
Does anyone know if Jacqui studied at Fort Horsted as a mature student at around that time? She was in her late 20's at the time.
If so then it must be the same Jacqui (we dated a few times but nothing serious). I lost touch when I left the College some 30 years ago, but still have fond memories of Jacqui.
Would be good to hear if anyone can confirmm
Thanks

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 03 May 05 - 06:23 PM

I should also like to thank El Greko, who was moved by my assertion on another thread that I still avoided the clubs to which Jacqui as a smoker could not go, to write a song "Because She did" for which I have offered him and he has graciously accepted some re-writing of the words more to reflect the facts of Jacqui.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 03 May 05 - 06:09 PM

Thank you both

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker
From: GUEST,The Barden of England at work
Date: 03 May 05 - 08:16 AM

Richard - You mentioned here earlier saying Rachel was a haunt, and my word didn't she remind me of Jacqui this last weekend at Rochester Sweeps. Another great legacy she, and you of course, has left us. Sweeps will always remind me of Jacqui, and the last time I saw her looking so well in 'The George Vaults', with so many ideas and thoughts for the future. It's so sad they were not to be.
As always
John Barden

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker
From: Pete Peterson
Date: 03 May 05 - 07:54 AM

dang! wish I had met her!

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 03 May 05 - 05:42 AM

Two years.

There is no official wake or reprise this year but there is a song/session in the pub next door on Thursday 12th May

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 10 May 04 - 01:21 PM

It is a year tomorrow that Jacqui died

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker
From: Bassic
Date: 10 Nov 03 - 08:16 PM

Indulge all you like Richard, I for one enjoy your thoughts on an obviously fascinating lady and wish I had had the chance to meet up with her.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Nov 03 - 08:14 PM

No, I think it's lovely, and I wish you'd tell us more.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 10 Nov 03 - 07:59 PM

I am reminded in two ways that six months have passed.

First I have only today read the Bruce Olson thread. It is remiss of me not previously to have acknowledged someone I read avidly, even if not always with agreement. But as a spinoff, anent knowledge, the debt that Bert Lloyd, in writing "the Idiot" owed to Jacqui and to her husband Barry is not as widely acknowledged as perhaps it should be.

Secondly, it was but Sunday past that Pete Hicks (Crayfolk, Skinner's Rats, Slattery, Dickie (Cisco) Bishop and the Sidekicks, Barber's Jazzband) a folk singer/musician, 12-string-player, and tenor banjo player (not always the same things) generally to be admired, reminded me that it was a long time since Jacqui died. That may be the way that clocks measure six months. But I am still collecting any stories and memories of her life that other folkies who knew her in the great soup of 60s London may be able to contribute. You did not forget her. A blonde with hair several feet long, and a size 6 although 5 foot 8". And a husband who played clawhammer from hell. But he played DIFFERENT J-45, at least in later years. One slightly awkward folk evening we were all three there and he had not got his guitar with him so played hers. Halfway through the intro he bent a string hard and it did not return true. He stopped, said "My Gibson wouldn't have done that", tweaked one string (it had to be the right one of course), and resumed. In the 60s he had a Levin Goliath, but it ended up floating down the Ganges.

At the wake for Brixton Bert, a luthier who used to know her (she was standing by me at the time) came up to me and said of her Hagstrom (pegbridge j-45, 1963) "I knew a girl who had a guitar just like that once". I was then able to tell him to look over his shoulder and see her again. Take a bow Pete Chopyn (Crayfolk). He once made her a dulcimer, perhaps with an ulterior motive, which I am told was not gratified.

I now have her Hagstrom largely restored (thank you Brian Rodgers, recommended luthier if you are near Chatham, Kent), and I am slowly polishing off the wax reside that her 40 years of love for it, armed with wax furniture polish (despite, for 25 years, my objections) left.

I now have back from the luthiers the almost identical Hagstrom that I bought her on ebay for use as a spare, and then discovered was a wreck. Thank you Graham Noden, underneath Andy's, Denmark Street, London. Great job, great price. I shall play it myself in stead.

So far I have only one person who remembered seeing "the Chapmen" (unaccompanied, heavily researched, traditional harmony) - her main band in the 60's - live. I'd love to hear of more. But we should also remember the family members (no names no pack drill) who assert that her muse deprived them of the primacy that normative standard required.

So many songs she knew. So many I have yet to learn.

If you think this is self indulgent, tuff.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 06 Jun 03 - 06:49 PM

I may add a bit more in due course, but let me say now that the wake was a truly wonderful affair.

So many musicians, some from so far away, and such a range of ages from seventeen to seventy. Some truly wonderful and emotion filled renditions of so many of Jacqui's favourite songs. Jacqui's brother Robin came out from behind a PA to sing unamplified for the first time in decades. The brewery donated a buffet at its own cost which was just such a nice gesture. The landlady brought her own chairs down from upstairs, and fat folk musicians promptly wriggled on them and broke them, and she would not accept my offer to pay for them. The amount of alcohol consumed was staggering (I think the pub sold more IPA in one night than it usually does in a fortnight) and a number of people were so emotional by the end of the evening that standing was the last thing on their mind (I think there may be a parody song in there somewhere). Some who knew Jacqui from the past thought Rachel was a haunt.

I am told that several folkies have asked their husbands/wives/whatevers to do the same for them when they go.

The family is deeply moved and deeply grateful.

In the fullness of time a website will go up with some history and some pictures of the night. If only we had recorded it in sound too!

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 28 May 03 - 11:08 AM

Just to remind all of you who knew Jacqui, the wake is this Saturday.

Her history is progressing

Subject: RE: Obit: Jacqueline (Jacqui) Walker
From: GUEST,Royston
Date: 23 May 03 - 01:40 PM

I'm not a regular contributor here, but felt that I wanted to add my two pen'orth on record, even if belatedly which is the story of my life.

I first met Jacqui at age 13 (I was friends with her Son, Dominic) and unusually in such circumstances, a frienship and respect developed with her and with Richard that has been and will continue to be an important part of my life (at age 31, that's 18 years and still counting).

The four of us (Andrew George included) created the spectacle that was "Roger the Chorister" (and indeed it could be quite a spectacle at times ;-P and Jacqui, as a natural and unique freestyle player, was just great at keeping the competing ego's under control and making the music fun.

On a personal note. Jacqui was a true and dependable friend, a wise counsel, wonderfully astute at cutting through one's self delusions and a sensitive judge of when to be soothing and when to dish out some hard truths. Talents learned from a life that was varied, rich and at many points far from sraight-forward and easy.

All in all, a combination of qualities that I can't imagine ever finding in quite the same mix again. If it was ever true that somebody never really dies if they live on in the lives they touch then It's true of Jacqui.

Whenever I deal with others, perhaps in extreme situations, and I feel that I am doing some good or making some sound judgements, I can recognise, in my actions or approach, values and assumptions that I gained from knowing Jacqui. I can't imagine a better legacy and I would certainly aspire to remembered in similar terms.

I hope that as many of you as possible can join us at the wake to celebrate a really rather fabulous fellow traveller.