2016 Obit: Don Shepherd

Subject: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 26 Oct 04 - 05:06 AM

Does anyone have any information on the singer Don Shepherd ? It's many years since I've heard anything about him. He was a wonderful singer, who in spite of being crippled by polio, did many gigs during the 60/70s and made a couple of albums. I have fond memories of booking him for my old Blackheath Folk Club, where we had to have the session in the back bar because we couldn't get him up the stairs.

Like me he worked with computers, and when I last heard was still living in Suffolk (he wrote a song about Adnam's Ale). When he used to get about with callipers and crutches, he would describe himself as "A man of many parts - most of them detachable". I've heard that he had been very ill - there's a posting on the cat from last year stating that. Any more news ?

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: Gervase
Date: 26 Oct 04 - 06:43 AM

I haven't heard Don for - blimey, 20 or more years now. Last I knew he was actually working at Adnam's in Southwold, but he had always been plagued by health problems and was finding it difficult to get about.
A lovely singer, with a fabulous voice, and the source of some of my favourite songs.

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,T-boy
Date: 26 Oct 04 - 07:38 AM

Like "Old Fid".

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,T-boy
Date: 26 Oct 04 - 07:39 AM

And "The Sun and the Moon".

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 26 Oct 04 - 07:56 AM

Both of which are by Bill Lowndes - I must admit that "The Sun and the Moon" was the song that I remembering him singing, the very first time I heard him in the 60's - at a folk club in Woolwich in a pub which has since been demolished.

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 28 Oct 04 - 08:00 AM

Refresh - there must be someone out there with some information.

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 28 Oct 04 - 08:14 AM

Yes I too would like to hear news of Don, I've known him since the days of the Hammersmith Folk Centre, at the Prince of Wales in Dalling Road, I remeber we once did a joint gig at a rugby club in Ham near Richmaond, I don't know about Don, but I was legless. I'd taken along a very pretty red headed nurse on our first date, well guess I did something unspeakable under the affluence of incahol, never saw her again.
Giok

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 28 Oct 04 - 08:19 AM

Wish I knew. I remember Don well. However, Mawkin's melodeon player has a grandad, John Barber, who is the Southwold town crier (and step dancer/wood carver/box player). If anyone knows anything, he should.

Why not try asking at the Mawkin site?

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 20 Feb 07 - 05:42 AM

Hello,

Having just relistened to Don Shepherd's LP "The Sun and the Moon," I thought it might be time to refresh this thread!

Best wishes,

Peter

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: The Sandman
Date: 20 Feb 07 - 02:19 PM

Don died some five or six years ago.

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 20 Feb 07 - 02:25 PM

Real sorry to hear that news, he was a friend. He was also younger than me, which means he died too young.
RIP Don me old mate.
Giok

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 21 Feb 07 - 05:24 AM

That's another finer singer gone to the folk club in the sky. He had a wonderful voice and a great sense of humour.

RIP Don.

Peter

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: The Sandman
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 02:12 PM

I have just contacted Joe stead and he says that I am wrong,he is on Joes e mailing list,he was running a vineyard in Fressingfield in Suffolk.Iapologise to everyone and Don,I thought I heard on the radio,IF Iam wrong and I hope i am he should be contactable ,thruogh directory enquiries,apologies again.

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 02:21 PM

Well I seriously hope you are wrong.
Giok

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: The Sandman
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 05:06 PM

yes Dons a great singer ,I used to sing the Sun and the Moon,and have his two lps,I hope im wrong too.

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,Cathy
Date: 24 Feb 07 - 01:17 PM

Hi All,

I have just stumbled across this thread and would just like to put your minds at rest. Don is very much alive and well and still living in Suffolk. He is married to my cousin.

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 24 Feb 07 - 01:25 PM

Magic, great news
G

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 24 Feb 07 - 01:25 PM

That's jolly good news. Is he still singing?

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,Cathy
Date: 24 Feb 07 - 01:50 PM

Due to an illness a few years ago Don no longer sings but is well now.

I have just spoken to him and I am sending him this thread by e-mail.(If I can master the technology)!!

Captain Birdseye. You did hear a report about the death of Don Shepard but this was another Don Shephard who lived in Norfolk.

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 24 Feb 07 - 01:53 PM

Well Cathy ask him if he remembers a gig at Ham Rugby Club some 35+ years ago, and give him my best.
Giok

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: Dartford Warbler
Date: 24 Feb 07 - 02:00 PM

Also Cathy, ask him if he remembers the several gigs he did at Dartford Folk Club and send him best wishes from Kent!

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,Cathy
Date: 24 Feb 07 - 02:00 PM

Yes he does remember the Ham Rugby Club. He sends his best regards to you and he will post something on this thread in the next few days. Hopefully you will be able to arrange a direct link by e-mail. Hope you understand that I do not post his address - I know he would love to hear from his old friends but as this is an open website you will appreciate my caution.

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 24 Feb 07 - 02:36 PM

Wise lady, thanks for the update
Giok

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 24 Feb 07 - 04:19 PM

Excellent news!

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,Rave from the grave, Don Shepherd
Date: 25 Feb 07 - 09:21 AM

Hi there,
No, despite any views to the contrary, I AM still around. I think any confusion about the probability of my demise stemmed from the the death of a similary-named Norfolk radio personality, whom by the way I never met.
Since a major medical emergency in the mid-1990s, involving sleep-apnoea, coma, severe short-term memory loss and night-time respiration problems and spending some time in hospital, I was reluctantly obliged to cease my singing activities.
My wife Deirdre and I now live in Bungay, Suffolk and as I cannot drive any more, I have channeled my energies into local activities, computer-aided design, internet, etc, etc.
Yes, to all kind friends who enquired, thank you for your good wishes and yes indeed, I do remember Dartford FC, Ham Rugby Club and lots of the other venues I have enjoyed playing in. Strangely, my long-term memory was not affected by the trauma.
All the best, Don Shepherd

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Feb 07 - 09:27 AM

That has to be one of the most heartwarming things I've read here for ages.

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 25 Feb 07 - 09:29 AM

Don, great to hear from you, and sorry that you've been forced to give up singing, do you still play? I remember the good old days of Hammersmith Folk Club at the Prince of Wales in Dalling Road. Don't suppose you ever hear from anybody from those days do you?
It would be nice to chat sometime.
Regards.
Giok

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: Dartford Warbler
Date: 25 Feb 07 - 09:52 AM

Hi Don

Wonderful to hear that you are still with us.
Your name appears on the Dartford FC webiste 'Hall of Fame'. As a result of this, a number of people doing Internet searches have come to us asking after you. One I have already responded to is a 'SimonKD' who came to Dartford with you and moved to California 10 years ago!

Since you are 'channeling your energies into activities (including the internet)' wonder if it would be possible for you to create a small web page with a few details of your 'folk' career?

Some of us still break into choruses of 'Adnam's Ale' from time to time and still drink it of course! Strangely enough just been partaking of their Oyster Stout!

Best Wishes

Dartford Warbler

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 25 Feb 07 - 11:33 AM

Hi Don - I have great memories of the time Packie and I stayed with you & Deirdre in your beautiful house, many years ago. He's now based in Donegal and has just turned 90 but is his same old self; and I live in a farmhouse in the south of Ireland these days. I also recall that your home-made wine was gorgeous, and raise an imaginary glass of it now in a cyber-toast.

Love from Bonnie (& Packie too, who always spoke so highly of you)   xxx

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST, Cathy
Date: 25 Feb 07 - 11:57 AM

Hi Bonnie, Don can't get to the computer at the moment but I am on the phone to them as I type this. Both Deirdre and Don are thrilled to hear from you and to know that Packie is well. They have dearest memories of you both and please when you see Packie give him their love.

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 25 Feb 07 - 01:24 PM

Good to hear from you Don,

You have clearly had one of those "Mark Twain Moments"!

Take very good care of yourself ~ you are very well thought of and clearly a much loved guy.

Best wishes,

Peter

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: Dartford Warbler
Date: 25 Feb 07 - 02:39 PM

You have clearly had one of those "Mark Twain Moments"!

Or a "Dave Swarbrick moment" !?

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: cptsnapper
Date: 26 Feb 07 - 03:02 AM

Are any of Don's recordings available on CD? I too have great memories of seeing him perform but I never got round to getting any albums.

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,Don Shepherd
Date: 04 Mar 07 - 02:15 PM

Hello Bonnie Shaljean, reading your thread took my memory back a lot of years. I'm delighted to hear that you are well and that Packie is as incorrigible as ever. It's many years since I have been involved in the circuit, but yours and other threads brought memories flooding back. If you ever happen to get to darkest Suffolk, please do not hesitate to contact Deirdre and I.

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,Janine
Date: 05 Mar 07 - 10:55 AM

What a lovely thread! I'm afraid I have never met or known Don Shepherd but it's so refreshing to read a happy thresd among all the moans and gloom (of which I'm as guilty as anyone) Good luck to you Don!
Jan

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,Phil Beer
Date: 05 Mar 07 - 11:56 AM

Don
Glad to know you're still around. I was in Fressingfield again a few months back and went to the old house. No one was able to tell me where you were. I feared the worst. Someone just directed me here. Please get in touch through my website or the SOH one. Be lovely to hear from you.
www.philbeer.co.uk
www.showofhands.co.uk

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: henryclem
Date: 05 Mar 07 - 12:16 PM

Don

It's great to know you are still going strong - we used to enjoy seeing you most weeks at Hammersmith 35 odd years ago (you might remember my old mate Dave Stuart). Do you have access to the music you like to hear
these days? - I'm sure, from the sentiments expressed already in this thread, you've lots of friends out there who would be happy to send you news and/or links, even help you get to gigs maybe ...

Anyway best wishes and thanks for the music all those years ago.

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,liznboo
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 04:34 PM

Hi Don! Wow your own web page! I can also confirm sighting of you only last week, looking well and having a laugh. I haven't heard your albumn and would like an digital copy for my iPod. :)
From Liz and Brannan

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: billybob
Date: 11 Apr 07 - 11:05 AM

Hi Don,
how lovely to hear you are ok, Bill and I used to run Kittys Folk Club in Thorpe le Sken Essex and The Walton Folk Festival, ( and pre that I used to sing with Dave Bryant at Farningham and Dartford, so you may remember me?)
My son is the manager of The Fisher Theatre in Bungay and we are often there to enjoy the Folk artists he books, we are there tomorrow in fact.If you are passing the Theatre do pop in and met Christopher he was brought up listening to your LP;S!
best wishes Wendy

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,Don Shepherd
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 04:38 AM

Hello Wendy,
I'll try and pop up to the Fisher Theatre tonight to see you and meet Christopher, circumstances permitting.
Regards,
Don

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: billybob
Date: 13 Apr 07 - 10:44 AM

Well, we had a great evening at the Fisher Theatre watching Tanglefoot from Ontario, fantastic band, but the highlight of the evening was seeing Don, he popped into the bar before the concert and we had a lovely time catching up! It was so good to see you Don and I will phone you next time we are coming up to the theatre again.Do go in and see Christopher he is there most days and during the day it is not quite so hectic as last night!
Wendy

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,Dorcas
Date: 17 Apr 07 - 02:52 PM

To: Liz and Brannan

I will try and get you a digital copy of dad's music - I have a cd somewhere - it is locating it in the chaos!!

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,Jay
Date: 25 Jan 08 - 08:13 AM

What a blast from the past! In nostalgic mood, I Googled on Hammersmith Folk Club, and up you popped! I was a regular there in the early 70s- even sang a few times (probably that good old chestnut, Streets of London). Good to know you are still around, Don, and thanks for the great entertainment.

Any idea if John Townsend and Keith Clark are still with us?

I went to see Harvey Andrews a couple of years ago. He preambled his performance by saying something like: "I wonder how many of you are here because you Googled the old bugger, wondering if he's still alive?"- which is exactly what I'd done! Over 40 years in the business and he's still going strong.

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 26 Jan 08 - 03:56 PM

Hello Jay,

Glad you found us!

Why not join the Mudcat...it's free!

Yes, John Townsend is still around!

Best wishes,

Peter

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,John Scott Cree
Date: 30 Mar 08 - 12:21 PM

Hi Don

like everyone else, I was really chuuffed to see this thread. You and your singing have been much loved and missed. I too enjoyed you at Hammersmith, as well as on your visits to Folk at The Chequers, Horley.

For many years, I had your "Sun and moon" sticker on my guitar case - I think it lasted longer than the hinges in the end. Reminds me of my old Mum's dictum about the creaking gate lasting longest. I'm sure you've lived it, if not knowingly.

Please remember Frankie and me kindly to Deirdre, if she remembers us and I'll try to 'phone if I can find you in BT directory. If you're not there, pse email if you have a moment [e-mail]

best to you both

John

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,Derek and Christine Potter
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 06:37 AM

We both remember Don and Deidre from one of the happiest periods of our lives down at the Hammersmith Folk Club in The Prince of Wales. We had some real boozy singalongs with Rod Hamilton and Keith Clarke.
Hope you're both well Don and a thousand thanks for all your great singing.

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: Gervase
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 06:28 PM

It's great to see this thread rising up again, time after time; and each time because someone, somewhere, has Googled their past and found that Don's rich, warm voice forms a significant chunk of it. Long may it keep popping up, and long may Don and Deirdre keep repeating on us like the very finest pickled eggs!

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,Pauline McHugh
Date: 02 Feb 10 - 01:25 PM

My husband and I frequently play our old LP (yes, LP!) of the Sun and the Moon, which takes us back to happy days living in Hammersmith before we were married. We loved the Folk Club at the Prince of Wales and often wondered if Don was still around and performing and I have so enjoyed reading all the threads (whatever they are!). Wish we could see and hear Don singing again.

Regards to all folkies

Pauline McHugh (nee O'Brien) and Mike McHugh

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,guest , charity shop
Date: 12 Mar 10 - 10:31 AM

We are an independent charity shop based in south norfolk and have a signed (to elsie) lp of don shepherd. If anyone is interested in buying it. All money goes to the Air Ambulance Thanks

Subject: RE: Don Shepherd - is he still around
From: GUEST,Louise Smith
Date: 08 Apr 10 - 09:30 AM

YES PLEASE!! If you have it, I will buy it from you! Have been looking everywhere for some of Don's music!