Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)

Subject: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway
From: GUEST, Hamish
Date: 08 Mar 05 - 03:34 AM

Martin Simpson last night said that they're stopping Cyril's treatment. Cyril's website said on 5th March "Unfortunately, Cyril's progress, having slowed down, has come to a stop and there is at present no question of his having physiotherapy or being moved to a Community Hospital. Pain control is the priority and, although this makes him sleepy and sometimes confused, it is preferable to the increasing amount of pain which he has suffered over the last few weeks. He has his good and his bad days but even when the drugs take over and he is fantasising, his dry humour breaks through."

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 08 Mar 05 - 04:00 AM

This is troubling news. Are you at liberty to say what medical condition he has? My thoughts and prayers are with him.

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Mar 05 - 04:10 AM

It's all on his web site at http://pages.britishlibrary.net/tawney/enter.htm:

"Cyril has been unwell since October 2003, starting with diabetic leg ulcers, but during 2004 he developed various other symptoms, went into hospital in April for a couple of weeks, back in again in July, and he's been there ever since. His case is very involved and it took a long time for the medics to be able to determine the underlying cause of his several problems - the main ones being bone infection with symptoms which include swelling, with softening of some of the bones, and nodules. The leg ulcers continue but are probably unrelated to the main condition.


"The culprit is Mycobacterium Cheloneae which is commonly carried in water but rarely enters the body."

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway
From: Zany Mouse
Date: 08 Mar 05 - 04:17 AM

This is sad news. I hadn't realised he was ill.

Get well soon, Cyril and I hope your hip continues to improve, Rosemary.

Positive thoughts coming your way.

Rhiannon

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 08 Mar 05 - 04:22 AM

Thank you for the heads-up on the website info, guest. Much appreciated.

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway
From: Alio
Date: 08 Mar 05 - 05:54 AM

Lancaster won't be the same without him this year!

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 08 Mar 05 - 07:32 AM

Best wishes to a great songwright.

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway
From: GUEST,JohnB
Date: 08 Mar 05 - 08:50 AM

Good luck with the pain relief part for sure.
JohnB

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway
From: Charley Noble
Date: 08 Mar 05 - 09:32 AM

Just finished reading his collected naval songs in Gray Funnel Lines. This does look like the tideway to me. I wish him the best.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway
From: Rasener
Date: 08 Mar 05 - 01:10 PM

I am sad to hear this.

Cyril is one of the first folk artists I ever saw, many many many years ago. Late 60's.

I hope you pull through Cyril

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway
From: Hamish
Date: 08 Mar 05 - 03:05 PM

I was obviously too delicate earlier. It's my understanding that he won't be getting better. Hence the reference to taking the tideway.

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway
From: Rasener
Date: 08 Mar 05 - 03:10 PM

Bugger it. That is so sad.

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway
From: Dave Swan
Date: 08 Mar 05 - 03:13 PM

Very sorry to hear this about Mr. Tawney, and I hope for the best.

Think I understand the reference contextually, but can someone please explain the tideway?

D

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway
From: Zany Mouse
Date: 08 Mar 05 - 03:28 PM

I think the tideway refers to a line in Sally Free and Easy. The line says "... take the tideway to my burial ground". I've always assumed it refers to a burial at sea.

Rhiannon

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway
From: GUEST,Folkie Frank
Date: 08 Mar 05 - 09:34 PM

I think and hope we're all getting a bit presumptious here! Praying there's life in the old Seadog yet. One of the nicest human beings you're ever likely to meet. Hoping for the best possible outcome.

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway
From: Boab
Date: 08 Mar 05 - 10:10 PM

Hey---c'mon Cyril!! Your spirit is out here among your songs----but we all want the big shadow and the happy face. Don't leave us, Pal---you gave us permission to use "Sally" and "Sammy's Bar", and it isn't quite ready. You'll HAVE to be around to hear it-----

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway
From: karen k
Date: 09 Mar 05 - 02:20 AM

I'm so glad that I got to meet Cyril, talk with him and hear him sing last year at Lancaster. I've been a fan of his for many years. I wish you well Cyril. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Thank you for the songs and your singing.

karen k

Subject: Cyril Tawney
From: Dreadnought
Date: 10 Mar 05 - 12:23 PM

Forgive me if this is already old news but I couldn't find any recent mention of it in a search.

This was posted in the BBC Folk message board from someone who had been to see Martins4:

"Incidentally Martin Simpson told us that Cyril Tawney is now very ill indeed, so ill that the hospital think that nothing more can be done for him. I'm so sad - with a bit of a naval background, and a naval husband, I've really grown to appreciate Cyril's songs in the last few years. Thoughts and prayers to him and Rosemary."

How terribly sad.

---

I moved this message here from another thread on the same topic.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: Hawker
Date: 10 Mar 05 - 05:58 PM

Thoughts and prayers for him and Rosemary from this little corner of the earth. I am so sad to hear this news, Cyril is a lovely man and a fine singer and songwriter.
Much Love, Lucy

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: 14fret
Date: 10 Mar 05 - 06:57 PM

Had the pleasure and honour of meeting and working with him.... a long time ago. I never forgot him or his songs.
A disgustingly neglected songwriter.
My thoughts are with you Cyril.

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 10 Mar 05 - 07:06 PM

Still hoping it's just a temporary setback and he'll get better by and by. All the best!

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Mar 05 - 06:47 AM

Can it really be nearly fifty years since I first heard Cyril on that old folk music program on the 'BBC Light'? His voice instantly transported me out of a dingy London bed-sit and away to 'Hilo' or 'Valaparaiso', I listened to him often after that and it probably gave me the final nudge i needed to get out and see the great wide world.

Sail on old man, and in God's good time may you come to a safe harbour.

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: Ferrara
Date: 11 Mar 05 - 07:05 AM

Though Bill and I only met him once in our life, it definitely feels like a personal loss. He and Rosemary have obviously been going through a long, hard, disappointingly persistent struggle, with tremendous courage and caring on both their parts.

Thank you for letting us know. The very best wishes to you, Cyril, with thanks for everything you have given us.

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 11 Mar 05 - 07:51 AM

May his pain be eased, we all owe the man a great debt. Here's hoping.
Giok

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: Morticia
Date: 11 Mar 05 - 07:52 AM

MY thoughts are with him and with Rosemary

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 11 Mar 05 - 11:22 AM

I'd echo that, Morticia. I do hope you can manage to pull through somehow Cyril, take care Rosemary and all the very best.

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: Mingulay
Date: 11 Mar 05 - 05:40 PM

Here's hoping that Cyril does get better soon, from experience I know that diabetic ulcers are bad enough on their own, let alone with complications. Besides which there's too many taking the tideway at the moment to leave any sea room. Especially for a lean and unwashed tiffy wearing diesel and shale.

Wonderful songs, wonderful imagery.

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 11 Mar 05 - 05:48 PM

Rosemary i hope Cyril pulls through he will be a great lost to the shanty scene.My thoughts and prayers go out to you both.

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: Lanfranc
Date: 11 Mar 05 - 06:22 PM

May he put on St Peter's shoes and keep on walking back to the shore.

Please don't take the tideway yet, Cyril, there is no-one who can replace you. The last boat doesn't have to leave for a while.

My thoughts are with you and Rosemary.

Alan

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: Lady Hillary
Date: 11 Mar 05 - 11:07 PM

EBarnacle here,

It is sad to see one of the greats ebbing out. I have worked with many diabetics while in the renal field. Once a diabetic starts to go downhill, it is only a matter of time. I hope his passing is neither too painful or too prolonged.   

He has influenced and helped form and inform all of us both with his writing and his performance.

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: Jimmy C
Date: 11 Mar 05 - 11:47 PM

Very sad to hear this news, he was always one of my favourites. His " Mayflower Garland Album" is played often in my house.

Hope the ending is not too painful. very sad news..

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: Zany Mouse
Date: 12 Mar 05 - 05:09 AM

Some years ago Mingulay, Les Sullivan and I holidayed on Malta and tried to find Sammy's Bar. We couldn't - although we did find lots of others!

When we told Cyril he said that it had gone long ago but folk were still coming up to him to say they've visited Sammy's Bar.

Rhiannon

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: Pistachio
Date: 12 Mar 05 - 08:07 AM

A man I've never met - yet one who has touched many hearts and souls with his songs. I mistakenly thought it was the 'tide wave' whenever I sang Sally free and Easy. Whatever - Cyril, may the sea never leave you. H.

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: GUEST,vectis
Date: 12 Mar 05 - 10:18 AM

Sorry to hear this sad news. He's too young to take the tideway.

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: breezy
Date: 12 Mar 05 - 10:58 AM

Wishing Cyril all the best, from the St Albans Folk-song Club

Our only guest to perform a 50 minute encore, finishing at midnight, and afterwards keep us up socialising in the bar for a further couple of hours, just a night cap.

Considering he had arrived at 3.30 and was in the Cross keys by 4.00

Oct 2003

and what a plug he gave Bah Humbug, which includes 2 of his songs.

A legend in the true sense of the word

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: Fergie
Date: 14 Mar 05 - 08:53 AM

I've never met Cyril in person but I feel that I know him through his songs and his work. I wish him and Rosemary kind thoughts and I send all my best wishes to them both. This news will cause some heavy hearts in the Góilín Club in Dublin where Cyril is held in very high esteem
Fergus

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: Moses
Date: 15 Mar 05 - 03:31 AM

I've been lucky enough to see Cyril several times, at Herga Folk club in the late 60s/early 70s, at Fylde festival the year Princess Diana died and more recently at St Albans Folk Club.

A wonderful singer-songwriter but more importantly a lovely man.

So sorry to hear he is in pain. May it ease soon.

Christine

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: scouse
Date: 15 Mar 05 - 05:34 AM

My thought's are with you Cyril..I can't remember a time when I didn't know your songs... As Aye, Phil.

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: GUEST,Rosemary Tawney
Date: 17 Mar 05 - 07:15 AM

Thank you all for your kind messages - Cyril's situation is not quite as bad as you may think. Martin Simpson made his announcement in good faith, not knowing that his informant had been contacted by a dear friend of ours who unintentionally slightly misled her.

This is not to say that Cyril's condition is anything other than very serious, but all treatment has not been withdrawn. He's still receiving routine medical treatment for diabetes and HBP and is on a normal diet, but all the antibiotics have been stopped - over such a long period the side effects could be very unpleasant. They are now concentrating on pain control, and it is a relief to see that he's more comfortable, even though he is often sleepy and confused.

Cyril has confounded the medics before - only a few weeks ago I was told that they thought they had lost him back in September - he's fighting hard and seems not to be ready to "take the tideway" yet.

Rosemary

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 17 Mar 05 - 07:28 AM

That is great news Rosemary.I am so pleased we have not lost such a great man yet.

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: greg stephens
Date: 17 Mar 05 - 07:30 AM

Rosemary: good to hear that from you.Not tideway yet, though maybe slightly in the sidings now?
Good wishes
from
Greg

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: GUEST,MikeofNorthumbria (sans cookie)
Date: 17 Mar 05 - 08:03 AM

Dear Rosemary,

Many thanks for passing on this encouraging news. Cyril's resilience in the face of adversity tallies with all I've learned about him in the forty-odd years that I've known him. Let's hope that he confounds the doctors yet again.

Last Saturday, the members of our ceilidh band were having supper and a few drinks after the gig. Nothing was planned or organised, but after a while, we began singing a few of Cyril's songs, and raised a glass or two in his honour. Perhaps it did him some good? Or perhaps thinking that it might have done is only sentimental foolishness? Who can tell? But anyhow, it reminded us of how much we all owe him. Long may he thrive.

Wassail!

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: GUEST,Frances, Oxfordshire
Date: 17 Mar 05 - 09:11 AM

Long may Mr. Tawney continue to confound the medics! Saw him at Sidmouth a few years ago and was amazed at his power and presence. He is a great man.

Frances.

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: EBarnacle
Date: 17 Mar 05 - 11:37 AM

Good to hear it! There is still a chance I may get to hear him live.

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: radriano
Date: 17 Mar 05 - 11:55 AM

This is wonderful news, Rosemary! Thanks for sharing it with us.

Radriano (Richard Adrianowicz)

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: GUEST,Penny Black - on someone elses computer
Date: 17 Mar 05 - 12:31 PM

Glad to hear things aren't as bad as they appeared - having been told Cyril was dead last year and passing on the sad news to several people in the folk world - I found that this was (Obviously) not true and then tried to let everyone know the good news - this time I hung back before relating his current condition.

Many thanks to Rosemary for the update, please keep us updated and let Cyril know that we will miss him at Lancaster this year.

Pete John and the rest of the Fyldefolk Gang.

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: Hawker
Date: 17 Mar 05 - 12:39 PM

Rosemary, what wonderful news. I had tea with you and Cyril at Lewtrenchard at the Baring Gould festival several years ago. I was a relative novice in the folkworld then and Cyril was an absolute gent and very encouraging and supportive. I will keep praying and wish both him and yourself all the best.
Cheers Lucy

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 17 Mar 05 - 12:42 PM

Always better to have direct information from a family member.

We should really resist posting information 2nd or 3rd hand when it's a matter of someone's personal health. That being said. it's clear from Rosemary's post that Cyril's health will continue to be a concern to all who know and love him.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: GUEST,Chanteyranger
Date: 17 Mar 05 - 12:42 PM

Thank you, Rosemary. The sleepiness with the pain medication is certainly better than the alternatives, and it's great to hear things aren't as dire as we first thought.

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: GUEST,folkiefrank
Date: 17 Mar 05 - 07:22 PM

Rosemary, that is encouraging news! Tell Cyril that if he ever makes it up to Thurso, I've cleared it with the neighbours that he can use their toilet when required! He'll know what I mean. Hoping for the best!