Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)

Subject: Obit: Siwsann George
From: Splott Man
Date: 06 May 05 - 10:30 AM

I sorry to report that Siws passed away early this morning.

Here is part of a message from Roger, Siwsi's partner, that I received this afternoon. I've edited out stuff that I feel is not appropriate here...

"Sadly, Siws died during the early hours of this morning. It sounds as if it was quite peaceful and painless. ...
I'm afraid I won't feel much like talking to a lot of people over the next few days, .... In the meantime, I would be grateful if you could let other members of the ... scene know, as it seems too daunting to try to contact everybody who would want to know.

If people want to make contact, I would be grateful if they could keep it to e-mails or cards for the while.

I am planning a small funeral, followed by a big musical memorial/send-off later in the year.

Love

Roger"

Siwsann made a major contribution to the Welsh folk scene over the years, in both languages, taking her music around the world. A fine ambassador who will be missed by many.

A sad day.

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George
From: Andy Jackson
Date: 06 May 05 - 11:15 AM

Very sad news indeed. I have known Siwsi for over 20 years and she has been a friend indeed.
My thoughts now are with Roger and Osian.

Andy.

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 06 May 05 - 11:47 AM

Thanks for posting, Splott Man.

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George
From: Hawker
Date: 06 May 05 - 12:03 PM

So sorry to hear this news,Kind thoughts to Roger, really enjoyed her music at Miskin, Trevithicks Train was excellent. She certainly did make a major contribution to the Welsh Folk scene and will be sadly missed.
God Bless Siwsan,
Love and kind thoughts, Kevin & Lucy Burrow, Cornwall.

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 06 May 05 - 12:06 PM

This is very sad news,I have lost a very good friend who helped me through my darkest days several years ago.
Siwsann i will miss you with all my heart.
My thoughts go out to the family right now.
Yas

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 06 May 05 - 12:53 PM

I remember Siwsan singing in folk clubs in Cardiff when I was at university there 25 years back.
It is sad to hear that another good singer is gone.
Quack!
Geoff.

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George
From: Lanfranc
Date: 06 May 05 - 01:11 PM

Siwsann will be missed - she had a brilliant voice, even if as a mere Englishman I understood little of the Welsh lyrics, she still managed to communicate the meaning of what she was singing.

Condolences to those near and dear to her.

As Geoff says, another good one gone!

Alan

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 06 May 05 - 01:49 PM

Before logging on and seeing this notice I was just listening to a track of hers - am very sad to think that her lovely music is now silenced. She'll be sorely missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George
From: Cats
Date: 06 May 05 - 02:04 PM

On a sunny day, all we have is sadness. Having been part of our lives for over 25 years, she will be sorely missed. Siws haunting voice will stay with us.
Kathy and Jon

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George
From: Mr Red
Date: 06 May 05 - 02:05 PM

Playing harp for the angels now I guess.

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George
From: richd
Date: 06 May 05 - 02:08 PM

I am realy realy sorry to hear this news. I knew she had been ill for some time, but I can't believe it. I last saw her in Merthyr for the Trevethick celebrations last year. She sang an amazing version of Can Merthyr in the High Street. Sympathies and regards to Roger and Osian.

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George
From: Dave4Guild
Date: 06 May 05 - 04:16 PM

Terribly sad news. I knew she missed Miskin this year because of her illness but had assumed we would see her next year. We were both ex Aberystwyth students and had swapped stories of our student days and mutual acquaintances last (2004) Miskin.


A great loss, condolences to her family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 May 05 - 05:20 PM

Not being familiar with she and her work, I did a short Mudcat search for Siwsann George. Here are a few links:

Siwsann George recordings

Lyr Req: When the Coal Comes from the Rhondda

tune? - union miners - Miner's Lifeguard

SRS

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George
From: My guru always said
Date: 06 May 05 - 06:16 PM

So very sorry to hear this sad news. I too hoped that Siwsann would be well enough to come to Miskin next year. My condolences to her Family and friends.
Hil

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George
From: GUEST,GUEST: Dr Price
Date: 06 May 05 - 09:32 PM

Very sad news indeed. Olly's and my thoughts are with Roger and Ossian - Stuart, who was Siwsi's partner in Mabsant, too.

Pat and I were one-half of Bedwen Haf, which was a twmpath band. Siwsi and Stuart were the other half, and we formed Llantrisant Folk Club out of it. Eventually Siswi married Roger and moved to Bassett Street, Abercynon.

Mabsant, inspired by Siws's passionate singing, was a band ahead of its time. Even now, as more tracks are released, Mabsant doesn't age.

Here's to a suberb singer and a wonderful musician indeed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George
From: Richard Atkins
Date: 06 May 05 - 09:53 PM

So sad to hear this. Siwsan was a gem. The voice and love of Music.

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: Skipper Jack
Date: 07 May 05 - 05:27 AM

I'm very sorry to hear this sad news. I knew Siwsann for quite a few years and I have a number of records of her group Mabsant. She was recognised as a fine performer and an ambassador for Welsh folk music. She will be sorely missed.

My deepest sympathy goes to her family and friends.

David Robinson.

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: Gray D
Date: 07 May 05 - 06:33 AM

Damn

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: sapper82
Date: 07 May 05 - 12:43 PM

Another one gone FAR too early and far too young and before I heard her.

Sympathy to family and friends.

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: vectis
Date: 07 May 05 - 07:21 PM

I only had the priveledge of hearing her sing once and, although I didn't understand a word, was entranced by her beautiful voice.
Another good 'un gone.

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: sian, west wales
Date: 08 May 05 - 03:51 AM

I'm devastated.

I met Siwsi when I first moved to Cardiff in 1980. I was at the Sherman Theatre and she was doing teacher training just down the road. She was SO supportive to this Canadian learner of Welsh. And I enjoyed her sessions at the Conway on a weekend, too.

Very early on she told me she was thinking of going professional. I replied, 'Are you mad?' Be fair: she was, rather. But she was also right. And the world is a better place for all her work ...

The sun is shining, but it's a dark old day.

siân

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 09 May 05 - 10:48 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: Chris in Wheaton
Date: 09 May 05 - 12:21 PM

I am new to discovering Welsh music, but her cd's are some of my favorites. I hope that Sain might issue a commemorative cd.
Folk music - really all music - must be open to new talent as it comes along and welcome the changes that it produced.
Siwsann seemed to respect the past, but also to have a spirit of newness that added much to the music. I particularly liked her version of Myfanwy - the singer was mad at being jilted, which is what the words say, not the syrup version that is usually sung.
God bless your soul, Siwsann.
Chris in Chicago

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: sian, west wales
Date: 09 May 05 - 02:05 PM

Siws had been working on a new CD - a collection of songs involving birds - and had done a lot of amazing research into how the actual breed of bird used for (as an example) carrying love notes had changed through the ages. I don't know if she ever got as far as recording anything. If she did, they must be published. If she didn't, and if the family is willing, other artists must take up the challenge and record/publish in her memory.

Sad times, but we were lucky to have her, even for a little while. Hyn allodd hon hi a'i gwnaeth. (She has done what lay in her power. Mark 14.8)

siân

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: Morticia
Date: 09 May 05 - 02:20 PM

I'm sorry to hear this. I didn't know her well but what I did know impressed me very much.My condolences to her family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: Splott Man
Date: 10 May 05 - 04:57 AM

Hold on to that thought, Siân.

Frank Hennessy will be paying tribute during Celtic Heartbeat on Radio Wales, this Saturday May 7, from 10pm to 1am.

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: Splott Man
Date: 10 May 05 - 05:00 AM

Sorry.

That should be Saturday 14th.

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: A Wandering Minstrel
Date: 10 May 05 - 08:48 AM

Just found this thread, I remember Siws well from the days when she was a leading light of Llantrisant FC. She came to my wedding. A sad lossof an old friend

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: Alice
Date: 10 May 05 - 09:07 AM

My sympathy to all of her friends and family in your loss. About 10 years ago I found Siwsann's recordings of Welsh music in my local public library and was thrilled by the discovery. Her music was inspiring to me.

Alice Flynn in Montana

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: GUEST,Cats
Date: 10 May 05 - 09:23 AM

Can anyone record Frank Hennesey's tribute onto tape or CD for me, please? We can't get Radio Wales in Cornwall and we are at the Fox and Hounds anyway. Thanks.

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: Chris in Wheaton
Date: 10 May 05 - 10:10 AM

Guest from Cornwall --

Frank Hennessy referred to the sad news on this week's show and played one song by Siwsann, but his full tribute will be part of his Celtic Heartbeat show on Radio Wales next week -- it will be archived for a week on the BBC radio player - click on Radio Wales usually about an hour or two after the show ends. Not as fast as Dr. Who shows up on Bittorrents, but still pretty fast. I use Total Recorder to record off the net.
Frank's show this week was really great too - he interviewed my friend, David Llewellyn originally from Mountain Ash and now Nashville. David did 2 great new songs. Frank also played some other fine music - they post the playlist, so you can see what he is playing.
Chris yn Wheaton

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 10 May 05 - 02:03 PM

I will be listening to it live on Saturday night.Siws was a very dear friend of mine and the whole of LLanrisant Folk Club and was a regular at Miskin at Easter Folk Festival.We miss her already here in South Wales.
Scooby

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: sian, west wales
Date: 10 May 05 - 04:59 PM

I'll be availing myself of the BBC website, post-broadcast, as I'm looking forward to attending The Handfasting of Micca and 'Phid on Saturday. A ray of sunshine ...

siân

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: MBSLynne
Date: 11 May 05 - 02:46 AM

Oh no! This was more of a shock, since I didn't even know she was ill. I didn't know her well either, but I did notice the lack of her at Miskin this year. My thoughts to her family

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: Splott Man
Date: 11 May 05 - 03:53 AM

Swsi`s funeral will be held at Moriah Chapel, Abercynon on Friday at 12.45.
Family flowers only,if people want to contribute they can make their donations to either Macmillan or Tenovus.
Roger wants a small funeral but he is going to organise a musical weekend tribute in the Autumn.

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: GUEST,padgett
Date: 11 May 05 - 07:21 AM

I recall meeting/seeing Siwsann twice only once was at Cleethorpes FF
when she was good enough to sing a couple of mining songs in the front bar area, many years ago

I was delighted as I come from a mining family in Barnsley (any Yorkshire mining songs?)

The other occasion I think was in West Yorkshire somewhere near Huddersfield

Folkies are special people who touch the hearts and minds of everyone they meet with their caring feelings expressed through the vehicle of music and song.

So it was with Siwsann

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: GUEST,Splott Man
Date: 11 May 05 - 11:03 AM

There's an obotuary here

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/r2music/folk/news/

with a link to here

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_east/4527179.stm

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: Richard Atkins
Date: 12 May 05 - 08:38 PM

A candle will be burning for Siwsann here at the time of the funeral. I will raise a glass and listen again to her wondeful voice. I lost my Dad at home sixteen years ago 13 June 89 at 1.00 pm. Uncanny .extra glass or extra candle then :>) Siwsann was so special and such an ambasador for Welsh music.My thoughts will also be with Roger and Oisan.

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 13 May 05 - 03:40 AM

Thanks Richard we appreciate that here in Llantrisant and where her home was in Abercynon.
Andy and i are going to the funeral it starts at 12.45 and a Burial at 2.00.
Take care my friend.
Yas

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: KathWestra
Date: 13 May 05 - 04:57 PM

What very sad news. Siwsann, Jo Freya, and Rae Fisher were guests in my home near Washington, DC, many years ago for a couple of days after a spectacularly good joint concert tour. In addition to that amazing voice and power to communicate through her songs (even though they were in a different language), Siwsann had a wonderful zest for life and a contagious, wide-eyed curiousity about everything she encountered on that trip. What a loss of one far too young. My deepest condolences to her family and friends. Kathy Westra

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: GUEST,Nigel Parsons
Date: 14 May 05 - 02:01 PM

Playlist for Celtic Heartbeat 14/5/04
Includes link to "listen live" top right of page, show goes out 10pm UK time (3 hrs from time of this message)
Also includes link to "Listen again" so the show can be heard any time up until next Saturday

Nigel

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: Brendy
Date: 15 May 05 - 03:59 AM

Very sorry to hear this.

Met her a good few years ago with Mabsant.

RIP

B.

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 15 May 05 - 04:07 AM

I listened to her tribute last night here on Radio Wales Frank did a lovely tribute at the funeral and last night,Siws would have been very proud.The Chapel was packed with old and new friends going back most of her life.
The sadest part was the burial up in Mountain Ash high up on the hill looking across the Rhondda Valley.
Goodbye Siws my Friend.
XXXXXXXXX
Scooby

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: richd
Date: 15 May 05 - 02:48 PM

I'm glad to know the funeral was ok if ever they can be 'OK'. Better Mountain Ash with good firends + a view of the RHondda than somehwere strange and lonely. I always felt from the first time I met her in Pantycelyn, to the last time I spoke to her in Merthyr that she was a good + kind person who gave everthing she had to Wales and the world, and was a source of continuity and unity, and who I still can't believe that I will never see again.

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 15 May 05 - 04:45 PM

richd,
We are are all friends of siws Welsh or English,dont ever forget that.I hope you have some of her music you can play if not PM me to enjoy.
I dont think ever her dearest friends believe she has gone,i know i dont.
She was a very good friend of mine and my ex-husband we knew her from the old Mabsant days till her departure,she is sadly missed by you and all her friends world wild.
We are having a memorial weekend in the Auturm if you wish to contact me again,at the moment there is no definate proceedings.
Scooby

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: GUEST,Sian Davies
Date: 17 May 05 - 05:37 PM

A genuine welsh song bird and terrific spirit - my condolances to friends and family

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: sapper82
Date: 18 May 05 - 04:42 AM

Stilly River Sage;
Thankyou for the links, I ordered Tradional Songs of Wales and it arrived this morning.
What a loss of tallent.

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: Richard Atkins
Date: 18 May 05 - 07:48 PM

Stilly River Sage Go for The Mabsant one as well. Siwsann told me "It was different" and it was brill.

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: GUEST,Hirfryn
Date: 01 Jun 05 - 12:52 PM

I was at Ysgol Gyfun Rhydfelen at the same time as Siwsann. Sadly we wer both in hospital at the same time in October 2003 and both suffering from the same condition. I found out she was in hospital through my sister who saw her in the coffee shop. Whilst waiting for her surgery, she came to see me a couple of times when she was fit enough to reach my ward. It was great to be able to talk with someone going through the same emotional strain as I was. We saw each other at times in Velindre hospital as well.

This news has only just reached me as I was away on holiday when her death was announced. It has come as a shock to me that it happened so suddenly.

I shall be forever grateful for the time and effort she made to spend some time at my bedside. My deepest condolences to her family.

"Gorwedda mewn hedd Siwsann"

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: GUEST,Árpád
Date: 06 Jun 05 - 02:57 PM

I'm sorry

I met Siwsann a many years ago with Mabsant in Hungary, Bonyhád city.
Was never to be forgotten.

RIP

Árpád, from Hungary

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: GUEST,Lloyd
Date: 01 Aug 05 - 08:14 PM

I was very sorry to hear that Siwsann had passed away. I knew her from the Mabsant Days and I even rented a room at her house in Llantrisant many years ago when the band used to do a lot of touring.
Siwsann was always very committed and always spoke and sang her mind...I'll miss that.

Lloyd

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: Splott Man
Date: 02 Aug 05 - 02:55 AM

There are plans for a weekend in the early autumn to celebrate Siwsann's life and music.
It will be in Llanwrtyd Wells. Details to follow.

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: richd
Date: 25 Mar 11 - 10:01 PM

Last week in Soar Chapel, Merthyr Tydfil, Wynne James played a CD recording of 'Can Merthyr' sung by Cerys Mathews. And I remembered the first time I heard the song sung by Siwsan George in Market Square, where the song was collected. And I missed her, and remebered her, and wished she could have been there, because I think she would have been proud.

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Mar 11 - 05:54 AM

Six years... is it SIX YEARS? I think of her often. You're not forgotten, Siws. Glas you were here in Builth for New Year; glad I saw you sing on March 2nd 2005 in Brecon with Angharad.. an indomitable character, our Siws.
She came to my wedding in Wolverley, Worcs in 1987 by public transport - I've never forgotten that determined little figure setting out to walk to the reception in Bewdley... "Pick her up!"
She always picked me up, bless her. This with tears rolling down my cheeks.
Susie

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: The Sandman
Date: 26 Mar 11 - 08:13 AM

she was a singer, who [imo]sang with feeling, she was very friendly and bubbly, I was thinking about her the other day, Mabsant came and played my old folk club in Bury st Edmunds,Great night, gone, but not forgotten .Dick Miles

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: sian, west wales
Date: 26 Mar 11 - 11:16 AM

Yes, wasn't that lovely, Rich? She would have been one of Menter Merthyr's most active supporters if she was still with us. She was one of my first friends when I moved to Wales and kept my nose to the grindstone as I was learning Welsh.

Great gal, sorely missed,

sian

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: GUEST,Ced
Date: 22 Nov 11 - 07:05 PM

So very sad. Dear Siws, often thought about you from the Mabsant days with Pete and Stuart.

Will sorely miss her and the wonderful voice. Frustrating girl to work with ... so very, very special

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: GUEST,Black Belt Caterpillar Wrestler
Date: 23 Nov 11 - 07:41 AM

Still fondly remembered here too.

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: GUEST,Byn Walters, Tavarn Ty Elise
Date: 23 Nov 11 - 01:56 PM

Just came across this six years later; I couldn't go to the funeral because I'm living and working in Brittany, but Siw & I had been good friends since she was 17 and working in Peter Meazey's Siop y Triban. She was a Rhondda girl and proud of it, at one time we were in the Aberfan Community Centre below Merthyr, there was a juke box with 'If I could see the Rhondda one more time', I hadn't heard of it before but I heard plenty of it that day.

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: Brian Peters
Date: 24 Nov 11 - 12:35 PM

I don't think I'd discovered Mudcat when this thread was first posted, so it's good to have the opportunity to add my little tribute. Siwsann was my 'Welsh coach' when I recorded my Mum and Dad's old favourite 'Y Pren Ar Y Bryn' in 1996. Only met her a couple of times, but what a star! She well deserves all the fond memories above.

Subject: RE: Obit: Siwsann George (06 May 05)
From: GUEST,Suibhne Astray
Date: 24 Nov 11 - 01:06 PM

I met Siwsann at the Aust Festival in 1999 when (if I recall rightly) she chose to sleep outside in the graveyard with only a sleeping bag between herself and the stars. I remember her waving at me across the gravestones... We hit it off as kindred souls rightaway and one of my fondest ever musical memories was an impromptu performance of a Welsh RC carol (?) on which she requested I accompany her on crwth. A true honour & a spellbinding experience. She was very taken with the romantic crisis of my life at the time - living I was in a castle pining for my lover who had recently joined the lay community of a Benedictine order. Still - turned out okay in the end, Siws! There was talk of doing some recording together but it never happened; the idea is enough though, and the memory of beautiful & courageous woman who I think of whenever I play my crwth.