Obit: Billy Mills (15 Sep 2005)

Subject: Obit: Billy Mills
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Sep 05 - 04:59 AM

I have just heard that Billy, familiar to all who attended the Sheffield carols at Dungworth, died at his home last Thursday.
"My dearest wish, whate'er be my luck,
Is to end my days here at home."

Subject: RE: Obit: Billy Mills
From: Folkiedave
Date: 19 Sep 05 - 05:24 AM

Very Sad. I confess it took me a long time to appreciate Billy´s qualities as a singer.

"Sing all ye people........."

Dave

Subject: RE: Obit: Billy Mills
From: MC Fat
Date: 19 Sep 05 - 07:26 AM

Very sad news indeed. He will be missed. We were all looking forward to hearing him at this year's Sheffield Folk Festival.

Subject: RE: Obit: Billy Mills (15 Sep 2005)
From: concertina ceol
Date: 20 Sep 05 - 11:34 AM

Thanks Billy for a wonderful song and your dedication to caroling. The last verse of "Swaledale" or "Song of the Swale" means a lot to me being a yorkshire lad exiled down in Kent!

God Bless.

Subject: RE: Obit: Billy Mills (15 Sep 2005)
From: Matthew Edwards
Date: 20 Sep 05 - 03:36 PM

Billy was a lovely man, with a wonderful presence so he immediately got "good order" in the crowded Royal when he rose to sing 'Swaledale' or 'The Christmas Tree'. It was great to hear him sing some more songs at Bradfield only a few weeks ago. My deepest sympathy to all the family.

In the back room at the Royal one Sunday last November one lad who obviously hadn't heard 'Swaledale' before was seen to be mouthing the words "Beautiful dale, home of the snail..." in the chorus!

There is a story of one old singer from Dungworth who had passed away, and at his funeral a robin perched by his grave and sang. I hope there are robins singing for Billy.

Subject: RE: Obit: Billy Mills (15 Sep 2005)
From: BillE
Date: 21 Sep 05 - 09:41 AM

Another of the good old boys gone. How sad, but how good it was to listen to his singing.

Having visited Dungworth for many years, for the first time last December we queued by Billy at the door and had quite a chat. He was so welcoming and interested in our interest in the Carols.

We, too hope there will be a robin singing.

Bill

Subject: RE: Obit: Billy Mills (15 Sep 2005)
From: Folkiedave
Date: 23 Sep 05 - 12:50 PM

I would be really grateful if anyone who went to the funeral would be kind enough to send me a few notes on what was sung etc. Currently I am in Spain and couldn´t make it. A PM is fine.

Dave