2005 Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: GUEST,Mrr
Date: 31 Oct 05 - 02:11 PM

Aww, man. So sorry. My sincere condolences.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Gillie
Date: 31 Oct 05 - 02:18 PM

Sad news, even though expected. Rest well Dave, it was a pleasure to have heard you sing, I'm sure the world is a richer place for having known you.

A candle will be lit and a drink drunk tonight, in remembrance.

Thoughts, love and light to friends and family.

Gillie

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: fat B****rd
Date: 31 Oct 05 - 02:19 PM

My condolences to Mr. Bryant's family and friends. RIP Dave

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Sarah the flute
Date: 31 Oct 05 - 03:16 PM

Very sad news...although expected it seems too soon. He was so much part of the South London Folk scene and one of the first people I remember when I first moved up to the smoke and although many years passed since meeting him again at The Good Intent in Rochester he hadn't changed a bit. He will be remembered with fondness by many.

Sarah

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: GUEST,FF
Date: 31 Oct 05 - 03:19 PM

Dave was such an irrepressible, colourful character, we will miss his wit and good humour everywhere he went. Our thoughts are with you Linda. Judith and Bill.x

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 31 Oct 05 - 04:21 PM

You're right there Snuffy - he could be hilariously funny most of the time, but when Dave sang Home Lads Home it was the most moving version I've ever heard.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: SussexCarole
Date: 31 Oct 05 - 04:47 PM

So sorry to hear the news Linda. Our thoughts are with you.
Carole & Andrew

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 31 Oct 05 - 04:49 PM

Just got the news. So sorry Linda. Our love and thoughts are with you.
Jane and Geoff

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: InOBU
Date: 31 Oct 05 - 04:50 PM

I only knew him by his posts to this wonderful crazy little community... I'm sitting here, crying at the computer, to all who knew him in the flesh, my love and sympathy and holding ye all in the light.
Thyne in that light
lor

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: SunnySister
Date: 31 Oct 05 - 05:42 PM

Although new to this site, I've spent a lot of time today reading posts about and from Mr. Bryant. I have been sitting here at my work computer laughing and crying in turns- mostly laughing.

I send my deepest condolences to Linda, Peter and all who loved and were connected with such a dear funny, talented and lively man. The world needs more like him and I am very, very sorry to have missed a chance to meet this force of nature.



Funeral Blues
W.H. Auden

Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum
Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.

Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead
Scribbling on the sky the message He is Dead.
Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves,
Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.

He was my North, my South, my East and West,
My working week and my Sunday rest,
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song;
I thought that love would last forever: I was wrong.

The stars are not wanted now; put out every one,
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun,
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the woods;
For nothing now can ever come to any good.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Diva
Date: 31 Oct 05 - 05:48 PM

I was lucky enough to meet both Dave and Linda at the Stony Stratford gathering a couple of years ago. I remember a man with a huge voice and a heart to match and a wonderful twinkle in his eye. My condolences to Linda and his family
Kathy

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: bbc
Date: 31 Oct 05 - 06:17 PM

I am so sorry to hear.

best to his family in this time & the future,

Barbara

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Sue the Borderer
Date: 31 Oct 05 - 06:17 PM

I, too, only met you both in the last couple of years and now, through this thread - and the likes of 'Avril Betts' - I've realised how much more there was to know.

So many memories for people to treasure.

Lots of love, Sue

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Dead Horse
Date: 31 Oct 05 - 07:47 PM

I can only add my condolences along with those of my wife.
He will be sorely missed in so many circles.
Ken & Kay.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: open mike
Date: 31 Oct 05 - 11:59 PM

FOR THOSE WHO KNEW HIM WELL,
I WISH FOR YOU THE STRENGTH TO
CONTINUE ON, AND MAY HE LIVE ON
IN YOUR MEMORIES. LAUREL

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: JennyO
Date: 01 Nov 05 - 07:13 AM

Unfortunately I never met Dave in person, and it's obvious I really missed something. That shines through in everybody's posts. John visited the UK a few years ago, and remembers meeting him.

He sounds like someone you wouldn't forget easily, and he will live on for a long time in the memories of those who knew and loved him. Sending my thoughts to you Linda, and family.

SunnySister, thankyou for posting the WH Auden poem. I love that one.

Jenny

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 01 Nov 05 - 07:24 AM

The inevitability of this news does not lessen its impact. Deepest sympathy to Dave's family, and especially to you Linda.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Splott Man
Date: 01 Nov 05 - 07:40 AM

I met Dave at Miskin last year for what I thought was the first time, although I'd seen him sing a couple of times in recent years. He reminded me we had met at least 35 years previously.

A great entertainer and a larger than life character.

My thoughts are with you, Linda.

Splott Man

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: JudeL
Date: 01 Nov 05 - 10:25 AM

Dave made it so obvious, to everyone who met him, that he believed that life is there to be enjoyed & he took even more pleasure in helping others to share that joy of life. I shall miss him.

To Linda: I have sat here for ages but all the words I can think of seem totally inadequate. Just please remember we are your friends & if you need anything, even if it's just a friendly voice or a hug, call us.

Jude & John Henry

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Dave Earl
Date: 01 Nov 05 - 10:43 AM

Billybob,

The word is out to the Middle Bar Singers. Kitty passed it on in the Middle Bar message site.

I think ifn this is what you refered to nothing could be more appropriate:-

WHAT'S THE LIFE OF A MAN

As I was a walking one morning at ease
A viewing the leaves as they fell from the trees
All in slow motion appearing to be
And those that had withered, they fell from the trees

What's the life of a man anymore than the leaves
A man has his season, so why should we grieve
Though all thru this life, we appear fine and gay
Like the leaves we will wither and soon fade away

If you'd seen the leaves just a few days ago
So beautiful and bright they all seemed to grow
A frost came upon them and withered them all
A storm came upon them and down they did fall

If you look in the churchyard, there you will see
Those that have passed like the leaves from the trees
When age and affliction upon us do fall
Like the leaves we must wither and down we must fall

Dave Earl

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: GUEST,frog and frogette
Date: 01 Nov 05 - 02:17 PM

Heard the news on Sunday but our computer has been playing up. So sorry a good man, a good friend. One of the great characters from the London folk scene. our love to Linda.

How fate conspires to make monkeys of all our plans.

Les and Carys Sullivan

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Dave Masterson
Date: 01 Nov 05 - 02:33 PM

Have just gone online after a few days off to hear this sad news. What can we say? Dave was larger than life. Over 30 years of memories flood back, from the Coach House Farningham through Foxton Canal weekends, Canalway festivals, to the last time we heard him sing - at our 20th Wedding Anniversay bash in April.

Dave, you were unforgettable while you were here and we will certainly never forget you.

Linda, our hearts go out to you at this extremely difficult time. Know that your man was well loved and appreciated for all that he was (witness the number of posts on this thread already).
With Love, Dave & Eileen.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: BB
Date: 01 Nov 05 - 03:06 PM

Can't remember a time when Dave wasn't around on the South East scene. We last saw him at Miskin this year, and were so impressed by his positive attitude to the effects of his stroke, and his humour in coping with them. We'll miss seeing him around, but our thoughts are with you, Linda, and his family. I'm sure memories of the good times will be your strength in the future.

Tom & Barbara

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Eye Lander
Date: 01 Nov 05 - 05:02 PM

I am the proud caretaker of Avril's Mudcat Badge which Dave gave me at Miskin (as I didn't have my own). I think he said he's pinched it from her on the way to Miskin.

My thoughts go out to his family

Jillie

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: GUEST,Jim McAdams & Annie Ingham
Date: 01 Nov 05 - 07:45 PM

We are both so sad to hear that yet another pillar of the "real" folk world has past on. We new Dave from Miskin and Sidmouth where he was always friendly and full of life and banter despite his health problems. A great loss to us all. Our sincere sympathy goes to Linda and his family.

            Jim & Annie

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 01 Nov 05 - 07:52 PM

Adding my condolences to all those expressed so articulately and sincerely above. My knowledge of him is from the Middle Bar at Sidmouth only,but what great singing!
The "Upper Bar" will be a wonderful place to be!
TB

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 02 Nov 05 - 12:34 AM

Do we have any news yet of the funeral? Lots of people are asking and have expressed a desire to come and sing him home proper like.

LTS

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 02 Nov 05 - 01:14 AM

My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: billybob
Date: 02 Nov 05 - 07:34 AM

Liz
Dave decided he did not want a "funeral" however he has organised his "wake".His cremation will be a very private occasion with a Linda
and Peter and two of his oldest friends.Peter spoke to me yesterday and said he will tell me when this will be so that we can all think of Dave and remember him in our own ways.I will post as soon as I hear.
I believe the wake will be at The Tudor Barn and I am sure Dave will have planned a day with much singing and maybe a drink or two? I am sure Linda will let us know when.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From:
Date: 02 Nov 05 - 07:39 AM

Thank you Billybob for keeping us up to date. Also can you let us know where The Tudor Barn is and any directions we might need?

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Schantieman
Date: 02 Nov 05 - 07:50 AM

Dave brought a lot of pleasure to a lot of people. Although I only met him a few times (Miskin, Middle Bar) I was always impressed by his singing, smile and personality.

Condolences and hugs to Linda, Peter and others

Steve

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: jacqui.c
Date: 02 Nov 05 - 08:16 AM

After a recent bereavement this side of the pond someone commented that the party's getting bigger on the other side.

With Dave around it can only get louder and even more fun.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: billybob
Date: 02 Nov 05 - 08:19 AM

Tudor Barn in Eltham South London.I will post as soon as I know.I know there are catters that run the folk club there so I am sure they will post directions when we get the date.
I have to thank Dave for telling me about mudcat, fairly new but I feel I am making new friends already, also contacting old ones.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 02 Nov 05 - 08:33 AM

Here is the folkmob
site with some details of the Tudor Barn and a map link.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: GUEST,Ella who is sooze sans cookie
Date: 02 Nov 05 - 08:50 AM

Very sad news, and I'm sorry to read of it. I met Dave only once, but that was enough to recognise his very 'wicked' and very mischievious twinkle in his eyes. He was a good character to have met the once.

My condolances to Linda and Dave's family, may his memories brighten your days to come.

Regards

Ella who is Sooze

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Essex Girl
Date: 02 Nov 05 - 10:12 AM

Thanks to everyone who has posted messages here, It's lovely to know so many people thinkk of him. Yes he was larger than life and he lived it to the full. We are hoping to book the Tudor Barn for early January - after all the Christmas festivities, but I'll let you all know when it is confirmed.
Love to you all
Linda

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 02 Nov 05 - 03:04 PM

Sorry to hear this.

John

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 02 Nov 05 - 09:25 PM

The Tudor Barn event will give us the chance to remember Dave and celebrate him. There should be a bunch from Harlow and around. (Derek is working on ensuring that.)

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 02 Nov 05 - 10:52 PM

Well unless I get the call for my hip op, I shall be there, in fact I would ask them to put the date back if it clashed with this event. Got to be there to pay my respects.
Giok

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 03 Nov 05 - 12:40 AM

There should be a space left at Hotel Draper, but I've already got provisional booking for 2 people.. that only leaves the cat basket spare....

Essex Girl, thank you for letting us know what is happening, and please remember that we are here for you, whether in body, posting, mind or spirits, it's what we do. If you need anything, just call.


LTS

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: MBSLynne
Date: 03 Nov 05 - 02:53 AM

The Middle Bar Singers are talking about a crowd going too, as Dave was on the bench in the very early days of the MB. Should be a very good send off.....I should think he'll be able to hear it wherever he is!

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: GMT
Date: 03 Nov 05 - 03:52 AM

So sorry to hear this news.
My condolences to all Daves family and friends.

Gary

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From:
Date: 03 Nov 05 - 04:56 AM

There is a spare double bed adn a sofa bed at our place too if people need somewhere to stay. Just let us know.

Khatt

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Zany Mouse
Date: 03 Nov 05 - 07:37 AM

I'm so sorry to hear this news. Although I didn't know Dave very well he always came over as a very vibrant personality. I hope he didn't suffer.

Rhiannon

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: billybob
Date: 03 Nov 05 - 09:30 AM

I just heard from Linda that Dave will be cremated on Friday 11th at 9.30am.
So we can all raise our glasses and remember how lucky we are to have known him.
Wendy

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: My guru always said
Date: 03 Nov 05 - 09:35 AM

Thanks Wendy, will raise a glass (even though it's early) & spend some time remembering. Love & Hugs to Linda,
Hil

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: GUEST,Jeff Leewis
Date: 03 Nov 05 - 09:59 AM

This is very sad news. Dave was one of the very first people I knew in the folk scene, 35 years ago. He often turned up in random pubs in South London and played and sang, trying to stimulate interest. He and his singing partner Wendy did a spot at my Brother's Jazz session at Chislehurst, then I often bumped into him at clubs, notably the Bull at Farningham, run by the Crayfolk, and for several years at Dave Coopers club at Catford, where he would announce his entrance by joining in the current chorus in full operatic volume. He was later spotted playing melodeon for Woddard Morris from Farningham. Later , whilst living in Leicester, I encountered him running canal side folk weekends, and hosting the downstairs song session at the EFDSS annual meetings in London. I hadn't seen him for a long time until he re-emerged at Sidmouth last year, and was saddened to see his deterioration this year.
    The Tudor barn will make a fitting venue for a wake, they have made the Downstairs a pub, with some decent ale.
      He was always an eccentric character, but mainly a great enthusiast who would sing anywhere at the drop of a hat, and I am sure that it is his enthusiasm that touched so many, and for which he will be remembered. Jeff

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Dave Earl
Date: 03 Nov 05 - 11:03 AM

Middle Bar people will have seen this from Tony Day but in case TD doesn't look in I have pasted his words.

"I will never forget the year Dave had a boat at Sidmouth (not sure how he got it there, or whether it was his, or one he had acquired for the week). It was an open clinker built boat of about fifteen feet, if I remember correctly.

In those days the pubs shut for the afternoon, of course (hence the origin of the twice daily Middle Bar sessions) and one afternoon Dave invited me to go out on the boat with him. There were various jokes about the perils of the deep, invading France, etc. - and I'd be very surprised if we didn't have some emergency liquid supplies with us.

We pushed the boat down the shingle up by Port Royal, got in and waited to float off. Which we did not do. The bung was missing from the hole in the bilge and we just grounded a yard or two off shore with damp ankles....

I don't think Dave wrote a song about it and I know I didn't.

Tony"

I hope Tony doesn't mind.

Dave Earl

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: billybob
Date: 03 Nov 05 - 01:29 PM

Dave + boats = hilarity, I already told the story of towing Daves boat when the wheel fell off on the thread that recently closed.
At the Walton Festival a few years ago, Dave had the last laugh when he arrived at the campsite towing boat to use as a caravan! We have a great photo of all the tents under water and a duck waddling up Daves gang plank.You could not make it up!!
Wendy
By the way Jeff , that was me at Chislehurst, I had forgotten.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: breezy
Date: 03 Nov 05 - 04:01 PM

I first met Dave at the Rising Sun in Catford south london

What kind of voice is that?

Loud, f...... , loud.

We trawled the scene and he would drag me into various pubs and immediatly make his presence known as he launched into song.

then the pints rolled in.

He boasted of never having any complaints ! cept in those days he dragged out Fiddlers Green and played the guitar

Glad I got him and Linda to come to the Silver cup and later to the spotlight, it had been many years.

His departure was more sudden than I anticipated.

A generous man, who loved life.

Bye Dave, you sure made an impact and left lasting impressions

John Breeze