Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)

Subject: Fw: Mick Brooks
From: steve_harris
Date: 09 Nov 05 - 04:15 PM

From: Jeremy Tozer [mailto:[e-mail]]
Sent: 09 November 2005 16:46

To ceilidh-goers and folk festival regulars,

Sue Robson has asked me to put this message out as she does not want to have to keep telling people the same sad news one by one.

You may have heard by now that Mick Brookes went into a Hospice today. He was with Sue for part of the recent half term week and felt unwell during that period. I understand from Sue that the inevitable may well be quick and that in the meantime he doesn't want any visitors. Sue has had a lot of good wishes already for which she thanks people.

Poor Mick. He'll be missed.

Subject: RE: Mick Brooks
From: MBSLynne
Date: 09 Nov 05 - 05:06 PM

Oh no! He seemed so much better and so full of energy the last time I saw him! I don't know what to say....

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Mick Brooks
From: Mr Red
Date: 09 Nov 05 - 06:01 PM

I have been amazed at his resolve and energy since the operation, but he lived for his music and calling so I guess it motivated him. I have to say the last time I saw him call at a Banbury ceilidh, not a month since, it was not punctuated by his usual laugh. But we enjoyed the dances so it must have given him pleasure.

Subject: RE: Mick Brooks
From: GUEST,Ralph
Date: 10 Nov 05 - 02:11 AM

Sad news indeed.

Many happy memories of sessions in the Radway, and other places.
Like Lynne above, I'm lost for words too.

Ralph

Subject: RE: Mick Brooks
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 10 Nov 05 - 02:41 AM

I'm very sorry to hear this - best wishes from me too.

Kitty Vernon

Subject: RE: Mick Brooks
From: fiddler
Date: 10 Nov 05 - 02:53 AM

There are no words for this, Mick is part of the scene and always will be for those that know him.

Those that know me will realise the rarity of this remark, I'm lost for words!

Andy

Subject: RE: Mick Brooks
From: GUEST,Gadaffi
Date: 10 Nov 05 - 04:48 AM

Best wishes from me too. If I owe Mick anything, it's relearning the mandolin again. I used to swipe his at the Radway and struggle through 'The Rights of Man'. Must try harder!

Subject: RE: Mick Brooks
From: GUEST,Helen Akitt
Date: 10 Nov 05 - 04:49 AM

I too saw him at Banbury and thought he was looking so much better. So this is quite a shock.
It just goes to show that you can never tell with these things.
Anyway, our thoughts are very much with him.
Helen

Subject: RE: Mick Brooks
From: Cats at Work
Date: 10 Nov 05 - 08:00 AM

We are so sorry to hear this about Mick. He is such a lovely, warm hearted person and always has been an integral part of Festivals. We wish him all the best.

Subject: RE: Mick Brooks
From: MBSLynne
Date: 10 Nov 05 - 08:31 AM

I've just heard he has died. Anyone got any more info?

The 'other bar' is going to be full of good company...I hope someone gets me a pint in for when I arrive. But I shall lift a glass to Mick here first.

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Mick Brooks
From: GUEST,Peter
Date: 10 Nov 05 - 01:55 PM

My enduring memory is somebody at the National saying to me "Where's Brooksie? Oh! its all right I can hear him" just as that familiar laugh filled the bar.

Subject: RE: Mick Brooks
From: MBSLynne
Date: 10 Nov 05 - 02:05 PM

So sorry....the rumour I reported earlier is incorrect. The person who told me misread a message.

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Mick Brooks
From: GUEST,Nickp cookieless
Date: 10 Nov 05 - 02:13 PM

We'd known he'd been very ill for some time but he always seemed to keep going. If anyone sees him, pass on our best wishes, Nick & Claire

Subject: RE: Mick Brooks
From: fiddler
Date: 10 Nov 05 - 06:00 PM

I don't know if I am pleased or not about ur rumours lynne, I would never wish the old bugger weeks of pain and misery but the alternative is too dreadful.

I will keep everything possible crossed.

Subject: RE: Mick Brooks
From: GUEST,Ralph
Date: 10 Nov 05 - 06:19 PM

Fiddler.
My thoughts exactly.
Why can I not type anything that doesn't sound "trite"
Good Man. Good Friend. Rubbish fiddler...(Joking!)
Could go down the line of Lighting Candles, but, he'd probably say..Nah..mines a pint.
We must all await the next news. with great sadness.

With Best Wishes.

Ralph Jordan

Subject: RE: Mick Brooks
From: GUEST,Ralph
Date: 10 Nov 05 - 06:22 PM

Blimey, that last post was rubbish.
I don't know what else to say. Forgive me.
R

Subject: RE: Mick Brooks
From: MBSLynne
Date: 11 Nov 05 - 02:36 AM

Trite or not Ralph, you're just expressing the feelings of a lot of us. Perhaps we're all feeling trite!

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Mick Brooks
From: GUEST,Ralph Jordan
Date: 11 Nov 05 - 01:41 PM

Hello all.
Have just read on the fRoots board that Mick has passed away.
Very few details there, but, I'm sure Ian A wouldn't have posted it without verifying the story.
A very sad day. Will miss the old bugger. (As Fiddler described him)
RIP Mick
Kind regards
Ralph

Subject: RE: Mick Brooks
From: GUEST,Chris Hall
Date: 11 Nov 05 - 02:57 PM

Yes,
We had a message from Sue this morning, saying that Mick died yesterday, 10th November

A sad day indeed.

Regards

Chris

Subject: RE: Mick Brooks
From: Mr Red
Date: 11 Nov 05 - 03:11 PM

guess he made his final call.

Subject: RE: Mick Brooks
From: Leadfingers
Date: 11 Nov 05 - 03:18 PM

Another good man gone !! Known Mick a long time - A Sad Loss to the scene !

Subject: RE: Mick Brooks
From: treewind
Date: 12 Nov 05 - 11:14 AM

Very sad news, even though we've been expecting it for a while. The Radway at Sidmouth and many other music sessions are not going to be the same without him, and the ceilidh scene will miss him too.

I can still hear that laugh. What a great way to be remembered!
Anahata

Subject: RE: Mick Brooks
From: fiddler
Date: 12 Nov 05 - 01:01 PM

Devastated, a life lived - not wasted in any way = one that will be with us all forevwer - yes that laugh.

Warm thoughts is all I can offer to all those who need them.

Andy

Subject: RE: Mick Brooks
From: ConcertinaChap
Date: 12 Nov 05 - 01:14 PM

One thing I'm glad of is that I have recordings of many sessions where that laugh rang out. Anne and I are really sad. Not good news.

Chris

Subject: RE: Mick Brooks
From: GUEST,Cats - cookieless
Date: 12 Nov 05 - 06:48 PM

My enduring memeory of Mick will be of the time he called two Ceilidhs at the same time at Sidmouth, one in the Anchor Gardens, one on the Ham. Deciding he could do both, he borrowed a bicycle to get between the two. He set one dance going in one venue then cycled to the other to round of that one and start another there. At one point he was gasping for a drink and stopped off in the Dove for a quick drink... only he got talking, as you do, and completely forgot the time. Some of us danced Stoke Golding Country Dance for nearly 15 minutes before we dropped to the floor.....
You'll be missed Mick.
Kathy & Jon

Subject: RE: Mick Brooks
From: mrsmick
Date: 13 Nov 05 - 06:23 AM

Thank you for saying all thoase lovely things about Mick. He'd be cringing in the corner with embarrasment, but you're all right. He's probably walked straight into a session, 'kicked his way in' as he would say, without waiting till the end of a tune - he never did, why should he start now? And guess what - he's discovered he can drink again and is making up for lost time!

Next year is going to be so hard....

In the meantime I will let you know arrangements for funeral, flowers, donations etc when the family have decided.

Sue

Subject: RE: Mick Brooks
From: MC Fat
Date: 13 Nov 05 - 06:35 AM

First met Mick a long time ago when I arrived as a fresh faced young bold librarian in Aylesbury in 1970 blob. have known him since and he's always been a smashing chap last saw him at Whitby. He will be sadly missed. keep your chin up love and remember the happy times he was a special bloke.
Jim

Subject: RE: Mick Brooks
From: GUEST,Ralph
Date: 13 Nov 05 - 07:35 AM

Sue. Thanks for posting. And you're right too. Next year will be hard, but, I for one will think back on all the great times that I shared with Mick. In the same way that Nigel Chippindale still comes back to chastise me to play better.
Now theres a thought. Nigel and Mick trying to out fiddle each other!
The Radway re-union in the winter will be all the more fitting now.
Best Wishes Ralph and Barbara

Subject: RE: Mick Brooks
From: Mary Humphreys
Date: 13 Nov 05 - 09:39 AM

Oh I am so cut up to hear about Mick. We last saw him at Whitby this year in a session when he was still fiddling away with the best of them at the Middle Earth. He was so determined to carry on as though nothing had changed. What a spirit!
We had some wonderful times at Sidmouth in the Radway, and I will always remember his wonderful calling for the Big Band Workshop, that gave many novice band members their first chance of playing for dancing with a first-class caller.
What a loss to the music scene. I am so sad.
Let us know what the funeral arrangements are please.
Mary

Subject: RE: Mick Brooks
From: Mr Red
Date: 13 Nov 05 - 09:43 AM

I told three lasses at Cheltenham last night. All were devastated and remember him fondly - I think Mick would be proud. No - I know it.

Subject: RE: Mick Brooks
From: MBSLynne
Date: 13 Nov 05 - 11:12 AM

I'm not sure when I first met Mick...he just seems always to have been part of the folk scene. I know he was at my first Towersey in 1984 and I already knew him then, cos I was surprised that when I said "Hi" , not knowing him well, he came over and gave me a big hug. I guess I must have met him at Sidmouth. I know that I've seen him at the majority of festivals I've been to over the last 25 years and he's always treated me as an old friend, even in the very early days. He was also one of the people who welcomed a new player into session and gave them the confidence to join in. He was probably the best caller on the ceilidh scene....you always enjoyed a Mick Brooks ceilidh, no matter who was playing! What a nice guy! Why is it that so many of the nicest people are the ones who go too early? Have a pint and a play for me Mick!

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Mick Brooks
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Nov 05 - 04:40 PM

Hi Lynne. Anahata and Mary..
It's only just hit me. Bless Him.
And Lynne...totally agree..why do the good die young?
Must keep playing.
Ralph

Subject: RE: Mick Brooks
From: GUEST,Jane Bridges
Date: 14 Nov 05 - 10:18 AM

I have only known Mick for 5 or so years, but as Lynne said, "he's always treated me as an old friend" - Amazing !
I heard of his sad passing from a friend at Saturday's Megabops ceilidh, and in a way it was the right place to hear. I could go out there and dance my socks off, just as Mick would have wanted.

I saw him at Wallingford this year and he looked SO well, it was great. I decided just to talk to him about what we were both doing and enjoying that weekend, rather than 'how he was' etc, and that's the way he seemed to want it too. He just lived for the moment, didn't he, always busy, always laughing, always welcoming... Very inspiring & relevant.

I shall remember him fondly, looking as well as he did last time I saw him, and dressed up ready to play for the wonderful buxom belly dancers on the seafront at Swanage.

I too would be grateful to hear the funeral arrangements please,
Love to family & friends,
Tiger Jane

Subject: RE: Mick Brooks
From: GUEST,Gadaffi
Date: 14 Nov 05 - 11:30 AM

I'll miss the ol' bugger. I fondly recall the Radway full of musicians, as usual - no melodeon players (unless it was Nick Barber), and 23 string players, Mick being one of them.

I'll raise a glass to his memory next August!

Subject: RE: Mick Brooks
From: GUEST,Fellow Fiddler
Date: 14 Nov 05 - 12:06 PM

Very sad to hear the news having played in sessions with Mick at various festivals for many years . A really lovely man and a great fiddle player who will be missed on the folk scene by all of his many friends . The Radway will seem a bit empty without him in the thick of it .
                Andy James

Subject: Obit: Mick Brooks
From: GUEST,hen harrier
Date: 14 Nov 05 - 09:53 PM

Very sad news that Mick Brooks (caller & fiddle player, N. Bucks) passed away last week. He'll be sorely missed, especially at beginners ceilidh workshops such as were featured at Sidmouth Fest.

God rest his soul.

Subject: RE: Mick Brooks
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Nov 05 - 08:17 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Mick Brooks
From: GUEST,Chris P
Date: 15 Nov 05 - 08:18 AM

I'm so sad to hear about Mick. My next pint and tune will be in his memory.
Chris Partington

Subject: RE: Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)
From: mrsmick
Date: 16 Nov 05 - 03:50 AM

Funeral will be at St Mary's Church Aylesbury on Monday 21st followed by something more to Mick's taste in the Kings Head also in Aylesbury

Sue

Subject: RE: Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)
From: mrsmick
Date: 16 Nov 05 - 03:52 AM

Sorry - forgot to say - probably 3.30.

My brain isn't working properly at the moment.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)
From: GUEST,Dave Ingledew - Bursledon Village Band
Date: 16 Nov 05 - 05:24 AM

My first memory of Mick was at the Radway when he was so friendly and helpful to Joyce & I in a rather testosterone fuelled session. That was back in the late 1970's since then of course we worked with Mick on many occassions, he was just the easiest caller to work with. He never seemed to make any effort and yet the dance ran like clockwork, the sign of a true expert. What else can I say, he was the most committed folky I've ever met, seldom judgmental, always encouraging. The unselfish hours he spent with beginner dancers and beginner musicians for that matter, the big grin and of course that laugh.

We'll all miss him I know.

Dave Ingledew

Subject: RE: Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)
From: MBSLynne
Date: 16 Nov 05 - 05:41 AM

Unfortunately, I won't be able to make the funeral or the wake...so please have a drink for me in Mick's memory......and it will be my birthday, not a good day to bury a friend.

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)
From: MC Fat
Date: 16 Nov 05 - 06:02 AM

Doubt if I can make it but would someone raise a glass on my behalf especially as it was at the King's Head where I believe I first met him when I started the folk club there

Subject: RE: Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 16 Nov 05 - 01:01 PM

Just a quick refresh.
I think this needs to keep popping up for the next few days, just to alert Micks friends.
Still trying to wangle my way out of work.
Ralph

Subject: RE: Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)
From: Mary Humphreys
Date: 16 Nov 05 - 06:07 PM

Ralphie it would be great to have you there as part of the session. Anahata and I are taking the day off to be there.
Mary

Subject: RE: Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)
From: GUEST,Helen Akitt
Date: 17 Nov 05 - 07:10 AM

I'm hoping to be able to get there.
Could someone post the address of the Church please (I've been to the Kings Head before)?
Thanks
Helen

Subject: RE: Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)
From: treewind
Date: 17 Nov 05 - 07:17 AM

From the email I've just had from Roger Rowe:
Here (Google Map) or Here (A Church near you)

Anahata

Subject: RE: Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)
From: fiddler
Date: 17 Nov 05 - 07:44 AM

If I can't escape the drudgery of work to say cherio to Mick I well be there in spirit. But I shall aim to be there.

Andy

Subject: RE: Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)
From: mrsmick
Date: 17 Nov 05 - 10:40 AM

Have heard from Mick's family - no flowers please (He loved giving them, but thought they were wasted at funerals), and no black.

Still thinking about the best place for donations in lieu of flowers.

Sue

Subject: RE: Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)
From: mrsmick
Date: 17 Nov 05 - 01:33 PM

Donations to Bristol Cancer Help Centre, Grove House, Cornwallis Grove, BRISTOL, BS8 4PG

Sue