Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)

Subject: RE: Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)
From: Arbuthnot
Date: 29 Nov 05 - 08:24 PM

There's a thing - I still owed him a pint from the last Sunday guitar session I went to before I moved North. Sad to hear - condolences to all - but if I know Mick he'll be running a harp workshop as I write!

Subject: RE: Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Nov 05 - 07:44 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)
From: GUEST,Hen Harrier
Date: 28 Nov 05 - 04:56 PM

Good to see you on the "Catters" site, Frances.

Jim Martin

Subject: RE: Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Nov 05 - 10:02 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)
From: GUEST,Frances O'Rourke
Date: 24 Nov 05 - 01:01 PM

I'm so sorry to hear about Mick. He played at my 21st birthday which was well, a few years ago now. A lovely man, always positive, happy and such a great caller. He could get dancers to do anthing at all, sometimes quite complex moves with so few words and with such charm and ease.

Frances

Subject: RE: Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Nov 05 - 10:56 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)
From: treewind
Date: 23 Nov 05 - 08:41 AM

Another participant emailed me this morning:
"By the time we finished at the church you couldn't get in the door at the King's!!
And Barbara was worried not enough people would come, huh?"

I hope the turnout was some comfort.

Roger Rowe has published Pictures of the session

Anahata

Subject: RE: Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)
From: MBSLynne
Date: 23 Nov 05 - 02:47 AM

Thanks for the evocative report Houston...makes me wich more than ever that I'd been able to get there. I hope it was a little consolation to his family.

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)
From: Houston_Diamond
Date: 22 Nov 05 - 09:48 PM

I don't remember ever seeing such a talented gathering of people, the Kings Head was far too packed inside so you were lucky to get a chair (or a standing space) there.

Outside the ceilidhs being performed looked fun (and dangerous on the icy cobbles which kinda added to the fun ;P).

A few musicians moved onto the Queens Head due to the limited space.

The best send off I've ever been to (It was like a mini festival with some of the talent there).

The day just proves how inspirational Mick was and how many lives he touched with the joy and passion of the music he was involved with.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 22 Nov 05 - 07:17 PM

Memories for me also of the Big Band ceilidhs in the Church House marquee where he made sure our tempo was right for dancing by doing a pre-run himself.
I also saw him at the Big Band Ceilidh in the Anchor gardens this year and (professional hat on) thought he looked pretty unwell then despite still having all that energy. My condolences too to his family.
TB

Subject: RE: Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)
From: treewind
Date: 22 Nov 05 - 10:50 AM

One of the more poignant parts of the memorial service was the very first contribution - a couple of tunes played on Mick's fiddle. A fine miscellany of music, dance and anecdotes followed. Thanks to all who contributed.

We left while a session was still in full swing at the King's Head - don't know how much longer it went on but Mick got a great send-off.

Anahata

Subject: RE: Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)
From: GUEST,hen harrier
Date: 21 Nov 05 - 10:13 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)
From: fiddler
Date: 21 Nov 05 - 04:12 AM

Today feels flat, after lunch will feel slower, I trust all who are there to see Mick off in style and life can begin to return to normal for all. Although never the same.

Andy

Subject: RE: Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)
From: MBSLynne
Date: 21 Nov 05 - 02:37 AM

I will stop and have a thought for Mick this afternoon.....thoughts for his family too

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Nov 05 - 09:55 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)
From: Houston_Diamond
Date: 20 Nov 05 - 05:19 PM

I never know what to say at times like these but I will say this.

Mick was someone I consider as a member of my folk family and will be remembered though my lifetime. Ceilidh's will seem to miss something without his presence and will never be as enjoyable as when Mick was the caller.

See anyone that appears tomorrow. :)

Houston

Subject: RE: Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Nov 05 - 10:19 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)
From: GUEST,hen harrier
Date: 19 Nov 05 - 09:23 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)
From: GUEST,hen harrier
Date: 18 Nov 05 - 09:27 PM

I most certainly will! Sorry I can't be there.

Jim Martin,
Dunsallagh East,
Miltown Malbay,
Co. Clare,
Ireland

Subject: RE: Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)
From: Chrissy
Date: 18 Nov 05 - 05:43 PM

Its wonderful to read so many tributes to Mick Brooks.
He will be sadly missed not only by his numerous friends in the folk world but by his long time partner Barbara Hayes.
Mick and Barbara have run a very successful gift shop and picture framing business for many years and Barbara has been a stalwart friend and folk scene companion too.
She has organised a number of dances and events with Mick and played a full and active role in his interests.
My thoughts are with Barbara at this sad time and I hope that others will join me in sending her our love and support.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 18 Nov 05 - 09:18 AM

I'm so sorry to read all this. I saw him at Banbury and have known he was ill for some time. I thought he was looking good. We knew it would happen sometime but always hoped that it wouldn't. Lots of love to you Sue and although I haven't met Barbara and the family (I don't think) I hope the pain will pass.

Probably won't be there on Monday. Hope it goes well.

regards
Sally (The Lemonade Lady)

Subject: RE: Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)
From: GUEST,sonofmick
Date: 18 Nov 05 - 08:24 AM

Lets respect everyone's feelings, Dad wouldn't want it any other way. Look forward to having a drink with you all on Monday and for those who can't make it, raise a glass anyway!
Matt

Subject: RE: Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)
From: GUEST,Sally M - at work
Date: 18 Nov 05 - 06:04 AM

I last saw him only about 4 weeks ago at one of the regular Bucks sessions we fiddle away at. Although a bit tired he was looking fairly okay and better than on some previous sessions. It was amazing how he found the energy to keep his music going till the very end. Although he could certainly be a prickly 'old goat' sometimes, he was great company and always ready with his distinctive laugh. We shall sorely miss his company, his laugh and his many tunes. A very talented guy.

Sally

Subject: RE: Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)
From: afriend
Date: 18 Nov 05 - 04:10 AM

To Guest, thursday. Don't want to raise bad feeling at such a sad time, but to many of us, Sue was Mick's partner. They hadbeen together for many years. It was an open secret thatbefore Mick was taken ill they had been making plans to live together. Please respect her feelings too.

That said. I'm not looking forward to Monday, but I will be there too. Mick will I'm sure be with us in spirit.

Anna

Subject: RE: Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 18 Nov 05 - 12:51 AM

Martin.
Good to hear from you. Yes, I can get there, and will certainly raise a glass, and probably play many tunes!!
Hope you and the family are keeping well. Cheers Mate.
Ralphie.
(Please get in touch sometime?)

Subject: RE: Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)
From: GUEST,Martin Ellison
Date: 17 Nov 05 - 04:34 PM

This is sad news indeed. I'd like to extend condolences on behalf of myself and the old "Ran Tan Band" members. Mick called for us on a couple of occasions and I remember him as being one of those easy going, easy to get on with, impossible not to like sort of blokes. Infectious laugh and infectious enthusiasm.
Sorry I can't be with you on Monday but, if you get there Ralphie please play a tune and raise a glass for me.

Martin Ellison

Subject: RE: Obit: Mick Brooks (10 Nov 2005)
From: GUEST,Thursday
Date: 17 Nov 05 - 02:37 PM

Mick's funeral has been arranged by his partner Barbara. She is the one who has decided where donations should be made.

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

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

refresh

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,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: 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,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
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: 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: 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: 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: 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