Obit: Terry Whelan (6 Oct 2006)

Subject: Terry Whelan ill
From: Barb'ry
Date: 01 Oct 06 - 07:12 PM

Thought I should let you know that Terry Whelan, stalwart of the Manchester folk scene, is seriously ill in hospital. All love to him, his wife, Vicki and family.

Subject: RE: Terry Whelan ill
From: GUEST,micca at work
Date: 02 Oct 06 - 03:37 AM

Sorry to hear this, best wishes for a speedy recovery, Micca

Subject: RE: Terry Whelan ill
From: 8_Pints
Date: 02 Oct 06 - 10:44 AM

Visited him in Wythenshawe Hospital the previous Saturday when his condition was described as 'critical but stable'.

Barb'ry phoned this morning to advise that he has rallied slightly.

Best wishes for a full recovery.

Bob & Sue vG

Subject: RE: Terry Whelan ill
From: Folkiedave
Date: 02 Oct 06 - 11:05 AM

Come on Terry, you are "Champion at Keeping `em Rolling."

Subject: RE: Terry Whelan ill
From: karen k
Date: 02 Oct 06 - 02:34 PM

Met Terry when I was over in 2004. Terry, I wish you all the best for a sppedy recovery and a long healthy life. Keep singing.

karen kobela from Connecticut.

Subject: RE: Terry Whelan ill
From: treewind
Date: 05 Oct 06 - 07:33 AM

This from a friend just now:

"I had an e-mail from Vicki saying that other complications had set in and the hospital have asked her to go in. It's difficult to know if this is the end or not - he has, after all, pulled round before"

Anahata

Subject: RE: Terry Whelan ill
From: Barb'ry
Date: 06 Oct 06 - 03:36 AM

Terry died this morning at 1.15. His wife Vicki said he was comfortable and peaceful.

Subject: RE: Terry Whelan ill
From: Folkiedave
Date: 06 Oct 06 - 04:18 AM

That is sad. Great singer, great enthusiast. I used to go to the Clarendon in Manchester in the very early sixties where Terry was a resident with a young Tommy Gilfellon and a wonderful lady singer called Terry Griffiths. Along with Harry Boardman.

An anecdote. I asked Terry a couple of years ago what first got him interested in folk music.

He said he had heard MacColl´s "Champion at Keeping Em´Rolling" and as a lorry driver he reckoned it summed up very well what he felt.

Thanks Terry.

Subject: RE: Terry Whelan ill
From: Micca
Date: 06 Oct 06 - 04:37 AM

A Sad, sad day, and a great loss, I met Terry at the Anglers in Manchester and he made me feel very welcome to the session, the singing and music, under his excellent leadership, was exceptional and conducted in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. All condolences and sympathy to his wife and family and friends at this sad time.

Subject: RE: Terry Whelan ill
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 06 Oct 06 - 05:15 AM

How very sad. What a great loss. Terry was a marvellous guy, not just a b. fine singer and yes, teacher. And I'm sure Vicki won't mind me saying that his delightfully opinionated curmudgeonship was also highly prized!
I feel privileged to have known Terry (albeit for a comparatively small number of years), for I learnt a hell of a lot about so much more than singing through our conversations.
But I'm so glad that the end was comfortable and peaceful, for he had surely suffered more than enough of late.
Sympathies, condolences, and lots of hugs to Vicki and the family.

Subject: RE: Terry Whelan ill
From: Mark Dowding
Date: 06 Oct 06 - 06:50 AM

Sorry to hear this news. I used to see Terry at Harry Boardman's club at the Unicorn in Manchester in the early 80's and have been bumping into him on occasions recently at various festivals.
Sympathy and condolences to the family

Subject: RE: Terry Whelan ill
From: 8_Pints
Date: 06 Oct 06 - 07:29 AM

Our deepest condolences to Vicki and her family.

He was instrumental in launching the Song Carriers club in Manchester and was an avid disciple of the Critics Group.

He taught us much in the way of singing techniques and performance skills, always emphasising the importance of the song and its message.

He will be greatly missed.

Bob vG

PS Joe Offer: perhaps the thread title should now be amended to "Obit: Terry Whelan"?

Subject: RE: Terry Whelan ill
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 06 Oct 06 - 07:35 AM

Sad news indeed. When I moved to Manchester to go to university, the first LP I bought was Deep Lancashire which led me to Harry Boardman's club in Failsworth in January 1970. Residents: Harry, Dave Hillery and Terry Whelan (and an embryonic Canny Fettle). Two sets of Nothumbrian pipes at the club on the same night. Wow! The only other set I saw for the next 12 months was in the High Level Ranters. I kept bumping into Terry over the years, most recently at the National Folk Festival, and always enjoyed our conversations. It's a sad day ... but the memory of those early days made a great and lasting impression.
Derek Schofield

Subject: RE: Terry Whelan ill
From: Barb'ry
Date: 06 Oct 06 - 07:44 AM

Have just spoken to Vicki. Funeral arrangements have been made for Friday 13th October (Vicki says he would have loved that..) at 1pm at Altrincham Crematorium.

We miss you Terry.

Subject: RE: Terry Whelan ill
From: Fred McCormick
Date: 06 Oct 06 - 09:05 AM

Oh God. Right on the heels of John Campbell and so many others. I just wish the grim reaper would take a break once in a while.

Subject: RE: Terry Whelan ill
From: karen k
Date: 06 Oct 06 - 09:44 AM

I'm so sorry to hear this. I didn't know him well or for very long but he told me that he liked my singing and the songs I chose. That meant alot. I could see how well thought of he was by those around him. I'm glad to have been in his presence for the short time I was. I wish I could have known him better. My condolences to the family. Keep on singing Terry and rest in peace.

karen kobela

Subject: RE: Terry Whelan ill
From: johnadams
Date: 06 Oct 06 - 09:56 AM

I'm sitting here in my studio at Salford Uni looking at a server full of digitised recordings from the Paul Graney Collection. Terry was going to help me identify some of the presently anonymous singers recorded at the Wayfarers Club etc. so it's a double whammy - not only the loss of a great colleague from the Ryburn 3 Step residents, but also the huge store of knowledge that he had.

I'm fairly optimistic that when we start to delve into these recordings over the next year, we'll find some recordings of Terry himself and I look forward to that. Some small compensation for losing a gentle, if amusingly curmudgeonly, giant of a singer.

Johnny Adams.

Subject: RE: Terry Whelan ill
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 06 Oct 06 - 10:15 AM

I sadly note the passing of a good man, a fine singer and keeper of the folk flame. As the folk scene crumbles into an industry we can ill afford the loss of a man of integrity like Terry Whelan. Sincere condolences to his wife and family. Roy Harris.

Subject: RE: Terry Whelan ill
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 06 Oct 06 - 10:48 AM

Condolances to the family from me and all at Swinton Club. Even though we were 'neighbours' in folk club terms our paths didn't cross too often but when they did we always found Terry to be a storehouse of knowledge as well as a fine singer. He will indeed be sadly missed. Anyone know if the MacCall weekend was planned for this year and if so is it still going ahead?

DtG

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Whelan
From: Mary Humphreys
Date: 06 Oct 06 - 10:57 AM

Dave Bishop, Terry and I used to run a session at the Ducie in Manchester. We spent many a long Wednesday evening there singing our hearts out with a tiny group of likeminded enthusiasts. We considered it the best singing time of our lives.
I will miss the big man. I send Vicki and the family love and sincere condolences.
Mary

Subject: RE: Terry Whelan ill
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 06 Oct 06 - 01:02 PM

Since my earlier post (in immediate and shocked response to the news), I've been getting constantly reminded of Terry throughout my working day... he touched many aspects of my life.

He was a big man in more senses than one. Big on integrity especially. He said what he meant - and meant what he said.

He inspired us all with his intelligent, informed provocation, most specially at the singing workshops he led so ably - and inclusively -for us, his like-minded friends. In enabling us to focus on the effective communication of the song and its message, he was a mentor to so many (myself included), and a valued source of both genuine encouragement and honest criticism. A knowledgeable enthusiast who would readily share his knowledge, Terry had - and inspired others to have - the aspirations of a true artist.

I miss him loads already.

Subject: RE: Terry Whelan ill
From: VIN
Date: 06 Oct 06 - 01:30 PM

Many condolencies to Terry's family. A great stalwart of the local folk scene over the years as many of the messages above show. Remember him from the old days of the Unicorn and other local veues, MSG, Black Lion. Did not know him personally but you kind of like to know that folk like Terry are still around, a sad loss but as with others who have departed over the years, the memories & good thoughts remain.

Subject: RE: Terry Whelan ill
From: GUEST,Dave Bishop
Date: 06 Oct 06 - 01:56 PM

Terry was one of the very best friends I ever had. Yes, he was opinionated (and occasionally 'curmudgeonly' - but that's because he had a set of passionate beliefs, often at odds with some of those around him) but he was also, under the gruff exterior, a kind, generous and warm person. He loved nothing better than having a house full of friends. He was also a very good cook and enjoyed catering for all of his mates.

When I first arrived in Manchester, in 1972, Terry was one of the first people that I met. When he realised that we both shared an appreciation for such singers as Ewan MacColl and Bert Lloyd we became firm friends. In spite of these common interests we didn't agree on everything and had many furious and enjoyable arguments (usually on the way back from the wonderful 'Ryburn 3 Step' folk club, near Ripponden, where we were both residents). Though 'furious' these arguments were never acrimonious and we never fell out in all the 34 years that I knew him - you had to understand that Terry loved arguing - it was an important part of his life and his character!

Of course Terry was a great singer and one of the pioneers of the post-war revival. As others in this thread have pointed out he was a stalwart of the early Manchester folk scene.
In recent years Terry was the prime-mover behind a series of Ewan MacColl commemorative weekends in Salford. These were some of the most enjoyable folk music occasions that I can remember. At these weekends local singers contributed their talents along side some of the great names of the modern folk scene. I suspect that one of the reasons that these weekends were so successful was because of the respect and admiration that all concerned had for Terry.

I will miss Terry in the years to come - he played an important part in my life and it's difficult to imagine life without him (and the arguments!).

Rest in peace, Terry mate. If success in life is measured in friends and goodwill (and I can think of no better measure) you were one of the most successful people I ever met!

Dave B.

Subject: RE: Terry Whelan ill
From: asirovedout
Date: 06 Oct 06 - 03:39 PM

I've only just read today's replies, so it hasn't sunk in yet.
I guess it won't for some time.
He was such a strong character that he seemed to be indestructible.

Like many others, I owe an awful lot to Terry.


My condolences to Vicki and all those closest to him

Bob Butler

Subject: RE: Terry Whelan ill
From: Matthew Edwards
Date: 06 Oct 06 - 03:44 PM

I met Terry through the Ewan MacColl memorial weekends, and at his workshops for singers, and found him a great and challenging inspiration. He had some wonderful anecdotes about songs and singers which he enjoyed sharing.

Thanks to Barbara for keeping us all informed.

My deepest sympathy to Vicki and family.

Subject: RE: Terry Whelan ill
From: 8_Pints
Date: 06 Oct 06 - 05:25 PM

I'm sure Vicki will gain some comfort from all these wonderful messages. It is lovely to know how well Terry was thought of.

Like many people have said, Terry was a great friend and inspiration to me also and gave me so much encouragement when I sang, quite apprehensively at first, at the Ducie Arms. I'm sure I would never have had the confidence to try and sing ballads if it hadn't been for his support. I have learned so much from him (and the other members of our singer's workshop) that I feel we must continue these workshops, I'm certain that Terry would have wanted us to.

We had been discussing tentative plans for this years MacColl celebration just prior to this final illness but it became impossible to pursue them as Terry became more poorly. The last time we visited him in hospital (at the end of September) he was talking about our group making a CD of Ewan's songs, perhaps this could be a project for us to complete in Terry's memory.

We will miss him so much.

Sue vG

Subject: RE: Terry Whelan ill
From: John J
Date: 06 Oct 06 - 06:08 PM

:-(

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Whelan (6 Oct 2006)
From: GUEST,Yvonne
Date: 07 Oct 06 - 12:59 PM

Very sad news indeed.

I didn't know Terry well at all but do know he had a fine voice and a kind face.

We met on very few occassions but whenever we did meet he always told me I had a good voice but was singing the wrong songs. I never really got round to asking what he thought I should sing. Wish I had.   

Deepest sympathy to all his family.


Yvonne

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Whelan (6 Oct 2006)
From: Bernard
Date: 07 Oct 06 - 02:58 PM

How sad. A man with a deep insight into folk song, who will be sorely missed.

I didn't know him that well, but his reputation is second to none. His memory will live forever.

Bernard

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Whelan (6 Oct 2006)
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 07 Oct 06 - 04:11 PM

I for one would be very pleased to see a Ewan MacColl/Terry Whelan Memorial weekend next September. Burl

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Whelan (6 Oct 2006)
From: Barb'ry
Date: 07 Oct 06 - 09:50 PM

A few of us have been talking over doing exactly that, Burl. We may have a day of song in the Manchester area, perhaps not as formal as previous Ewan MacColl weekends but to honour two men who gave so much to folk music and the tradition.
We will let you know where and when.
Barb'ry

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Whelan (6 Oct 2006)
From: Fred McCormick
Date: 08 Oct 06 - 05:21 AM

There's a lovely story about Terry which I thought summed him up to a T. He had a wake for himself on his sixtieth birthday, on the grounds that, if he left it to others he'd be dead by the time they got round to organising it.

They sure don't make them like that any more.

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Whelan (6 Oct 2006)
From: My guru always said
Date: 08 Oct 06 - 06:15 AM

I'm afraid I'm one of many who didn't meet Terry, but reading this thread has introduced me to this Man who has touched so many hearts and given much of himself to our world of singing.

He must have been a joy to know. A very sad loss but I can see lots of good memories for all who knew him. I will remember him too now, through your posts. My positive thoughts to his wife Vicki, family and friends.

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Whelan (6 Oct 2006)
From: r.padgett
Date: 08 Oct 06 - 12:08 PM

I am sorry to hear of Terry's passing

I only came across him at Ripponden/Ryburn 3 steps but was aware of his love of the music heard him sing and his Mccoll connections

sad days again

Ray

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Whelan (6 Oct 2006)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 12:07 AM

If an obituary turns up in a local paper there I hope someone will post a link to it.

SRS

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Whelan (6 Oct 2006)
From: GUEST,Noreen
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 10:25 AM

Just heard the news.

Miss you terribly, Terry.

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Whelan (6 Oct 2006)
From: 8_Pints
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 02:33 PM

Terry in happier times taken at the Salford Working Class Library (2004).

Bob vG

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Whelan (6 Oct 2006)
From: GUEST,Noreen
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 11:05 AM

Managed to take the day off work for Terry's funeral on Friday. I expect a full house- he knew everybody in the world of traditional song.

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Whelan (6 Oct 2006)
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 08:23 AM

Could someone confirm exactly where Altrincham Crematorium is please?
Thanks

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Whelan (6 Oct 2006)
From: GUEST,Dave Bishop
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 08:37 AM

Hi Derek,

The full address is:

Altrincham Crematorium,
White House Lane,
Dunham Massey,
Altrincham WA14 5RH

(tel: [phone])

I don't know any more than that and will have to consult the A to Z!

I hope that this helps. See you tomorrow.

Best Regards,
Dave.

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Whelan (6 Oct 2006)
From: Fred McCormick
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 08:44 AM

pasting in the following link should bring it up:
http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?client=public&X=374000&Y=390000&width=700&height=400&gride=373814&gridn=389775&srec=0&coordsys=gb&db=pc&addr1=&addr2=&addr3=&pc=WA145RH&advanced=&local=&localinfosel=&kw=&inmap=&table=&ovtype=&keepicon=true&zm=1&scale=50000

Failing that go to http://www.multimap.com/ . Select Great Britain & NI and then key WA14 5RH into the search box.

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Whelan (6 Oct 2006)
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 09:54 AM

Thanks

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Whelan (6 Oct 2006)
From: 8_Pints
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 05:58 AM

Altricham Crematorium

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Whelan (6 Oct 2006)
From: John Routledge
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 07:59 PM

There was standing room only at The Crematorium.

Bob Blair led the singing of "The Joy of Living" and Alison McMorland sang a Lament.

A buffet lunch at a local hotel followed and the afternoon concluded with the singing of a few carefully selected songs.

It was all a clear indication of the love and affection in which Terry was held.

Farewell Terry - You will be greatly missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Whelan (6 Oct 2006)
From: johnadams
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 08:14 PM

Amen to that! It was good to hear the stories and meet the many people that Terry knew but who never crossed over to our part of the world.

Every end is a new beginning.

J

Subject: RE: Obit: Terry Whelan (6 Oct 2006)
From: 8_Pints
Date: 28 Oct 06 - 12:33 PM

Just managed to extract this recording of Terry singing Chylde Owlett at the April'2004 Rishworth Spring Sing.

Bob vG