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Obit: Very Sad news - Barry Callaghan - April 2007

13 Apr 07 - 12:18 PM (#2024282)
Subject: Very Sad news - Barry Callaghan
From: Folkiedave

I have just heard that Barry Callaghan, who many will know, has died whilst out in Majorca, where I am assuming he and his wife Linda were playing for a folk dance group, for they have done that before.

He will be particularly sadly missed by all lovers of English Country Music, of which he was a great champion.


13 Apr 07 - 12:33 PM (#2024292)
Subject: RE: Very Sad news
From: treewind

That's shocking news.
Mary and I are both very sad to have lost a good friend.

The forthcoming "English Hard Core" album (EFDSS) was largely organised by Barry - I'm sure it'll be a fitting memorial to him and his work.

Anahata


13 Apr 07 - 02:05 PM (#2024369)
Subject: RE: Very Sad news - Barry Callaghan
From: Dave Hunt

A dreadful blow. Apart from playing together in very many sessions over the years, we have been on holiday together (a weeks sailing on a Thames Barge)every year for the last sixteen years. The loss of a very close and dear friend. All our sympathies to Linda. The book of English music that he had put together is due out very shortly and will stand tribute to a wonderful man.Dave Hunt


13 Apr 07 - 02:25 PM (#2024381)
Subject: RE: Very Sad news
From: Wyrd Sister

Stunned. One of the nicest people I knew.


13 Apr 07 - 07:44 PM (#2024719)
Subject: RE: Very Sad news - Barry Callaghan - April 2007
From: Old Grizzly

Terrible news,

Guys like Barry are few and far between.

His knowledge and love of English Country music was deep strong and he managed to enthuse so many folks along the way

He will be sadly missed

Dave


14 Apr 07 - 02:19 AM (#2024873)
Subject: RE: Very Sad news - Barry Callaghan - April 2007
From: SylviaN

Sad news indeed.

I didn't know Barry as well as some of you, but enough to know we've lost a lovely person.

My thoughts are with Linda and all those of you who were close to him.

Sylvia


14 Apr 07 - 04:56 AM (#2024942)
Subject: RE: Very Sad news - Barry Callaghan - April 2007
From: Old Grizzly

Terrible news indeed.
Barry has been a good friend and a great companion in sessions over the years.

His extensive knowledge of English Country Dance Music was matched by an abundantly obvious enthusiasm and his ability to really make the music 'bounce' on a melodeon or concertina.

His extensive research and all the superb material he has produced and published, has left us all far, far richer.

Barry was a great guy and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Dave Prebble


14 Apr 07 - 07:11 AM (#2024987)
Subject: RE: Very Sad news - Barry Callaghan - April 2007
From: GUEST,MC Fat

Realy sad news Dave. He will be missed


14 Apr 07 - 01:00 PM (#2025263)
Subject: RE: Very Sad news - Barry Callaghan - April 2007
From: Stilly River Sage

Someone please post a web site or obituary when it appears. I'd like to read more about this performer and friend of yours. I'm sorry for your loss.

SRS


15 Apr 07 - 04:06 AM (#2025763)
Subject: RE: Very Sad news - Barry Callaghan - April 2007
From: GUEST

There doesn't seem to be much about thim on the web - he was never very much a performer, but an enthusiastic session player. He did a lot of video work associated with folk music. Example: Concertinas in Garland Films. The EFDSS book and CD project has been mentioned, due for imminent release, and co-producer John Adams has said he'll be interruption the production process to insert a suitable dedication.

Anahata


15 Apr 07 - 04:20 AM (#2025775)
Subject: RE: Very Sad news - Barry Callaghan - April 2007
From: The Sandman

He had a lot to offer ,and had acheived much in promoting the concertina and folksong and dance,very sad news indeed.


15 Apr 07 - 07:49 AM (#2025868)
Subject: RE: Very Sad news - Barry Callaghan - April 2007
From: GUEST

Very sorry to hear this. I saw Barry only a few weeks ago in a session,   he had some proofs of his forthcoming book. It will be a fitting memorial.


15 Apr 07 - 11:00 AM (#2025938)
Subject: RE: Very Sad news - Barry Callaghan - April 2007
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield

I've known Barry for 25 years and this is really shocking news. In addition to his playing of the melodeon, he was a professional film maker, and senior lecturer in film at Sheffield Hallam University. Over the years, he has made films for various organisations, including the EFDSS, many of them of step and clog dancers. Sam Sherry, Pat Tracey, Dick Hewitt. Plus the Copper family and the Festivals of Village Carols. This is a sad loss, personally and for the wider folk music and dance scene. My thoughts are with Linda and the family.
Derek


15 Apr 07 - 11:08 AM (#2025940)
Subject: RE: Very Sad news - Barry Callaghan - April 2007
From: GUEST,Felicity Greenland

I was very sad and shocked to read the news of Barry on Mustrad. He was immensely generous and helpful to me in my job, and at Sheffield carols and various musical camps. My condolences to Linda and his family and friends, and thanks to Barry for great films and music and kindness.


15 Apr 07 - 02:08 PM (#2026050)
Subject: RE: Very Sad news - Barry Callaghan - April 2007
From: GUEST,Rich Arrowsmith

A great loss to Linda, Sheffield and the folk scene. One of the most approachable, nice people that I've had the honour to meet and play music with.


15 Apr 07 - 04:45 PM (#2026174)
Subject: RE: Very Sad news - Barry Callaghan - April 2007
From: GUEST,GUEST,Dave Higham

I also have known Barry as a fellow musician and a friend for about 25 years through our association with Lizzie Dripping, City Morris and the Cloggies and numerous sessions. We rather lost touch in recent years (I live in S. W. France) but I was hoping to see him in Sheffield this Summer which makes his passing all the more sad.
As others have said, his enthusiasm for English traditional music and dance were boundless and infectious. I'll remember him as a very kind, generous and gentle man and a friend. RIP Barry.


15 Apr 07 - 05:04 PM (#2026185)
Subject: RE: Very Sad news - Barry Callaghan - April 2007
From: Folkiedave

I have had a great tribute from Glen Rock, Pennsylvania where Barry was well known for recording the Carollers visit to Sheffield. As the tributes pour in and so they should, there are some aspects to Barry´s character not perhaps so well known

Let me just add for now, he was a great bon viveur,spoke good French and was a fan of Bordeaux wine about which he was very knowledgeable. He is the only person I have ever known to send a glass of wine back at a free wine tasting. And he was correct, it was corked!!


16 Apr 07 - 10:31 AM (#2026810)
Subject: RE: Very Sad news - Barry Callaghan - April 2007
From: GUEST,Dave Higham

"he was a great bon viveur,spoke good French and was a fan of Bordeaux wine"

He certainly was. Barry and Linda came to visit us (near Bordeaux) a few years ago and I asked if there was anything special he wanted to do. He said "no, nothing special, except perhaps to visit he Médoc".

So, off we went, me driving, him navigating. He kept saying things like "oh, look, there's Chateau Latour and it's just across the road from Chateau Wossname and it's a Pemier Grand Cru and that's only a Deuxième and I thing we've still got half a dozen bottles of the '65 in the cellar" etc. etc. I asked if he wanted to visit a Chateau and he said "oh no, I just wanted to see where they all were". He'd never been before.

Of all my old friends from Sheffield, my wife appreciated Barry the most. Not only because he made a point of speaking to her in French but because of the sort of person he was. She says he was 'un très gentil garçon' and I think she's right.


16 Apr 07 - 11:04 AM (#2026853)
Subject: RE: Very Sad news - Barry Callaghan - April 2007
From: Trevor Thomas

Although I never knew him as well as some of you, I first met Barry in '85. I was 18, & had long hair. I was really impressed that he was a 'grown up' (lecturing in Fine Art at Sheffield Polytechnic) but he still had long hair! I was beginning to get really interested in traditional music of various types, and Barry always had a delight and enthusiasm for the music, and infectious good humour.

The last time I saw him was in my local session, where Sheffield City Morris turned up - I think they'd either been on some event, or were celebrating someone's birthday or something. He was still playing, and still smiling. A lovely character!

To me Barry was one of the people who really keep the music alive - not necessarily by doing concerts or putting records out, but by turning up and playing the stuff, and encouraging others to do the same. RIP Barry.


16 Apr 07 - 12:28 PM (#2026950)
Subject: RE: Very Sad news - Barry Callaghan - April 2007
From: greg stephens

I'm so sorry to hear this news. I've never actually met Barry in person(as far as I can remember!), but was in the middle of a long correspondence with him about English tunes.His recent work on the English Hard Core CD, and on a huge number of other projects, will be a fine memorial to him, I am sure.


17 Apr 07 - 06:42 AM (#2027630)
Subject: RE: Very Sad news - Barry Callaghan - April 2007
From: GUEST,MC Fat

I too will remember a man with a smile on his face and a passion for the music. He was always quietly supportive of our fledgling Sheffield Folk Festival and I think it would be nice to remember him in some way at this year's event.


17 Apr 07 - 08:15 AM (#2027702)
Subject: RE: Very Sad news - Barry Callaghan - April 2007
From: GUEST,Gadaffi

I met Barry when I performed with the Seven Champs when Lizzie Dripping came on a visit. I recall his long unkempt hair, TV specs and great interest in the dancing and music. He had time for everybody.


17 Apr 07 - 08:21 AM (#2027704)
Subject: RE: Very Sad news - Barry Callaghan - April 2007
From: Mitch the Bass

I was chatting to Barry only a few weeks ago at DERT in Nottingham.
A sad loss.

Mitch


17 Apr 07 - 03:49 PM (#2028068)
Subject: RE: Very Sad news - Barry Callaghan - April 2007
From: GUEST,Angharad & Eluned Callaghan (Barry's Daughte

We want to thank you all for your kind words and thoughts.

We would like to say that aswell as his wonderful professional and social qualities he was also the most loving, devoted and amazing father that anyone could wish for. We are lucky and proud to call him our Dad. At this time the whole family finds comfort and reassurance that he touched so many people in so many ways.

Ann & Ellie


19 Apr 07 - 03:13 PM (#2030256)
Subject: RE: Very Sad news - Barry Callaghan - April 2007
From: GUEST,Richard

Barry was very much a performer and will be sadly missed as a member of Little Bigfoot Barndance Band but most of all as a friend and all round Good Bloke. RW


19 Apr 07 - 04:32 PM (#2030348)
Subject: RE: Very Sad news - Barry Callaghan - April 2007
From: GUEST,Michelle

I find it difficult to find the words to express the amzing person that was Barry Callaghan, he left a footprint on all our hearts, he will be missed so much, but with the emptiness of loosing someone so special I also am filled with a special feeling in that I was so lucky to be in his presence and meet someone who had nothing but love, care and new how to truely cherish life and all that it gave him. Always in my thoughts, always in my heart x


19 Apr 07 - 09:03 PM (#2030612)
Subject: RE: Very Sad news - Barry Callaghan - April 2007
From: GUEST,Chris Malone

I was deeply saddened to hear about the sad loss of Barry. I first met him as an eighteen year old film student in 1975. He was an inspiring teacher, a gentle mentor and an wonderful human being. I owe him much, not least the first stepping stone to a career in film making. There will many who will have been touched by his remarkable generosity of spirit, enthusiasm, and warmth. He lives on in the many lives he has touched.
Goodby Barry and thanks.


20 Apr 07 - 03:31 AM (#2030781)
Subject: RE: Obit: Very Sad news - Barry Callaghan - April 2007
From: Folkiedave

Barry's funeral will be held on Wednesday 25th April at 1.15 at Grenoside Crematorium, Sheffield. This will be followed by a celebration of his life to be held from 2.00 at Thundercliffe Grange, Rotherham.

We are conscious that so very many people loved Barry but are aware that the chapel only holds 120 people.

We would ask you to to consider whether you wish to attend the ceremony or could go directly to Thundercliffe.

We'd like you to dress in the way Barry would expect you to, something that would be fitting for a very colourful man!

Rather than flowers, we'd be grateful if you would make a donation in Barry's name to the English Folk Dance and Song Society. You can do this directly or via Wood Funeral service, 848 Eccleshall Rd, Sheffield S11 8TP.

For those of you who are musicians, please bring along your instruments to Thundercliffe.

Addresses for both the crematorium and Thundercliffe
are as follows;

Grenoside Crematorium
Sheffield
S35 8RZ

Thundercliffe Grange
Grange Lane
Rotherham

Grange Lane is the B6086 which passes under the M1.


20 Apr 07 - 03:52 PM (#2031411)
Subject: RE: Obit: Very Sad news - Barry Callaghan - April 2007
From: Dave Higham

I would very much like to be there but distance and circumstances make it impossible. I'll be there in spirit. It would be nice if some sort of record of the celebration could be made for the (no-doubt many) people in my situation.


20 Apr 07 - 05:05 PM (#2031454)
Subject: RE: Obit: Very Sad news - Barry Callaghan - April 2007
From: GUEST,Barry Fox

I knew the remarkable Cal before most of you --at Sheffield University -- when he played guitar and I played banjo (which because I was tone deaf he helped me tune between every song) We did the same in Canada two years ago when Linda and Cal came to visit me after a gap of 40 years. Yes, he was just the same. Enthusiastic and patient and very good company


20 Apr 07 - 10:55 PM (#2031674)
Subject: RE: Obit: Very Sad news - Barry Callaghan - April 2007
From: GUEST,Margaret and Harry Kroto

Barry C, Jan and Barry Fox, John Lichtner and Marg and I were friends involved with the University magazine 'Arrows' while students at Sheffield in the 1958-1964 period. Cal was editor I (Harry) was art editor Barry F I think wrote poetry for the magazine. When we fellow residents in Crewe Hall Cal taught me to play the guitar (well to be more exact - I learned C F and G7 and never graduated much further - but got by in those days when everyone could play something at a party.)   I think the Clancy Brothers started it all with Roddy McCorly ... in those Utopian days when education was going to finally bring about the Enlightenment (hmmm how naive we all were but not Cal - always a blend of humanity easy understanding pragmatic common sense and not a single trace of anger.
We were hoping to see him on our brief return this year to Sheffield - it was to be a highlight of the year for us.
For most of the year we now live in Tallahassee, Florida - far away from Sheffield and won't be able to be at his farewell but will be there in spirit
He was a really neat guy and good friend - someone who somehow exuded the enjoyment of living - if you were feeling down Cal's easy manner would wash over you and you would forget your toubles for a bit
Marg and Harry Kroto
PS Oh Barry - If only you had taught me D G and A7 as well - I could have played Me and Bobbie McGee
PPS If anybody knows the wherebouts of John Lichtner can they post it In case he does not know


22 Apr 07 - 10:27 AM (#2032588)
Subject: RE: Obit: Very Sad news - Barry Callaghan - April 2007
From: GUEST,Alice Metherell

I was absolutely shocked as we all were by the sad news of Barry's death. I can't quite believe he won't be there at the Sheffield carols in the middle of the throng with his pint in his hand. We've been staying with Barry and Linda every year in the run up to Christmas for so many years I can't remember how many and Barry has always seemed the same - big, kind, cheerful. Our friendship was not one that required us to talk every week - when we met we just picked up as though there had been no gap. His death leaves such a large hole, worse of course for the family. I'm selfishly glad that we are back from holiday and will be able to come on Wednesday.

See some of you then.

Alice


23 Apr 07 - 07:56 AM (#2033297)
Subject: RE: Obit: Very Sad news - Barry Callaghan - April 2007
From: GUEST,Jane Ward

So sad to hear Call has died. Also my ex- old man, David Ward 3 years ago. We were all on Arrows at Sheffield. David was editor prior to Cal. I remember his (C) writing........I am against everything, especially pomposity; and in those days, Socks. Also "There are no tramcars in Afghanistan". Huh?

Much love, Matey. We would have looked you up this year.
Jane


24 Apr 07 - 04:24 PM (#2034696)
Subject: RE: Obit: Very Sad news - Barry Callaghan - April 2007
From: GUEST,Carol Roberts

Just heard the sad news about Barry and would like to offer sincere condolences to his family. I haven`t seen Barry for a year or two, but have very fond memories of what a lovely man he was. As many have remarked, Barry`s kindness and enthusiasm just shone out. My daughter, Kathryn, and I used to dance with Celebrated Clog, and always loved it when Barry played for us. He seemed to make the dancing so much easier! He will be sadly missed by so many, but what a legacy he leaves. love, Carol Roberts


25 Apr 07 - 12:42 PM (#2035464)
Subject: RE: Obit: Very Sad news - Barry Callaghan - April 2007
From: GUEST,Geoff Wright

A quiet but colourful character and a scholar - he will be missed by us all.


25 Apr 07 - 05:44 PM (#2035792)
Subject: RE: Obit: Very Sad news - Barry Callaghan - April 2007
From: johnadams

Friends from far and wide gathered together today in the hills overlooking Sheffield to say goodbye to Barry.

Ian Russell travelled from the Elphinstone Institute in Aberdeen to speak on behalf of the folk scene. He talked of Barry's wide musical life, his support of musicians young and old and of the films that he had made of traditional dancers and musicians, a legacy for future generations.

Ian McDonald, who worked with him at the Northern School of Film and Television spoke of Barry's career in film education, talking of the many awards that his students had won over the years. He reminded us of 'The Bazza', an annual award instituted on Barry's retirement, for the student who best contributed to teamwork in any film school production. (It was actually one of Barry's colourful Hawaiian shirts, for which he was famous, set in a frame)

Letters were read out on behalf of the family including Barry's wife Linda.

Some of the many musicians attending played music at the event, including one of Barry's East Anglian favourites, 'Oh, Joe, the Boat is Going Over'.

Thankyou for the sentiments expressed here on this thread. They have been passed on to the family.

Barry's remaining projects, the 'Hardcore English' book and CD, the DVDs on Sam Sherry and Manley Morris and more, will be picked up by his friends and brought to a conclusion to become a fitting tribute to a good man, taken too soon.


26 Apr 07 - 08:43 AM (#2036195)
Subject: RE: Obit: Very Sad news - Barry Callaghan - April 2007
From: GUEST,Rich Arrowsmith

It was a fitting send off for a marvellous inspiring man.

Rich


26 Apr 07 - 10:14 AM (#2036249)
Subject: RE: Obit: Very Sad news - Barry Callaghan - April 2007
From: GUEST,Baz Parkes

A fitting send off for a marvellous and inspiring man...and I was stuck in a classroom with a bloody OFSTED inspector...

Like everyone else I'll miss him...do you think he and Frank Purslow have sorted out the ceilidh band yet...

Baz


27 Apr 07 - 06:08 AM (#2036953)
Subject: RE: Obit: Very Sad news - Barry Callaghan - April 2007
From: GUEST,Brenda Steel

Indeed a fine send-off. Thank you so much to whoever put the photo album together - I found myself smiling as I looked through it. The photo of Barry in his kitchen, playing melodeon to his grandson, was just wonderful. The look on his face will stay with me and remind me what a lovely man he was.


27 Apr 07 - 06:17 AM (#2036957)
Subject: RE: Obit: Very Sad news - Barry Callaghan - April 2007
From: johnadams

I've just written the dedication for the back of Barry's new tunebook 'Hardcore English' and I'm hoping to get permission to use that photograph. It said a lot of things about the man, about the tradition and about what we should think about this music.

Part of the dedication reads ".....he himself would be the first to acknowledge that the music lives on when we all go to that 'great session in the sky'. Play this music and teach it to your young ones. "

J