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01 Apr 24 - 11:04 AM (#4200200) Subject: 2024 Obit: Richard Bridge - Lower Stoke/Medway From: Stilly River Sage We knew it was coming, he told us so himself. A cancer diagnosis that he decided wasn't going to rob him of the pleasure of his last days. No chemo to prolong but cause misery, just well-managed medications and eating what he wanted as long as he could. This was posted on his Facebook page today: Yesterday Richard Bridge lost his battle with the big C. Those who knew him will know he went out fighting and swearing until the end. We lit the bonfire in his honour last night, and we think you should do the same. There are posts and lots of links to music on his Real.RichardBridge Facebook page. (The reason it is "real" is a long and old Mudcat story for another day.) RIP, friend. I enjoyed working with you (virtually) for the last 15 years. |
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01 Apr 24 - 11:29 AM (#4200202) Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Richard Bridge - Lower Stoke/Medway From: Dave the Gnome Very sad. Smashing bloke who will be greatly missed. Condolonces to all his loved ones. |
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01 Apr 24 - 11:37 AM (#4200204) Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Richard Bridge - Lower Stoke/Medway From: Stilly River Sage I wasn't sure what names to pick for his location. If there is a better name, let me know. Richard was at the end of his rope with the torments of the Mudcat Troll when I stepped in to research the problem and work on it with him. He took on the social media companies that were big in the day and made a difference. We exchanged lots of email back then, and when that activity died down, we talked a lot about his garden. It looked amazing. I understand that he hosted many UK Mudcatters and others out there on summer evenings. Something I would have loved to see! Edited to add: if any obituaries or remembrances turn up in various online sites, please share the links. Thanks. |
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01 Apr 24 - 02:31 PM (#4200213) Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Richard Bridge - Lower Stoke/Medway From: Seamus Kennedy I enjoyed my interactions with him. He'll be missed. |
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01 Apr 24 - 02:52 PM (#4200218) Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Richard Bridge - Lower Stoke/Medway From: Joe Offer I'm glad I got to "meet" him on Zoom at the Singaround. He had been posting on Mudcat for years. May he rest in peace. -Joe- |
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01 Apr 24 - 05:24 PM (#4200236) Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Richard Bridge - Lower Stoke/Medway UK From: Herga Kitty I am sorry to read this sad news. I did get to meet Richard and hear him perform in Sidmouth and Whitby but it was quite a while ago. Deepest sympathies to his family. Kitty |
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01 Apr 24 - 05:50 PM (#4200244) Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Richard Bridge - Lower Stoke/Medway UK From: GUEST,Steve Shaw An excellent fellow. |
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01 Apr 24 - 05:58 PM (#4200246) Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Richard Bridge - Lower Stoke/Medway UK From: gillymor He was a cool dude who knew a lot about acoustic guitars, particularly about obscure brands. (Obscure to North Americans, anyway) RIP |
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01 Apr 24 - 06:38 PM (#4200249) Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Richard Bridge - Lower Stoke/Medway UK From: Rapparee Requiescat in pace. |
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01 Apr 24 - 11:28 PM (#4200266) Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Richard Bridge - Lower Stoke/Medway UK From: maire-aine Very sorry to hear about his passing. |
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02 Apr 24 - 02:05 AM (#4200271) Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Richard Bridge - Lower Stoke/Medway UK From: GUEST Another of the "Early" members gone. I never met Richard, but enjoyed his contribution to Mudcat. Rest in peace, Richard Bugsy |
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02 Apr 24 - 05:15 AM (#4200277) Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Richard Bridge - Lower Stoke/Medway UK From: My guru always said Many thanks to SRS for Richard's obit thread. Though there was no real possibility of treatment other than palliative, he was determined to manage his death quietly and privately. We (Richard Atkins and I) have so many good memories of times together with Mr B, he was a Gentle Kind Man (unless riled) and always so helpful. Our condolences to Rachel and the Family, candle has been lit at Old Keepers since Sunday morning. |
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02 Apr 24 - 11:49 AM (#4200302) Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Richard Bridge - Lower Stoke/Medway UK From: The Sandman I met him quite a few times he had his good and bad points. He had a hot temper which got him into trouble on occasions including being banned from a folk festival permanently. |
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02 Apr 24 - 02:39 PM (#4200308) Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Richard Bridge - Lower Stoke/Medway UK From: The Sandman he was also a kind helpful person |
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02 Apr 24 - 02:59 PM (#4200309) Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Richard Bridge - Lower Stoke/Medway UK From: GUEST,Jerry Sad news indeed. Another long time stalwart of the Kent folk scene shuffled off to that big singaround in the sky. Famous for his big voice, championing of less fashionable instruments and multiple capo use. |
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03 Apr 24 - 08:57 AM (#4200343) Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Richard Bridge - Lower Stoke/Medway UK From: Waddon Pete Another Mudcat character gone. He will be missed! I have included Richard in the "In Memoriam" thread and send my condolences to all those who know and love him. RIP Richard. |
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03 Apr 24 - 11:22 AM (#4200346) Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Richard Bridge - Lower Stoke/Medway UK From: GUEST,John from "Elsie`s Band" I, like many other Mudcatters, am so sorry to learn of Richard`s death. I have most pleasant memories of the Lower Stoke sessions he organised and the welcome to his home. |
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03 Apr 24 - 11:48 AM (#4200347) Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Richard Bridge - Lower Stoke/Medway UK From: Stilly River Sage John, it would be wonderful if some of you who visited his home and participated in those sessions would describe them. And the yard - it sounded like the most comfortable and botanically interesting garden around! |
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04 Apr 24 - 05:26 PM (#4200403) Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Richard Bridge - Lower Stoke/Medway UK From: GUEST,PB You were there for me when I needed a friend and solicitor in 2008, you made me a curry while Mike fixed your volvo. I gave you a lift and your band mates a lift years later and you told me my vehicle "smelt like a bleeping chip van" (bio diesel...) You always believed in me - you were always a great friend and never waivered. We will always think of you and miss you. See you on the other side one day for a curry and wine X |
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04 Apr 24 - 09:20 PM (#4200417) Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Richard Bridge - Lower Stoke/Medway UK From: GUEST So sorry he has left us. Fond memories of his kindness,help and good times at Old Keepers. A special character indeed |
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05 Apr 24 - 07:10 AM (#4200432) Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Richard Bridge - Lower Stoke/Medway UK From: GUEST,John from "Elsie`s Band" Dear Stilly, My pleasure and experience were the Sunday afternoon "Sing and Play" sessions in the local pub with copious snacks on hand, no doubt organised through Richard. Also curry in Richards home afterwards with all the other attendees. We also met at other folk music events in our county, Kent. A loss to our community. |
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06 Apr 24 - 12:44 AM (#4200482) Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Richard Bridge - Lower Stoke/Medway UK From: vectis Richard was a very kind man. Free with his knowledge of music, instruments and the law. His noodling drove me nuts at times, even though he was very good at it but he was always forgiven. A man of wit and laughter. GNU me old mate. |
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12 Apr 24 - 11:03 PM (#4200851) Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Richard Bridge - Lower Stoke/Medway UK From: GUEST,paperback The man did not suffer fools gladly yet gave me a pass on the word 'hanged'. I repayed his good with a quickly removed post. The world is a poorer place without him I think. |
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13 Apr 24 - 06:06 PM (#4200882) Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Richard Bridge - Lower Stoke/Medway UK From: robomatic R I P. Been a long time since I interacted with him but I remember him with a smile. |
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16 Apr 24 - 02:07 PM (#4201079) Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Richard Bridge - Lower Stoke/Medway UK From: VirginiaTam @ StillyRiverSage I attended and recorded a fair few of the Lower Stoke Sessions at the Nags Head pub, which were organised by Richard. Hope the links work There are more if you want to search through my YT channel Wordweaver58 Melodeoboy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IC0Xmx9mgIM Linda Smith - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1kb7_COKuQ The Barden of England - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msEJH1rwkgE Don WYSIWYG Thompson - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0u73Mw00p68 Richard Bridge - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zwvZ72gI2M |
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17 Apr 24 - 07:43 AM (#4201124) Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Richard Bridge - Lower Stoke/Medway UK From: GUEST,Jerry Wow, so many of these Kent session stalwarts have now left us, apart from big Kevin of course. |
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17 Apr 24 - 11:01 AM (#4201136) Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Richard Bridge - Lower Stoke/Medway UK From: Stilly River Sage It was wonderful to listen to each of them. Thanks for sharing the links, Tam! |