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On Wednesday 19th July I went to visit Ted Earnshaw in the Northern General Hospital. He had been admitted a week earlier due to angina from which he had suffered fairly regularly in recent years. Two years ago he had also been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
I expected to see him in bed on the ward but was pleasantly surprised to find him outside enjoying the sunshine and, although he had had an attack that morning, he said he felt fine. So, as on previous occasions he was hoping to be sent home. When I left him I fully expected to see him back at Booit Straps [Folk Club] soon, singing and making us laugh, as he had been doing again recently, venturing out again on Monday nights after the cold, dark nights of Winter.
Unfortunately, this time it wasn't to be, as the day after I'd visited Ted I received a phone call to say that he'd died. A few days later I also learned that he'd donated his body to medical science and so, at the time of writing, any plans for a funeral or memorial service have had to be put on hold. However, there will be a Tribute to Ted night on Sunday 19th November.
Anyone wanting further details should ring Lou on (0114) 284 5922. Also, if anyone missed Ted's CD and would like a copy please let Lou know - all profits will be donated to the Cancer Unit at Northern General Hospital.
Ted Earnshaw was a unique character on the folk scene and will of course be missed by all who knew him. Although he may have been a "lowly floor singer" he was by no means the "Folk Club Disaster."