Friends Remembered
The Saltburn Folk Festival has been running since 1997, having previously been based in Redcar from 1968. During those years, many people have enjoyed the festival, helped to organise it, or performed on our stages.
In recent years we have lost two of the absolute stalwarts of the festival. In 2017 it was Vin Garbutt OBE, the festival Patron and frequent headline performer. Then in 2018 - John Taylor, one of the founders and festival organiser, passed. Both are hugely missed.
There is a bench in Saltburn near the Anchor Garden at the top of Saltburn Bank which commemorates some of those we have lost, and we recorded the passing of more of our friends in the 2022 programme.
We began this website page in 2023 to continue the Festival “Friends Remembered” tradition.
John Rankin
11th May 1948 - 27th March 2023
Many of the regular visitors and volunteers to Saltburn Folk Festival will remember the great friendly smile and gentle manner of John Rankin. Some of you will remember his distinctive singing in the Festival’s many singarounds.
John was a supporter of Saltburn Folk Festival for 20 years, first as a steward, then as a Festival guest. With Colin Wilson, he looked after Singer-songwriter Competition until it finished in 2018.
Originally from Louth in Lincolnshire, John spent 10 years in South Africa before settling in Sheffield with his wife, Leslie, and children Ben and Rebekah. He was well known as a singer and collector of traditional English folk songs and was a leading member of the Kiverton Park Folk Club.
We, at Saltburn Folk Festival, will miss him.
Dave Brocksopp
13th February 1944 - 1st August 2023
A well known face and voice on the North East folk scene, and a huge supporter of the Saltburn Folk Festival. Dave will be dearly missed by many.
Many of you will remember Dave from singarounds and as a regular visitor to The Bridge Folk Club in Newcastle, where he would perform his memorable self penned songs (including a particularly famous song about a whippet who wouldn't run!) ​
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Dave was always willing to share his stories, knowledge and songs with the next generation, and gave massive support to the emerging artists performing on the scene. Our directors, Elinor and Tim, want to give special thanks to Dave for his support, song books, and many a long conversation over a pale ale.
The following friends were remembered in our 2022 Souvenir Programme:
Angie Bladen
Angie Bladen was a talented concertina player with a superb singing voice, whose presence enhanced many folk clubs and festivals. Also a prolific knitter and crocheter, no doubt those involved with the Craft Fair will take a moment to remember her.
Derek Elliott
Derek Eliott, a wonderful singer and entertainer who appeared regularly at the festival from the early years in Redcar
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Dave Howdon
Dave Howdon, a fine singer, highly regarded across the North East and further afield, Dave was a great supporter of the Saltburn festival.
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Glen Osborne
Glen Osborne was a big character, a founder of Grimsby Morris Men and singer of mainly traditional songs. A very familiar face as an MC at our Festival.
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Norma Waterson
One of the Folk World’s greats who could be spotted amongst the audience at Saltburn.
Hazel Bolton
Hazel Bolton was well known in Teesside’s folk clubs and a long time supporter of the Festival. She featured in last year’s Virtual Gathering, recording “Sea Coal” in our Saltburn 160 video just a couple of weeks before her death.
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Keiran Halpin
A powerful performer communicating strong messages through his songs. Kieran made his home in Germany but was a frequent and welcome festival guest. He recorded over 20 CDs and his songs were covered by many well known artists.
Gill Jones
Gill Jones, festival regular since the days of ceilidhs at the pier ballroom in Redcar and member of Jet Set Border Morris.
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Clive Pownceby
One of the Festival’s regular MCs. Described by Pete Coe as “a prince among folk club organisers. As well as singing traditional folk songs, he was a talented drummer who loved and performed all kinds of music.
Do let us know if there are others who should be commemorated here. If you'd like us to include longer tributes or links to any published obituaries, please email festivaloffice@saltburnfolkfestval.com