Alan Mitchell finally succumbed to his cancer at his home on 30 December 2015.In spite of being confined to a wheelchair in recent months, he never stopped attending folk clubs. A long-time regular at The Dragon Folk Club, his last appearance was at Maggie Starkey's 'Retirement Bash' on the 4 December when he performed Runcorn Ferry ('Per tuppence, per person, per trip'), one of the many Marriott Edgar monologues in his repertoire, and in his treasured volume of Edgar's works. For those who wish to be reminded of Alan's dry, witty delivery, there is film of his reciting this monologue on Terry Helyar's YouTube pages (see YouTube playlist embedded below).
Besides the Dragon, he was also a regular at the Nova, Crossed Hands, Somerville, Salt Cellar, Bath, and many more clubs beside, all over the Bristol area. And as well as the monologues he accompanied himself on guitar with a range of songs from the traditional Dalesman's Litany to Roger Davies' Brighouse on a Saturday Night via Guthrie's Los Gatos Canyon.
Beneath his quiet exterior there was a friendly, kindly and humourous gentleman. His many friends in the world of folk (and veteran cars) will regret his passing.
Condolences to Maggie L who nursed him to the end, and to his son Tim and the rest of his family.
The funeral will be on Friday 22 January 1:45 pm at Westerleigh Crematorium, Westerleigh Rd, Bristol, BS37 8QP
'Brahn Boots' may be worn. Please, no flowers. Donations to Marie Curie Cancer Care or to animal charities.
Afterwards at Old Lock and Weir, Hanham, Bristol, BS15 3NU
Based on an obituary written by Derek for The Mudcat Café
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