Ray Croll - RIP

It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of one of Dragon Folk Club's most loved singers. Ray Croll died on the morning of Saturday, 19 October 2013, aged 85.

Before the death of his wife, "V", he had been a regular at many of the folk clubs and open-mic sessions in the Bristol area. He was often out every week-day night with his guitar and a song or two. After her death it understandably took a while for him to get back in gear but that he did. More recently he suffered from  ill health and had several spells in hospital but continued to play and sing when he was able.

Ray's performing style was very engaging as was his manner in general. Always a kind word for everyone and encouragement for those more nervous than himself to sing and play.

You can still capture a little of Ray's charm from his web site, his myspace profile and his presence on YouTube:

Ray on YouTube

Update

Since originally writing this article I have received the following information about Ray's funeral (I have edited the message but the gist remains).

Please share this with everybody who knew Ray and wants to pay their respects to our great friend. The funeral will take place at 12:30 pm on Monday 11 November 2013 at Westerleigh Crematorium, Westerleigh Rd, Bristol BS37 8QP, View Larger Map The numbers wishing to pay their respects are likely to be huge for such a well loved person. Ray's wish was for everybody to get together and celebrate with music and good cheer! The shire way community centre in Yate, which has adequate parking, has been chosen for our celebration of Ray. Venue: The Centre, Shire Way, Yate, Bristol BS37 8YS. View Larger Map This is a short distance from the crematorium. The venue will open from 7 o’clock in the evening for everyone to bring a contribution to the intended buffet. Please ensure that you bring just enough of both savoury and sweet for your own consumption, which can be shared with the other contributors and therefore cut any waste to a minimum. We are looking for volunteers to help from 5:30 pm to set up the venue. Please contact Terry Helyar if you can help with this. There will be a bar provided where drinks can be purchased. The Nova Scotia folk club which generally runs on Monday evenings will be closed that night at its home venue, and instead will be held at The Shire Way Centre as a mark of respect to Ray. The intention is for friends to tell their stories regarding Ray, share memories and some songs through the evening. In general, to be together to remember our good friend, Ray Croll (1926–2013). Please network this information ,