Letters

 

 

12th April 2006

Dear Jan,

It was so nice of you to write to us to let us know what is going on in Bedford in memory of our dear Sid, who is sadly missed more than ever, as time goes by.

He would be so honoured by what is going on, it's what he always dreamed about!

Mum, my two aunts and myself would love to come to one of the fundraisers but we have no transport, Mum and I have visited Bedford a couple of times to see the benches, but mum is now 78 so too is one of my aunts, the other has had two knee operations, so it's a bit difficult.

We hope that everyone enjoys the day, and we would like to thank everyone involved in the tribute fund for their dedication to it.

It's so fitting the date of the gig - it would have been his birthday - he would have been 55 years old (1951)

Anyway, mum and I would like to send a donation, cheque for £100 here enclosed for SWMTF, hope it's a help for all the good work you're doing.

He left us four years ago How he's missed, he will not know He was so good as a son and brother To his sister and his mother Daily we talk about him, and remember But want to wipe out the month of September He was loved by everyone he knew on hand But, most of all, he loved playing in a band

Anyway, that's enough - say hello to everyone from us, and we thank them all from his family here in London.

Lots of love, and good luck Pat & Ann

Please write and tell us how it all went if you don't mind and you get the time. Pass on our hello's to Liz, keep in touch and take care.

25th September 2004


Dear Liz,

It was really great to hear from you, and I also hope that this letter finds you well, also all those that are part of the Trust.

Our dear Sid would be so honoured as we are with all the things still going on, especially if it was helping others.

The 'Mini-Mag' is great, and mum and I would appreciate a copy, as they go out, it's a kind thought and we thank you for that ~ also if there is something going on one time, perhaps we could get down to Bedford if we knew in plenty of time, as we do not drive. Also, I am a care assistant and administrator and have to give plenty of time, to get time off as you can imagine.

It's strange, but Mum and I were coming down on Friday 29th Sept, but the day we received your letter I got an appointment for the hospital that I had waited 6 months or more for, as I have a thyroid problem, so I'll be going in for Iodine treatment and cannot be more than a metre away from anyone for 3 days. I have waited so long, I dare not cancel it, I'm sorry to say!

Anyway, enough of that… I'm going to photocopy the Mini-Mag for Sid's old school pals, Keith and Clive, who have known Sid since he was at Infants School. They went and did everything together, until he went to Bedford.

It does not seem 2 years since we had the news, but still as painful. I would be honoured if you would print the poem, as I was too late when people were sending messages on the 'Relayer' Website. That was a fluke ~ I do not know where it came from ~ I got a pen and pad, and it just came out!

Future Mini-Mags would be appreciated, I will send the postage if it is a problem and would you mind sending us the papers you mentioned, also, would you send me one of the CD's and I'll send you a cheque… Sorry we are such pests, but we have no other way of getting hold of these things. I was sad to hear of the Lizard closing as it was also the heart of the music scene.

Anyway, we would like to thank you and the SWMTF for their kindness and we are enclosing a cheque for £200 for the cause.

I will be writing again soon.

All our love
Kind regards to all

Ann & Pat Worth.

Tuesday 5th October


Dear Ann & Pat,

I have been asked by the committee to reply to your letter of the 25th September. Apologies for the delay, but I wanted to let you know the results of the 'Second Annual Sid Tribute Gig' - see below.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude for your kind donation, for your words of encouragement and for your thanks to the people who are keeping this concept going.

It has to be said that it's hard work sometimes, but receiving a letter like yours is truly motivational - makes it all worthwhile!

Ann, your poem is wonderful, and now graces the back-cover of the first Mini-Mag. I have enclosed 6 copies of the finished product to ensure that you and Sid's old mates have a chance to see what's going on up here in Bedford.

The loss of the Lizard has been a setback for the local Live Music scene, and a personal trial for Liz. She's been concentrating on getting her life back on track again, but I'm pleased to say that she's managed to get away for a short break with her mum, and has got a new job. This is working with animals, and I saw her tonight - she's so happy doing a job that she always loved. It's doing her the power of good.

I've enclosed a Photo CD that contains hundreds of pictures from the first gig. All the musicians (over 50) gave their time for free, and got a great feeling of community and camaraderie from playing music together, swapping stories about Sidney and entertaining a huge audience!

The pictures from last Saturday's gig are on a second CD (also enclosed). If you don't have access to a computer, then you can take them into Boots who will be able to transfer them to prints. This might prove to be a bit expensive, as there are over 200 pictures in total! Probably best to view them on a friends PC, and pick the ones you really want, before heading down to Boots!


OK, back to the plot… Last Saturdays gig was a real success, with 120 people paying £5 each. Once we subtracted the expenses (room hire, advertising and printing), the fund has benefited by nearly £400. Once again, many old friends were reunited (one couple travelled down from Wolverhampton!), 4 great bands roundly entertained the crowd, and a superb time was had by all.

Rich rang me last night to say how much he and Tim enjoyed the spirit of the evening, with so many of Sid's mates getting together to remember him, and raise a few quid to help young musicians get on the ladder.

The committee meets tonight to decide how to spend the money we currently have (£1700 or more), and Rich has made a couple of suggestions that I'll be putting forward on his behalf.

Enough for now, I'll ask the committee to ensure you're informed of any further developments, and thank you, once again for your kind words of encouragement, and your generous donation.

Yours sincerely,


Rob Vernon
For, and on behalf of, the SWMTF committee. 

 

25th October 2004


Dear Rob,

I must apologise for the delay in answering your lovely letter, but this is the first time I have had some time off. I am a carer and an administrator in a residential home for the elderly.

The CD's you sent us, they were great, and it was just like our Sid was there watching, and we thank you.

I am overwhelmed that the poem went down well ~ it just seemed to gel together once I started writing.

We are really proud of the great things that are being done to help others in our dear Sid's name, he would be so happy!

Mum and I have been to see the benches, and felt overcome.

I sent his old friends, Keith and Clive, a copy of the Mini-Mag ~ I hope they enjoyed it too… I know they would. Keith and Sid were friends for about 47 years and always hung around together until Sid moved to Bedford ~ but at their first chance would always meet up, Sid going on Keith's boat etc. or going for a drink.

Going back over the years as Sid as a brother, I think how lucky I was, he was always there especially when I was ill or in trouble ~ or mum (Ann) of course.

Please pass on our regards to Liz, hoping she is well and enjoyed her break and also her new job. I'll write again soon if that's OK.

I remember when Sid played with Joe Brown his wife gave my Mum an LP written on the back, she wrote 'Thanks for having Sid'. What better accolade!

Another time, when he went to America with George McRae, I remember all the crew coming round our flat, in such a big limousine for, would you believe, Fish & Chips… what a stir it caused!


I know that shining star
Looking after me
Is you, dear brother
And that you are free
Free from pain and of sorrow
As we remember tomorrow

Kind regards, and take care

Pat his sister
Ann, Sid's mother

Especially, thank you