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Brian Bruce

Brian Bruce died on Tuesday 28th October 2008 after a long illness which he and his wife Elaine fought bravely.
Brian Bruce @ Orpington Folk Club, the Change of Horses 2008
Brian first came to Orpington Folk Club in June 2001.  Brian, being Brian, soon became a favoured floor singer of the members.  In 2004 he became a permanent fixture as a resident musician and then took over as guest booker for the club.
In this capacity he excelled and he managed to get such star guests as Martin Carthy, Chris Wood, Mike Silver, Bob Fox and best mate Derek Brimstone.

Brian will be best remembered for his rendition of Lyle Lovett's song 'If I had a Boat'.  For those who visit the club regularly, he will be sadly missed. Our condolences and best wishes go to Elaine and their family.

'And if I had a boat, I'd go out on the ocean
And if I had a pony I'd ride him on my boat
And we could all together, go out on the ocean
Me upon my pony on my boat'

28th October 2008


Details of the funeral :

Eltham Crematorium also known as Falcon Wood at 2:00pm Thursday 13th November.

Flowers/Donation :

Elaine has asked that the family be left to get flowers for the occasion. Anyone else wanting to, can make a donation to Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice, a very worthy cause who helped Brian and Elaine a great deal.  The hospice is only 1/3rd funded by the government and relies heavily on donations. Elaine has been supplied with special envelopes from the hospice, if you wish to donate then please ask for one.  This will be followed by a celebration of Brian's life at Blackheath & Newbridge workingmans club. All are invited.   Elaine has asked that the folkies & jazz musicians bring their instruments and voices to the do.

The Venue :

Blackheath & Newbridge Workingmans Club
22 Charlton Road
London
SE3 7HG

Tel: 020 88580525

Map : Blackheath & Newbridge Wokingmans Club

A PA will be provided as the venue is quite large.


Latest news :

Please see Friends of Brian Bruce Benefit night 6th November on the events pages.

2nd November 2000


Latest news :
Thursday nights Brian Bruce benefit night raises £300.
Elaine holding a cheque for £300 to donate to Greenwitch & Bexley Cottage Hospice.

Elaine would like to thank you all for being so generous and for giving her such a wonderfull evening that Brian would have been proud of.  Proceeds are to be given to Greenwitch & Bexley Cottage Hospice.

7th November 2008


Today thursday 13th November we said our goodbyes to Brian.  The service was very moving with a reading by Taff Hill and Tributes from Bill Platts, Terry Wright and Father Tom Page who also conducted the service.  I think it safe to say that we all learned something new about Brian and were amazed at all he had achieved.  We at the Orpington Folk Club are glad that we knew him and are all poorer for his passing. Our love and condolences along with our best wishes go to Elaine and family.

15th November 2008

Mick Woods posted this short video of Brian :

Brian Bruce : Video...

6th March 2014


Orpington Folk Club
Orpington Folk Music & Song Club