Remembering Simon Emmerson

A fantastic memorial concert is being held for the exceptional musician, a village resident and friend to many, Simon Emmerson who peacefully passed away on Monday, 13th March this year after living with cancer for several years.

Taking place at The Roundhouse, in Camden, London, this is a special one-off concert, with very special guests, that will showcase music from all of Simon’s bands and projects. It will raise funds for palliative care at home and abroad, including the Weldmar Hospice who looked after Simon at the end of his life.

For those able to travel, it is on Friday, 15th December at 7pm. Tickets start are from £37.50 (standing) and from £45 (seated) – you can book online HERE. Under-16s to be accompanied by an adult, Under-14s to be accompanied by an adult and in seated areas only. The event is digitally ticketed. Read more HERE.

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Simon Daniel Emmerson, 12.03.1956 – 13.03.2023

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Farewell Simon Emmerson

Broadwindsor’s Comrades Hall was full to capacity on Thursday afternoon as family and friends gathered to celebrate the life of Simon Emmerson who died peacefully on 13th March 2023.

The ceremony at Yeovil crematorium had been full to capacity also. Led by Celebrant Philip Carr-Gomm, the Order of Ceremony was full of beautiful words and music:

Entry Music
Peace, Love and Harmonium from Synaethesia,
Lush Fresh Handmade Sound
Words Of Welcome
Valerie Etienne singing Release.
Eulogy
Paul Emmerson
Ted Emmerson
Jackie Oates singing Lark in the Morning
Eulogy
Adrian Matthews
Johnny Kalsi
N’faly Kouyate plays the kora
Eulogy
Mark Constantine
Child Among the Weeds by Lal & Mike Waterson
Closing Words & Farewell
Time for Man to go Home sung by Forest School Camps.

After an exceptional and moving ceremony, family and friends gathered at the Comrades Hall. Simon’s brother Paul invited those present to share their stories of their encounters with Simon… Without any hesitation, Simon’s mother, Marcia Last – now in her 90’s – was the first to speak and we thank Marcia and the family for their permission to share this amateur recording…

Paul also gave credit and thanks to Simon’s Obituary, published in The Guardian newspaper – Click HERE.

Throughout the afternoon celebrations continued and a video montage played on the big screen with much memorabilia, predominately shared by Karen, on tables around the Hall. This included an exclusive book of photographs taken by local resident and photographer, Jamie Dawson which he had published in time to gift Simon shortly before he died.
(Please note: all images below are copyrighted to James Dawson.)

Again with kind permission from Karen and the rest of Simon’s family, please enjoy this amateur recording by Peter Roe of the Imagined Village‘s encore! performance, joined by Billy Bragg, at the Electric Palace, Bridport last summer…

Yesterday, the Afro Celt Sound System stated on social media, “Thank you Simon for leaving us with the immense magic and wisdom of your music. The New Album OVA (short for Ovate) and the Afro Celt Symbol) will be a continuation of the gift you have left us. We will tour and gig with you and Jo guiding us all the way. We love you and we miss you dearly.”

Donations in Simon’s name for Weldmar Hospicecare may be given HERE.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Karen, Josie, Ted and all the family at this very sad time

We all thank you Simon! Journey on…

Simon Daniel Emmerson, 12.03.1956 – 13.03.2023

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#AONB,#SimonEmmerson,#ThankYouForTheMusic,#AfroCeltSoundSystem,#BBCSounds,#ImaginedVillage,#BillyBragg,#MediaChap,#ElectricPalace,#Thoughts,#Sadness,#Prayers,#Family,#MissYou,#Love,#Respect,#CelebrateLife,#Farewell,#Friend,#TheGuardian,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Simon Emmerson Tribute On Radio 6

Aired yesterday, Gilles Peterson broadcast his tribute to Simon Emmerson on his Radio 6 programme: ‘Joining The Musical Dots: Simon Emmerson In Memory‘.

Available for the rest of April, starting at 1 hour, 36 minutes in – you can listen to it on BBC Sounds HERE.

Details of Simon‘s funeral may be found HERE.

Simon Daniel Emmerson, 12.03.1956 – 13.03.2023

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#TragicLoss,#SimonEmmerson,#ThankYouForTheMusic,#AfroCeltSoundSystem,#BBCSounds,#Thoughts,#Sadness,#Prayers,#MissYou,#Respect,#CelebrateLife,#Farewell,#Friend,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Simon Emmerson Tribute on Radio 4

Starting at 21 minutes in, today’s broadcast of the Last Word on BBC Radio 4 featured a tribute to Simon Emmerson, whose funeral will take place on Thursday, 6th April.

To listen, please Click HERE.

Simon Daniel Emmerson, 12.03.1956 – 13.03.2023

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#TragicLoss,#SimonEmmerson,#ThankYouForTheMusic,#AfroCeltSoundSystem,#MarkBennett,#Thoughts,#Sadness,#Prayers,#MissYou,#Respect,#CelebrateLife,#Farewell,#Friend,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Funeral Arrangements For Simon Emmerson

Bandleader, composer, multi-instrumentalist, producer and DJ whose interests ranged from rock, jazz, funk, soul and British folk to musical styles from Africa, Latin America and Asia; our village resident, our friend, Simon Emmerson‘s funeral will take place on Thursday, 6th April. Simon died peacefully on on Monday, 13th March.

‘There will be a live webcast shown in the Comrades Hall beginning at 12 noon. There is no dress code and those who wish to pay their respects to Simon are warmly welcome.

A pay bar will be available with all profits going to the White Lion community pub.

Warm wishes from Karen, Ted and Josie.’

Simon’s Obituary, published in The Guardian newspaper – Click HERE.
Photo credit: Mark Bennett

Simon Daniel Emmerson, 12.03.1956 – 13.03.2023

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#TragicLoss,#SimonEmmerson,#ThankYouForTheMusic,#AfroCeltSoundSystem,#MarkBennett,#Thoughts,#Saddness,#Prayers,#MissYou,#Respect,#CelebrateLife,#Farewell,#Friend,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Tributes Pour In For Simon Emmerson

Village resident, exceptional musician and friend Simon Emmerson peacefully passed away at Weldmar’s Hospice on Monday, 13th March after living with cancer for several years.

The photograph, taken by Mark Bennett shows Simon on the right with Johny Kalsi (left) and N’Faly Kouyaté (middle) on stage just before a performance at WOMAD Festival.

Tributes have been pouring in on social media after his band, the Afro Celt Sound System publicly announced Simon‘s passing.:

“Simon touched the hearts of millions of people through his music and infinite wisdom. His legacy remains with the amazing people he bought together and they will continue to create the magic of his music with his guidance from above.

We would like to request that our fans, friends and fellow artists to respect the privacy of the family at this difficult time.

There will be plans of a tribute memorial concert later in the year and the details will be released on all platforms.

Thank you and Love and Light to you all.”

Incredibly sad, our thoughts and prayers go to Karen, Ted & Josi .

Simon Emmerson (Booth) , 12.03.1956 – 13.03.2023

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#TragicLoss,#SimonEmmerson,#ThankYouForTheMusic,#AfroCeltSoundSystem,#MarkBennett,#Thoughts,#Saddness,#Prayers,#MissYou,#Respect,#CelebrateLife,#Farewell,#Friend,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

“Best Carol Service Ever”

With tractors, children, swings and dogs toing and froing throughout, it was the “Best carol service ever!” Rev. Jo Neary proclaimed after this afternoon’s carol service at Bernards’ Place in the square this afternoon.
The Rev. Jo thanked Margery Hookings and Simon Emmerson for their invaluable help with sound and production.

The weather was kind, the voices were joyous and to finish, everyone waved their arms to Slade’s “Merry Christmas Everybody“.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0A8KT365wlA

#Broadwindsor,#Blackdown,#Burstock,#Drimpton#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,BeaminsterTeamChurches,#ChristmasCarols,#TheWhiteLion,#CarolSinging,#SimonEmmerson,#Celebration,#MerryChristmasEverybody,#OutdoorEvent,#Christmas2020, #SocialDistancing,#Tier2,#WearYourMask,#StaySafe

The Lockdown Garroch Reel!

It’s all gone a bit quiet in the village since The Sound of Music Through The Square Window ended on Sunday but that doesn’t stop the music!
Villager,Simon Emmerson and his band, The Afro Celt Sound System have produced a delightful reel designed to lift your spirits and lighten your hearts in these dark and fractious times. Enjoy and feel free to share the YouTube video.

#StaySafe #StayAtHome #StayJiggin’ #StayDancing

Tag: #SimonEmmerson

Remembering Simon Emmerson

Simon Daniel Emmerson, 12.03.1956 – 13.03.2023

Farewell Simon Emmerson

We all thank you Simon! Journey on…

Simon Daniel Emmerson, 12.03.1956 – 13.03.2023

Simon Emmerson Tribute On Radio 6

Simon Daniel Emmerson, 12.03.1956 – 13.03.2023

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#TragicLoss,#SimonEmmerson,#ThankYouForTheMusic,#AfroCeltSoundSystem,#BBCSounds,#Thoughts,#Sadness,#Prayers,#MissYou,#Respect,#CelebrateLife,#Farewell,#Friend,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Simon Emmerson Tribute on Radio 4

Simon Daniel Emmerson, 12.03.1956 – 13.03.2023

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#TragicLoss,#SimonEmmerson,#ThankYouForTheMusic,#AfroCeltSoundSystem,#MarkBennett,#Thoughts,#Sadness,#Prayers,#MissYou,#Respect,#CelebrateLife,#Farewell,#Friend,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Funeral Arrangements For Simon Emmerson

Simon Daniel Emmerson, 12.03.1956 – 13.03.2023

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#TragicLoss,#SimonEmmerson,#ThankYouForTheMusic,#AfroCeltSoundSystem,#MarkBennett,#Thoughts,#Saddness,#Prayers,#MissYou,#Respect,#CelebrateLife,#Farewell,#Friend,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Tributes Pour In For Simon Emmerson

Simon Emmerson (Booth) , 12.03.1956 – 13.03.2023

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#TragicLoss,#SimonEmmerson,#ThankYouForTheMusic,#AfroCeltSoundSystem,#MarkBennett,#Thoughts,#Saddness,#Prayers,#MissYou,#Respect,#CelebrateLife,#Farewell,#Friend,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

“Best Carol Service Ever”

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The Lockdown Garroch Reel!

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Simon Daniel Emmerson, 12.03.1956 – 13.03.2023

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We all thank you Simon! Journey on…

Simon Daniel Emmerson, 12.03.1956 – 13.03.2023

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Simon Daniel Emmerson, 12.03.1956 – 13.03.2023

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#TragicLoss,#SimonEmmerson,#ThankYouForTheMusic,#AfroCeltSoundSystem,#BBCSounds,#Thoughts,#Sadness,#Prayers,#MissYou,#Respect,#CelebrateLife,#Farewell,#Friend,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

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Simon Daniel Emmerson, 12.03.1956 – 13.03.2023

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#TragicLoss,#SimonEmmerson,#ThankYouForTheMusic,#AfroCeltSoundSystem,#MarkBennett,#Thoughts,#Sadness,#Prayers,#MissYou,#Respect,#CelebrateLife,#Farewell,#Friend,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

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Simon Daniel Emmerson, 12.03.1956 – 13.03.2023

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#TragicLoss,#SimonEmmerson,#ThankYouForTheMusic,#AfroCeltSoundSystem,#MarkBennett,#Thoughts,#Saddness,#Prayers,#MissYou,#Respect,#CelebrateLife,#Farewell,#Friend,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

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Simon Emmerson (Booth) , 12.03.1956 – 13.03.2023

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#TragicLoss,#SimonEmmerson,#ThankYouForTheMusic,#AfroCeltSoundSystem,#MarkBennett,#Thoughts,#Saddness,#Prayers,#MissYou,#Respect,#CelebrateLife,#Farewell,#Friend,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

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