LES BARKER RECOVERING FROM HEART ATTACK
Best wishes for a speedy recovery to Les Barker. The brilliant English poet suffered what is described as a “minor” heart attack last weekend. (Can any heart attack be considered minor???) It is reported that he thought he simply had indigestion!
Les Barker is well known for his comic poems (he described them as “thingees” when he was a guest on show a few years ago) as well as his parodies of folk songs. His songs have been recorded by artists such as Tom Paxton, the Kingston Trio, Martin Carthy, Norma Waterson, June Tabor and many others. He also has his own “band” – Mrs. Ackroyd’s Band – named after his late pet dog.
Over the years, Les has introduced us to memorable characters such as Cosmo, the Fairly-Accurate Knife Thrower, Jason and the Arguements, Captain Indecisive and Spot of the Antarctic. He has also written some serious prose. Unfortunately his appearances in the United States have been infrequent in recent years – a problem that many international folk artists have faced in dealing with the INS. Let’s hope that changes soon.
Our best wishes to Les. In the crazy world we live in, we need people like Les to remind us of what life is really about.
Get well messages can be directed to:
Wrexham Maelor Hospital
Croesnewydd Road
WrexhamLL13 7TD.