Bob Grant, who had been ill for some time, died on Friday 27th October 2000, aged 63 years.
He was a prominent member of the Headington Quarry Morris Dancers over the last 40 years and was at the heart of all the
club's achievements during that time, a founder member of the Quarry Turners Folk Dance Band, and a former chairman of the
Oxford Third Friday Club which had been co-founded by his uncle, Charlie Jones, and frequented by several other members of
his family.
He was a fine exponent of traditional folk song and a whole generation of enthusiasts were inspired by his presence. He
always gave his audience full value, albeit in the dance arena or on the concert platform.
Bob was born on 14th July 1937, the second son of Lawrence and Dorothy Grant. His father, an accountant, and mother, a school
supervisor were also keen folk dancers.
He had a sister, Pamela, and survived his elder brother, Donald, who was tragically killed whilst in service with the RAF.
He was educated at Southfield School, Oxford and after his National Service with the Royal Artillery, he graduated from
Loughborough University. He held a teaching post at The Oxford Polytechnic (now Oxford Brooks University), and subsequently became
Head of Handicrafts at Cowley St John School. Hearing difficulties eventually forced him into early retirement, at which point
he set up his own furniture design and manufacturing business.
A consumate craftsman, Bob's ability was endorsed by his many commissions, demands for his consultancy expertise and requests
for written contributions to trade publications.
He joined the Headington Quarry Morris Dancers in the early sixties, upon the introduction of his uncle, Charles. His writing and oratory skills enriched many a function down the years, along with his wit and humour. The "Molestrangler" tales were classics of their kind, the workings of which often touching genius.
He played a prominent part in the club's Sharp/Kimber centenary celebrations and his analytical work "When Punch Met Merry" became it's cornerstone.
An accomplished guitarist, Bob became a founder member of The Quarry Turners Folk Dance Band in 1967 - the name deriving from his house of residence at the time - and many enjoyable hours of playing for dancing ensued, as far afield as Scotland and Lancashire.
His pathos and humour, never very distant from one another, touched us all to leave a lasting impression, and away from public gaze, his quintessential characteristics beguiled all those who came to know him.
For us, the show goes on, we are his living epitaph.
Our sincere condolences go to Wendy, Judith, James and all his family.
John Graham
October 2000