Founder member of Newark Folk Club at Rutland Arms John Kirk dies after battle with form of lung cancer

A man with music in his heart and charity in mind died on Saturday after a battle with a form of lung cancer.

John Kirk was a founder member of the Newark Folk Club at the Rutland Arms in the 1960s. At that time he was booking acts such as Jasper Carrot and Mike Harding.

He sang at the first Christmas Music in the parish church. With his wife, Diana, former practice manager at Lombard Medical Centre, he sang as a duo at many more.

He raised money for causes, including Newark Athletic Club, Collingham Cricket Club and South Clifton Sports Club and won the Mayor’s community award for for his charitable work.

He helped Diana raise £25,000 for the Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity.

In his youth, John was a keen footballer, playing for Ransome and Marles and the Railway Club. He had trials with Sheffield Wednesday.

He was also a supporter of rugby union, being Dusty Hare’s travelling companion in Dusty’s playing days.

He leaves Diana, who he married in 1972, daughters Helen Raeburn and Sarah Mooney, sons-in-law Dave and Deane, and grandchildren Brandon, Jessica, Hattie and Abigail.