Phyllis Gentle | Cruden Bay Folk Club

Remembering Phyllis Gentle

1945 – 2025

Members and friends of Cruden Bay Folk Club were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our dear friend Phyllis Gentle in April 2025.

For many years, Phyllis was a familiar and much-loved presence at the club. Alongside her singing partner, Christine Cruickshank, she regularly entertained audiences at our folk club nights with their songs and guitar playing. Together they became an established and valued part of the musical life of the club, contributing warmth, friendship and many memorable performances.

Phyllis was also an enthusiastic member of The Fiere Deems, Cruden Bay Folk Club’s own female singing group. Through rehearsals, concerts and club nights, she helped strengthen the group’s reputation for close harmonies, good humour and a shared love of traditional and contemporary song. Her commitment and support were greatly appreciated by fellow members, and her contribution to the group over many years will not be forgotten.

Beyond her performances, Phyllis made an important contribution to preserving the club’s musical heritage. She was a generous supporter of our online archive of recorded material, helping to ensure that performances and memories from the club’s history could be shared and enjoyed by future generations. Some of these recordings, which capture moments from her years with the club, are included below as a lasting reminder of her talent and involvement.

Those who knew Phyllis will remember not only her music, but also her kindness and gentle nature. As her family so beautifully expressed, she was “a kind, gentle woman loved by many.” Living up to her surname, she had a genuine love of people and brought warmth and friendship wherever she went. It is difficult to think of her without imagining her trademark smile and a guitar close at hand.

Cruden Bay was her home for more than forty-five years. During that time she became well known throughout the village and was an active participant in many local music and craft groups. Her enthusiasm for community life and her willingness to become involved made her a valued friend to many people, both within and beyond the folk club.

In the later stages of her illness, Phyllis moved south to Sandgate in Kent, where she was able to remain close to the sea she loved so much. Her family have spoken of the comfort she found there during her final months, enjoying walks along the beach, spending time in the garden and soaking up the sunshine. They shared many happy times exploring the area together, creating treasured memories that brought her great joy.

Members of Cruden Bay Folk Club were honoured to be invited by Phyllis’s family to attend her burial at Cothiemuir Hill Woodland Burial Ground, Castle Forbes. It was a beautiful spring day, made all the more poignant by the blossom that drifted gently from the trees above throughout the ceremony. The peaceful woodland setting reflected much of what Phyllis loved most in life — nature, beauty, and the simple pleasures of the outdoors.

The club was also privileged to be asked to provide music at the funeral tea afterwards at The Forbes Arms Hotel in Alford. Singing for family and friends as they gathered to share memories of Phyllis was both an honour and a fitting tribute to someone whose life had been so closely intertwined with music and friendship. Through song, we were able to celebrate the joy she brought to others and the lasting impact she had on all who knew her.

For those of us at Cruden Bay Folk Club, Phyllis will be remembered as a talented performer, a loyal supporter, and above all a cherished friend. Her music, her smile and her quiet encouragement enriched our club for many years. We are grateful for the time we shared with her and for the lasting contribution she made to the musical life of our community.

Phyllis will be greatly missed, but fondly remembered whenever songs are sung, guitars are played, and friends gather together at Cruden Bay Folk Club. Through the recordings she helped preserve, the songs she shared, and the friendships she nurtured, her presence will continue to be felt for many years to come.