I have heard that my friend Gerry Fox, formerly of the Irish group The Tinkers, passed away on Thursday (22nd).

Gerry was a valued member of our Irish music session at the Boat Inn, Jackfield, for many years; until the long drive became too much for him. We have missed seeing him and his son Kieran at the sessions.

Of late he has been to the South Birmingham Comhaltas branch... I think; and taught fiddle in the Birmingham area.

Gerry alway had a good story to tell and funny songs to sing.. Lavender Cowboy, and a skit on Willy McBride.

He wrote the middle verse to Carrickfergus and was friends with the likes of Brendan Behan and Peter O'Toole in the 50s.

My respects to his family. The musicians at the Boat mourn his passing. We have lost yet another fiddle player.

Fliss Burke