Geoffrey Hughes best remembered for his roles in Coronation Street and Keeping Up Appearances, although from the early sixties onwards he was one of this country's finest character actors, who died on 27th July was a genuine and active follower of folk music. I found this out back in 1971 when he was appearing in "Slip Road Wedding" at the University Theatre for their contribution to that year's Newcastle Festival. I was supposed to be having a meeting with the theatre's musical director Iwan Williams when we were interrupted by the actors having finished rehearsals and Geoffrey, upon learning that I was from the North East Folk Federation, wanted to discuss sea shanties for the rest of the night. He also got around a few of the local folk clubs while he was in the area on nights when he wasn't on stage.
His untimely death has robbed us of one of a most memorable actor and the music of one of its most forthright champions.
RIP