I've just heard via Doug Hudson that the radio broadcaster Simon Evans died last week aged 61. I heard back in July that he had an inoperable brain tumour.

Simon was also one of those indefatiguable folksong collectors, focusing his effort of Kent's travellers. Indeed, his recordings and broadcasts on the subject on Radio Four and BBC Radio Kent are required listening for anyone with an interest. The front room in his cottage is given over to only part of his collection of tape recordings.

There are few musicians in Kent with who never met Simon, as he was keen to take an interest, if not devote recording time in his studio at Sun Pier, Chatham. Indeed, the Thomas Clark Quire were given time to introduce themselves, and later perform its repertoire of Christmas carols and hymns in its infancy.

Like many of us, broadcasting and collecting was only part of what he did for a living. He was a social worker, and exhibited as a photographer as OpenProductions. e was also a parish councillor for West Peckham, and campaigner for rural affairs in the area.

My condolences and thoughts are with Sharon and his three children.