I was told the sad news tonight that Martin died in his sleep last night. He has been a regular at Wigan Folk Club and Coppull Folk Club for many years, and has cheered us all with his country songs ("I don't know any folk songs!"), his contempt for capos, and his well-meant but cutting insults to one and all. He was his normal bouncy self at Wigan on Tuesday and at Coppull last night, although he has suffered with heart trouble for a number of years.

He has been very active lately in helping to organise Coppull Folk Festival (due to take place 11th-13th June) and was looking forward to singing and MCing over the weekend.

As far as I know, he was about 66 years young, and leaves two adult sons. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.

I will post funeral arrangements when I learn of them.

Joan