Martin just loved to shock... but he's gone too far this time! This is way beyond anything he ever did before and is not acceptable. I wish I could tell him to his face...

But sadly this is one shock too many for even Martin to overcome. It is very sad news and the 'folkies' around the area will miss him greatly. Characters like Martin are not too common. He was larger than life and his faux attacks on all thngs folk, cribsheets and capos will ring in our heads for many years I think. He was Country through and through but had been adopted by the folkies for some time. He loved it all. The attentions, the songs, the laughs. He could really push bondaries too at times. Anyone who did not know him could sure get tre wrong idea.

Inside he was a very warm and kind gentleman (he would deny this with embarrasment if I ever mentioned it!). Fixed in his way, maybe, but flexible enough to show kindness and care when needed. Our lives will be the poorer for his sad death.

I think the Alison Arms Free Folk Festival should be dedicated to Martin, if it can be arranged, as it seems more than appropriate that the adopted country guy should have us folkies honour him.

He quite liked George Jones songs. I keep thinking of this one since last night: Whos gonna fill their shoes . Question is. Whose gonna fill Martin's shoes> No-one ever will :-(

RIP Mr Martin... you're still a gent! ;-)

mp