I knew Derek back in the early 1960s when my brother Ken and I went to his folk guitar lessons. He was a warm lovely man who showed care and concern to us and always gave lots of encouragement. I ended up playing at the Assembly Rooms Surbiton many times. I also remember taking Rod Stradling along who at that time was doing a lot of Dylan songs. We were both at Trent Park College in North London at the time. Though I never heard his Norwegian Wood rendition which others did. I ended up playing with The Thamesiders with Marion and Pete and then going on to play at the Round House in Wardour Street as resident there. I also got to gig with Muddy Waters Band who showed up late after a show at The Royal Festival Hall. I also dragged John Renbourne along who at that time was playing on a house boat on the Thames at Kingston. Derek encouraged a lot of people who went on to become outstanding in their fields.

I remember Hazel well. She was a beautiful woman with a beautiful voice and Derek and she sang well together. I still have two LPs: 'Hills and Dales' with just Derek and Hazel and The Derek Sarjeant Folk Trio with Graham Bradshaw. Two lovely albums. May he rest in peace.