This is very sad news. Dave was one of the very first people I knew in the folk scene, 35 years ago. He often turned up in random pubs in South London and played and sang, trying to stimulate interest. He and his singing partner Wendy did a spot at my Brother's Jazz session at Chislehurst, then I often bumped into him at clubs, notably the Bull at Farningham, run by the Crayfolk, and for several years at Dave Coopers club at Catford, where he would announce his entrance by joining in the current chorus in full operatic volume. He was later spotted playing melodeon for Woddard Morris from Farningham. Later , whilst living in Leicester, I encountered him running canal side folk weekends, and hosting the downstairs song session at the EFDSS annual meetings in London. I hadn't seen him for a long time until he re-emerged at Sidmouth last year, and was saddened to see his deterioration this year.
    The Tudor barn will make a fitting venue for a wake, they have made the Downstairs a pub, with some decent ale.
      He was always an eccentric character, but mainly a great enthusiast who would sing anywhere at the drop of a hat, and I am sure that it is his enthusiasm that touched so many, and for which he will be remembered. Jeff