Johhny was a regular guest at Bury Folk Club, but i really got to know him at the old Poynton Folk Festival in the former village school. he would cook me an omelete for breakfast that surpassed all others.
I took my father along when he retired, and Johnny was made up because the old feller could sing superbly in the manner of Josef Locke, and didn't Johnny like that some! they became mates. Many of you will know the song When All Men Sing, the words got written on the return from that great sing. The next year i offered the words to Himself, but he declined saying that this could be a really great song , but give it to Derek Gifford, as he himself did not think he could do it justice by way of a tune. Many a lesser man would have grabbed hold and not let go even if they thought that was the case.
This is my measure of the man, his generousity of Spirit made him a giant in this world of mortals, and earned my undyinging admiration.