My first memory of Nick was from the mid 1960's when I played a club in Harrogate with my then music partner, Smiley Bowker. Nick and Roger Knowles were there and got up and played. Smiley and I were very impressed - so much so, that when we came to make our second album in 1969, 'Country Style Tom and Smiley,' we contacted Nick to join the session on mandolin. I remember that he arrived at the North London recording studio wearing an immaculate grey suit and large matching stetson hat. When we went for lunch in a nearby restaurant he certainly turned a few heads. He did a great job on the recording -especialy his break on the song, 'Bury Me Beneath The Willow.' He also joined us on stage that same year for a big gig at the Free Trade Hall Manchester. He was smart, funny and a great musician. I rang Smiley, who now lives in Spain and told him about the loss of Nick - he was shocked and upset, as we both are. We hope there's bluegrass, folk and country music where you are Nick...so you can keep on pickin' and grinnin'