When Obit: Martin Baker R.I.P (3 June 2010) died suddenly last June the local folk world went into meltdown. All those who knew Martin were really hit hard. This was a man who was adopted by folkies but only generally played country and let us all know it too! He was irreverent, controversial, witty, but also quietly very kind and very loved.

Right to the end Martin loved to shock...

You should have seen the Priest's face as the curtains were falling over Martin's coffin at the crematorium...

People started clapping, slapping hands and stamping feet. Not a dry eye in the house, mostly coupled with laughter and smiles... as we all joined in with Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire"

It was Martin all over...

I hate funerals. They are necessary for us to be able to say goodbye BUT, as funerals go, Martin's is memorable not just because of sad memories but also because it was the only one I have been to where there was so much smiling and laughter. He had us laughing right up to the last second...

Hope you do not mind me sharing that

mp