My Mum, Mudcatter Helen Jocys, died this morning aged 80.

Mum was a singer of traditional songs and played melodeon and accordian.

It was her energy that gave Bollin Morris the kick in the pants that brought it back to life and helped make it the successful side it is today.

Mum was the founder of The Marmalade Band, a group of ladies who would gather at her house on Saturday mornings to sing and play and eat breakfast of toast and marmalade.

Mum was always looking for fun and any chance to sing or play in a session. A couple of years ago at Shrewsbury Folk Festival she woke me up beyond midnight after a particularly heavy day of sessioning. Mum had heard a music session kicking off and wanted us to join in. It was well past 4am when we eventually gave up.

Ever the one to go against convention, the term 'grow old disgracefully' could have been written for her.

Above all, Mum was mother to six - all who will miss her terribly.

Christmas Day will never be the same in our family.

JJ