First of all, my condolences to Brain's family at this sad time.

I spoke to Brian at Tenterden last month and swapped notes about collecting and archiving, and realised then what a maelstrom Brian was and deservedly given the name Mr Lincolnshire! Our conversation lasted well over an hour and could easily have lasted well into the evening.

His company at the Sidmouth Volunteer will be sorely missed, as I knew I could always rely on him to come up with something raucous or sensitive when the situation demanded.

Auf wiedersehen, chum!