I regret to inform his many friends that Alan finally succumbed to his cancer at his home this afternoon (Dec 30th).

In spite of being confined to a wheelchair in recent months, he never stopped attending folk clubs. A long-time regular at The Dragon, his last appearance was at Maggie Starkey's 'Retirement Bash' on the 4th December when he performed Runcorn Ferry ('Per tuppence, per person, per trip'), one of the many Marriott Edgar monologues in his repertoire, and in his treasured volume of Edgar's works. For those who wish to be reminded of Alan's dry, witty delivery, there is film of his reciting this monologue on Terry Helyar's YouTube pages.

Besides the Dragon, he was also a regular at the Nova, Crossed Hands, Somerville, Salt Cellar, Bath, and many more clubs beside, all over the Bristol area. And as well as the monologues he accompanied himself on guitar with a range of songs from the traditional Dalesman's Litany to Roger Davies' Brighouse via Guthrie's Los Gatos Canyon.

Beneath his quiet exterior there was a friendly, kindly and humourous Gentleman. His many friends in the world of Folk (and Veteran Cars) will regret his passing.

Condolences to Maggie V who nursed him to the end, and to his son Tim and the rest of his family.

Funeral arrangements will be posted here when they are confirmed.

Derek