I first met Dick around 1962 at Redhill folk club and we remained friends. He gave me my first and only guitar lesson. Dick really was my introduction to folk music, for which I will be eternally grateful.

Dick was a brilliant guitarist, singer and writer. In the 1970’s he composed some fine tunes to poems, especially those of Charles Causley.

He introduced me to ‘The Cherry Tree’ at Copthorne, where I first met Ken Stubbs, Harry Holman, Scan Tester, Louis Saunders and many others.

Dick and I subsequently travelled together to Padstow, Helston and other folk events around the country. I particularly remember one time busking in Brighton with Dick and in the process we were briefly arrested for demanding money with menaces but were quickly released without charge!

We formed a group together, ‘Uther Pendragon’ and I became a resident at the Redhill Club when Richard Hook moved to Hailsham.

I often telephoned Dick for a brief chat or to pick his brains about a song because he had an encyclopedic knowledge of all thinks folk. I last spoke to him a couple of months ago and he was chirpy but he told me that his health was not good.

For anyone who might like to listen, I have a couple of hours of fascinating video of him in my possession where he talks about the early days of folk clubs in Brighton, Reigate and London. I recorded him when he stayed the night at my place after Tony Dean’s funeral. I intend to load it up to YouTube soon so that anyone can get a chance to view it.

I am honoured to have known Dick as my friend and for me his passing is a very sad end to an era. My sympathies go to Vickie and all his family and friends. He will be greatly missed.