It is with great sadness I announce the recent death of Christine Dunford. Chris had a stroke a few weeks ago and died in hospital on Saturday never having recovered from the effects. Those of you who don't know her by name may well know her as 1/3 of the female harmony trio, Hands in Pockets, who were very well known at folk clubs and festivals all over the North of England and beyond. Chris provided the top end harmonies and a lot of the laughs! As Hands in Pockets were also part of the 'massed band', the Hands and Feet Roadshow, you may have also seen her there.

I remember Chris in the early days of Swinton Folk Club, armed with sheafs of notes, singing some wonderful unaccompanied songs. When we began planning the festival she was one of the first on board and was a powerhouse of ideas and organisation amongst us clueless rabble!
Chris then formed the trio along with Carol Chatterley and Jan Cartain. After their debut at Swinton Folk Club they took the scene by storm with their wonderfuly close harmonies and interpretations of everything from traditional and contemporary folk to swing.

Chris was also very active in other fields. A lifetime campaigner for workers and womens rights. Holding various positions in the hierarchy of her trade union, Unison, she put as much effort into helping other people as she did entertaining them. She shared lots of other interests with her husband, Rob, including supporting Manchester City and birdwatching. If she wasn't performing with the trio or the band you could be pretty sure she was either at Maine Road, a politcal rally or on a remote scottish island!

Our thoughts and sympathies go to Rob and her remaining family as well has her friends, fellow 'Hands' members, Carol and Jan, band members Steve, John, Ged and Dave and anyone who's lives were touched by this amazing lady.

Christine Dunford. Rest in Peace.

Dave.