Heard the sad news from Terry Heaslip at the beginning of the week, but this is the first opportunity I've had to put my thoughts down.

Dear, dear, it only seems 5 minutes ago but it was the summer of 1970 when I first met Pete, at Dartford FC at the Station Hotel, and later at the wonderful, wonderful Coach House, Farningham. I had just moved down to Kent from North London, and they were my introduction to live folk music. Before that it was listening to Peter, Paul and Mary albums (which are still treasured possessions, I'll have you know!).

Crayfolk in those days were Pete, John Barker (also sadly no longer with us) and Pete Chopin (Wendy – is Chopin still around? Last I heard he was living in Walton).

We embryonic folkies held Pete and co. somewhat in awe. They were central to the folk revival in North Kent, and I remember us following them up to London one night to a gig at the pub in Gloucester Avenue just down from C Sharp House (can't remember the name of the pub) and who did we bump into? Of course, the omnipresent Dave Bryant!

It was watching Pete dancing (and singing) with Hartley Morris on Boxing Day 1973 that made me decide I wanted to dance the Morris, and had many happy years with Hartley as a result. Being with Hartley in the 70's was quite amazing. The side in those days was massive and at one point we had to close the books on membership! The singing in the pubs after dance stands was awesome, and I think it was that experience that gave me my preference for bar sessions/singarounds over formal club settings.

From the posts on this thread it is obvious that Pete, who over the years has engendered a love of folk music and dance in so many people, and is obviously held in great regard, will be greatly missed. A fitting epitaph.

When someone we have known for so long passes suddenly like this, it makes one sit up and think upon the greater mysteries of life. None of us know when our time is to come, so it is an encouragement to live each day to the full and to keep short accounts. As it is written, "Don't let the sun go down on your anger."

Goodbye Streaky, I hope you've found peace, and that we meet again in a better place.