I came to know both Mark and Ian, via the internet..and you couldn't wish to talk with two more determined and lovely people. They had such a passion for the music, and for trying so hard to spread the word about it, to help artists, and to gather a wealth of information together, in one place.
It's a great shame that the folk world didn't support them better and realise the treasure they had in these two men.
After Ian left, Mark carried on alone, which must have been intensely difficult for him. He did all this on top of his day job too, purely because of his love for the music and his wish to help others.
Because of Ian and Mark, I discovered the wonderful music of Dave Gibb, Tom Bliss, Alan Moorhouse and many others. It was entirely due to Ian that I found Mike Harding's 'Bomber's Moon' too, a song which I now love.
I have such respect for both of them...and I send them both my love and good wishes for the future.
I sincerely hope a Folk Phoenix will, one day, rise from the ashes of Woven Wheat Whispers.