I've got memories of Johnny since the early 70s, when he was a regular guest at Hartlepool Folk Club. Lost touch for a while when I moved to Norfolk, but found Johnny again and as a Norfolk boy he visited his mum regularly and he and Joyce often came to stay with us.

We had great sings together at Lancaster, Bridgenorth and Bromyard, recorded an album with him (although it was never released, co-opted him into the odd gig and shared lots of happy times.

The fondest memories, however are those of ships and shanties, especially Brest as singers and as sailors. John (hubby) and I sailed on the Grand Turk and Johnny was on the Julia. My mobile rang, it was Johnny. "How are you?", he asked "OK".I answered "and what about you?" His reply was "I think we are sinking!". Julia didn't sink, we met up in Brest and had lots of singing (and a little drinking) on Julia with Tom Lewis, lots of Poles, Johnny, ourlselves and Ken and his crew.

Joyce, Ken and hubby share a birthday and together we celebrated Ken's 60th - hubby has never been so drunk. We shared Johnny's 70th at the Herga. He was as happy as a sandboy, surrounded by friends and family.

I last spoke to him the day he was packing to go off to Poland. I never thought it would be the last time - we were looking forward to he and Joyce staying with us for Great Yarmouth Festival. We'll think about him - always, and miss him - lots.

Sue and John