Some years ago at Swansea Maritime Festival Prince Charles came to make an official visit - his first stop was at The Chantey Cabin and after the formal greetings and comments we began talking about Maritime music ( a subject he was genuinely interested in !!) and was looking at the display CD's spotting a picture of Johnny with full flowing beard " That is the face of a traditional British Mariner with a great beard" said HRH.

We related this story to Johnny later in the day and a huge smile spread across his face!!!

" My mum has always hated my beard but at last I can now tell her it has Royal Approval!"

He rejoiced in telling the tale many times

Good Night and God Bless dear friend