In 1968 I was serving as a Royal Marine in Singapore. I had never been to a folk club but had been singing at family gatherings and in choirs since 2 yrs old!
A corporal called "Bungy" Williams had told me of a folk club running in the Sergeants mess of the Malaria Control Centre – the club was called "The Anophele Inn" and was run by this guy called Johnny Collins.
After a three month trip on HMS Bulwark we got back to Singapore and decided to give the club a visit. Unfortunately we drank way too much rum and became very rowdy! Johnny politely but firmly grabbed me by the arm and propelled me out of the door along with my even more drunk mate. Two hours later we were arrested by the shore patrol and spent two weeks in Tanglin prison on detention!!
After being released I went back to the club – Johnny was a bit concerned and even more surprised when I asked if I could sing a song – I have been singing and running clubs ever since!
Johnny introduced me to a whole new world of songs and singers. The first LP I listened to was borrowed from him – it was Louis Killen's Ballads and Broadsides – I was hooked.
Johnny was an inspiration to me, he was always ready to lend a hand with a song and when Johnny let rip on a chorus nobody slept!
The world of folk music will not be the same without his deep and beautiful voice and his lifelong commitment to English songs and singing.
Rest in peace old friend – we will sorely miss but never forget you.