Mike, threads develop like this -it's a mudcat habit.

As an example people who were not at Sidmouth didn't like it - those who were thought it was great. Thus, people who knew MacColl like Jim Carroll thought he was overall a great bloke with some faults. Those who didn't know him thought he was arrogant.

Similarly those who didn't know Bert have all sorts of comments to make.

I met him three times and thought he was lovely.I do know he was so generous to so many people with his time and knowledge. He had his faults I suppose. I have never met anyone who was perfect.