Peter Bellamy was one of a kind - I've never met anyone quite like him, before or since. I think he was a genius (and I don't use that word lightly) in his own corner of the musical world. Sadly, he was undervalued within that field, and very little known outside it.

Outsiders might argue that the folk revival is a relatively insignificant cultural phenomoneon, and that Peter's corner of it was miniscule, whatever his talents may have been. And there were quite a few insiders who had little sympathy with him during his lifetime, or thereafter.

Nevertheless, I believe 'The Transports' and his Kipling songs are precious contributions to our heritage of song, and that the recordings he made with Heather and Royston set a standard for unaccompanied folk harmony singing that has been rarely equalled (and never surpassed) since.

Peter often presented a cynical and abrasive front to the world. But behind that front was a sensitive artist, never content to sit back and congratulate himself on past achievements, and always reaching out for something currently beyond his grasp. He could be a difficult person to get along with, but it was worth making the effort. I knew him only slightly, and for a short period of time, but I still miss him. It's good that we still celebrate his memory.

Wassail!