Chris, really enjoyed reading your reminiscences, although the 'Moran jibe' does wear a little thin after all these years! Dave was the driving force behind The Halliard. Most of the research into the Broadside Ballads that became the bulk of our repertoire was guided by Dave's knowledge of where the originals were housed, coupled with his ability to vocally improvise melodies which supported the words so skilfully. True, Nic & I further developed these tunes, but the essence of the melody was often Dave's alone.
            Sending you Season's Greetings & wishing you a happy & peaceful New Year,
                                  Nigel P.