Members of the 'Cat who live or have lived in the Worthing area of Sussex may remember the small music shop on Ham Road called "Drum'n Strum", run by guitarist and all-round nice guy called Marc Amey.

Marc died last week, from a rare form of cancer. His funeral is at Worthing Crematorium at 11.30 on Monday, May 23rd, should anyone who knew him wish to pay their last respects.

The shop was originally run by Marc and partner Terry as "String'n Things" for many years. Terry decided to live in the West Country and Marc took over the business under its new name. As well as running the shop - and giving generous discounts to local musicians, Marc played bass for some years in a Shadows tribute band (The Shudders), and guitar with many other local groups. In later years, particularly after selling the shop around 2007, he played as part of various duos in many pubs in the area.

Marc was a good musician and a generous friend. When he retired, I missed our regular chats, with lots of laughter and coffee, at the shop counter. We met up several times after that for lunches and the occasional jam. He was a good bloke and will be missed.

Commiserations to Jan, his widow.