Info from The Black Swan Folk Club, York.

Dick had a mild stroke last year which earlier this year finally got diagnosed. He lost a lot of movement in his right hand, which is why he can no longer do finger picking on the guitar (although he can still strum it ok). He also has mildly slurred speech from the stroke. He is very weak, and shouldn't be working, at least not for more than one 45-min set.

He has only done 3 or 4 gigs this year. He now knows to stop when his voice gives in. He can no longer stand when doing gigs, and his agent and dear friend, John Barrow, had to drive him to his last gig from Edinburgh.

There will be a large benefit gig for him later in the year or more preferably during Celtic Connections. In the meantime, he can't do any more gigs this year. He is on a long waiting list with the NHS to be evaluated for physical therapy.

He announced this on stage and possibly at The Fringe Show last week.