Billy and I are going to miss Bert very much,we all knew him as a fellow folkie and a big part of our musical social scene,but as a personal friend he had the biggest heart.He could be gruff and frown at you but he eyes were twinkling and that funny old grin was always there!He spent many Christmases with us and became part of our family,in the past few days I have found out that many youngsters had Uncle Bert in their family too.At summer Bar b q's in our garden he was to be found dangling little darlings over the fishpond,and rolling round in a wrestling match on the grass!He celebrated his 70th birthday with a big party here and many friends from all over the UK shared the celebrations,in my visitors book that evening he wrote"load of rubbish!"
My brother Tony and I were talking about our memories of Bert last night,Tony recalled a Felixstowe festival where Royal Marine won the chorus cup,mainly due to Bert,who was a living jig doll dancing on an outsize board!
I am going to miss him,but I like to think that as he left Bill and I on Sunday morning, Lonnie was waiting for him and they are playing in the best skiffle group ever!
As with many true friends he was supportive in difficalt times in a quiet private way.