Tony Staveley, who many of the folk evening singers and attendees will remember as the slim, grey-haired, jolly barman at the mill sadly lost his battle with liver and pancreatic cancer last night (Monday) at 2am. His final and much desired achievement was to marry Anne at 1.30pm on Monday afternoon. Their wedding was scheduled to be at River Methodist Church at 2.30pm on Sunday (15th June) however this kind of Cancer is very fast moving and the registrars, advised by hospice of the urgency of the situation, moved heaven and earth to make it all happen for this very special couple in time, and the hospice nurses provided champagne and a cake, with closest friends, other hospice patients, and Tony's son Martin, joining in their special moment.

Anne and the family have decided that the date originally set for the wedding at Church should now be a celebration of Tony's life, and are inviting all friends to attend, followed by a get together with buffet at the Mill. Paul, who is helping co-ordinate the service has asked if any folk singers would like to add to the event with music. Please could any performers let me know as soon as possible if they would like to do this in Tony's memory. I am meeting with Paul to sort out the running order this evening. I am aware this is very short notice, but these are very special circumstances.

If you are able to make it to the Methodist Church In River (opposite River Primary School - not the Dover one) the dress code is bright colours as this is a Celebration of Tony's life. Other music in the programme is Louis Armstrong's "We have al the time in the World", Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" and Bryan Adams "Everything I do", which were the songs originally chosen for the wedding. Given the theme of celebration and the emotion content of the above something upbeat but appropriate would be very welcome. - Over to you!

I hope some of you are able to come and support Anne at this time.