Dance in memory of man who was a well-known member of Northampton's folk scene

A dance was held in memory of Don Flower of Wellingborough at Christchurch Hall in Northampton, the home of Northampton Folk Dance Club, on Saturday.

Music was provided by the Long Odds band, which Don led until his death last year.

The evening’s dancing was led by caller Jean Byron-Williams, and included dances and tunes chosen by band members, family and friends to remember Don’s long association with folk dancing and music in the county.

The event raised £335 and this will be donated by his wife Hazel, who plays bass in Long Odds, to Northamptonshire Folk Activities Association (NfAA).

It will add to more than £600 which was raised by donations at Don’s funeral for NfAA.

Don helped produce NfAA’s folk event bulletin for many years and its winter edition included tributes to him.

One tribute said: “The folk world has suffered a great loss with the recent death of Don Flower.

“He was loved and respected by all who knew him and his contribution to the folk scene was immeasurable.

“He was a true gentleman, kind and courteous, patient and wise and always so encouraging.

“He had a vast knowledge of folk music and dance which he was always keen to share with others.

“Many a musician or caller, when starting out, received much help and encouragement from Don.

“He had a wonderful knack of quietly getting people to do things that they thought they were not capable of.

“He never took ‘no’ for an answer.”

Don was a founder member of Northampton Folk Dance Club and served on the committee and as chairman.

In the mid 1980s, he started Earls Barton Folk Dance Club.

He was also a scout and scout leader and was a member of the Camping and Caravanning Club for 47 years, serving on the committee of the Home Counties area of the Folk Dance and Song Section.

To read more tributes to Don and find out more about his involvement in the county folk scene, click here