Denis Manners, widely known in Oxfordshire as ‘Mr Folk Music’, has died aged 89.
Mr Manners, pictured, was one of the organisers of the original Towersey Festival of folk music and dancing, which is now in its 45th year.
He lived in Towersey for many years, then Thame before moving to Nottingham three years ago to be near his daughter.
His wife Sheila died last year.
Mr Manners was a member of the Oxford City Morris Men.
They were mocked by local youths when they danced in his home village, and Mr Manners challenged the youngsters to see if they were fit enough to do morris dancing. That started off the Towersey Morris Men, a group still dancing.
In December 2001, Mr Manners was awarded the MBE for his services to folk music.
But instead of going to Buckingham Palace to receive it, he chose Thame Town Hall, so that all his folk friends could be there. Mr Manners was escorted from his home to the town hall by folk musicians, singing and dancing all the way.
Mr Manners was a regular speaker on folk music and dancing on Radio Oxford.
His funeral will be in Nottingham.
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