One of the joys of getting older is that more and more people you know sign off for the last time. I was sorry to hear that John Morrell (aka “Stratman”) has left us after a long battle with illness. He was a builder (and repairer) of valve amps and guitars of the highest standard, which he hand-built in his workshop in Swallownest. He also had a bad joke for every occasion! He started business after the ten years of working the club scene with his wife Dorothy as a guitar / keyboards / comedy act. One of his many achievements was an see-through acrylic Fender twin combo and an acrylic Strat to go with it, used by Tommy Emmanuel. Dozens of local musicians used him to build and set-up their guitars. We’ve lost a genuinely friendly and funny man and a true expert in his field.