John Clay, what can I say… During his time working behind ‘the jump’ in the Battle of Trafalgar he would always have a cheeky smile and greet me, as he did many others, with, “You’re a scholar and a gentleman sir.” After I’d paid fro the drinks he would then say, “You’re a toff and no mistake.” In order to get the better of him I would occasionally come in with a lengthy and verbose request. “Oh for a draught of vintage,” I’d say, “that hath been cooled a long age in the deep delved earth, tasting of flora and the winter green, a beaker full of the blushful Hippocrene, with beaded bubbles winking at the brim.” John would maintain his benign smile, bat no eyelid, and say, “That’ll be a pint of bitter then.” The last time I saw him, only a few months before he died, he was explaining how he could hardly move his left arm. Knowing how important music had always been to him I asked him if he could play the guitar. Despite finding it somewhat difficult to speak, he gave me a wry smile, “Before you say anything,” he said, “I never could in the first place.” He then giggled at his correct anticipation of my next riposte. And that was John to me, and I’m sure to many others. A man who enjoyed a bit of banter – a toff, a scholar and a gentleman. And no mistake.

Gosh, what can I add to all the good stuff and great memories that have already been written? My own I think. I met JC through Teresa. I have fond (if somewhat hazy) memories of being dragged to the Yeoman, mainly on a Sunday to watch him play mein host and the guitar, and felt I took on the role of chaperone to Lady T herself. At the time I wasn't sure that he was the right person for my dear friend, seemed a bit of a bad boy, but in a frightfully lovely way and he did match her in his ability to take the mick! Three o'clock in the morning is a time that sticks in my head...that was the time John would phone T and serenade her, I have listened in on many a rendering of Chris Isaaks Blue Hotel. There is also an episode New Years Eve many moons ago, after a particularly liquid feulled lunch where my surprise return to Teresa's house was a little less than timely, but has given us a giggle over the years. I have been away, caught up in my own life for too long, not staying in touch often enough. When I heard that John was back in Teresa's life I was initially sceptical, but soon found that I had never seen, nor heard Teresa more contented and happy in the 20 years I have known her. They seemed to bring out the best (if either could be better) in each other. Their goodness, kindness, intelligence and quick wit made them a wonderful couple to know and I am so thankful that they found each other again and so terribly sad that they could not have the long life together that they deserved. Jamie, I vaguely remember you as a gangly youth. I now have my own James (not quite at the gangly youth stage, but fast approaching) and I can only imagine how you must be feeling by thinking about how he would feel if I was no longer around and actually that doesn't bear thinking about so my heart goes out to you, but I know from Teresa that you have incredible strength and that your dad will always be with you. My darling T, nothing I can say to you can make this any better, or bring John back, how I wish I could wave a magic wand and fix things for you, if anyone deserved happiness and good luck in their life it's you. I'm just so, so sorry. A final comment. I have JC's CD in the car and JC has become a hero to my James, who never met him, because of his music. Initially 'What the f*** you think you're doing to my life' held his attention (12 year old...honestly!) and then he discovered 'Diamond Geezer.' I think John you truly were a 'Diamond Geezer', the world will be a sadder, quieter place without you, but we'll never forget you x

In Nov '85 I arrived in Brighton and needed a job. I wound up working at the "Hand in Hand" in Kemp Town. The owner also owned another pub, "The Eagle" in the North Laines area of Brighton, opposite another famous Brighton pub, "The Basketmakers." Working at the "Eagle" at the time as a young barmaid, was one Teresa Mitchell. I worked at the "Hand" for about a year and T & I became firm friends. We have seen each other through some interesting highs and lows over the years - which have variously involved dustbins, courtcases, nutcases, engagements (not ours!) and New Years Day jiving at the "Concorde." In 1987 I decided to go into the pub trade myself and took on the "Three Jolly Butchers." Guess who I asked to be barmaid No 1? Teresa was fab, doing a regular Friday night shift and often standing in when I couldn't (stand!). Sunday lunchtime became a legend - beer at 12, Prompt Corner for 2.30, where bra-removal & sock burning became the norm. About this time we learned of a guy just up the road who kept a pub called the "Sussex Yeoman." Apparently he played guitar a bit! And so we got to know J.C. I have been blamed for introducing Teresa and John to each other. Certainly there are allegations of serenades of Tom Petty's "Full Moon Fever" (our favourite album at thime) in the cellar at the "Yeo." The rest, as they say, is history. T & JC had " a season" and then he left the pub trade and went off to Portugal. I gained a partner and a son, Henry, to whom Teresa became godmother, and moved to Devon. I would like to record that she has never, not even through these last terrible months, missed a birthday or anniversary. A few years ago I was thrilled to hear that Teresa and JC had got back together again after all this time. I had just done the same! Four years ago my new wife Annette and I, after watching England beat Australia for the Rugby World Cup (sorry JC not football) drove to Brighton for T & JC's wedding bash. What a fabulous night! Sadly, since that occasion we havn't seen enough of them. We were devastated to hear of John's illness and like everyone else, terribly sad to hear that he had died. So to JC - thank you - for everything you did that made life better, brighter, funnier, more musical and more caring. But more than that, you made my best friend, and the best barmaid there has ever been, happy beyond belief. As to the charge of bringing Teresa and JC together? Guilty and f...ing proud of it! With all love Richard Gunter