A STALWART of the Swindon folk scene, Mervyn Penny, will be honoured by his friends, fellow musicians and fans at a special performance nearly nine months after his passing.

As comfortable on the main stage of international folk festivals as he was busking in the town centre in aid of Prospect Hospice, the 90-year-old from Shrivenham was known to most for his boundless talent, unquenchable curiosity and ability to conquer anything he set his mind to.

Nearly a year after his death in January, the father-of-two will be remembered at a folk night at Warneford School in Highworth on Saturday.

Derrick Beer, his friend and fellow White Horse Folk Club member, said: “Mervyn Penny was one of the great characters of this corner of England. He was a craftsman, an artist, a musician, a historian, an author and much more. When Mervyn died in January this year at the age of 90, hundreds of people packed into Shrivenham Parish Church for a service of thanksgiving for Mervyn’s life.

“The intention is to have an enjoyable evening that Mervyn would have loved and to donate all the proceeds to Prospect Hospice, a charity for which Mervyn raised funds for many years. Mervyn gave so much to the people of this area that those who knew him would like to celebrate the many facets of the man through an evening of entertainment.

“There will be music, words, poetry and humour delivered by members of the many local societies that Mervyn attended and with contributions from family members.”

In 1974, Mervyn formed The White Horse Folk Club in Highworth and ran it for 14 years.

As well as playing several instruments, including guitar, accordion, ukulele and piano, to mention a few, the born entertainer was also known to make his own.

The son of an organist and choir singer, music was an integral part of his childhood, even if the young boy was not the most responsive during piano lessons with his mother, preferring a less academic approach. A gifted child, he mostly picked things up as he practised on his own.

The evening of entertainment will begin at 7.30pm. Doors will open at 6.45pm.

There will be an exhibition of Mervyn’s models and crafts and a display of his photographs.

Tickets cost £5 each and can be bought from The Lighthouse Bookshop in Highworth High Street or from Derrick Beer on 01793 762070 or at derrick@beer83.freeserve.co.uk Funds raised in his memory will go to Prospect Hospice.