Vernon Handley, a friend of mine for forty years, died last week but I just learned of it today. I first got to know Handley - Tod to his many friends - in the 1960's when he was the conductor of the Guildford Philharmonic Orchestra and I sang in the Philharmonic Choir. Over the next few years I came to know him well. He was a fierce defender, promoter and champion of British music which, like British cuisine, was not always accorded the respect that was its due. My respect for Tod grew into a deep affection as the years passed and our friendship grew. After a while without any contact we touched base again a few months ago and I last heard from him a matter of weeks ago.

If you have never listened to his recordings I urge you to do so. They are numerous and of the highest quality. The world of music became a poorer place with his leaving of it. I shall miss him.

Here's what the The Guardian had to say.