My friend Martin Picton My first recollection of Martin was about 30 years ago - The Picton family moved into 39 Hillside Road - 4 doors up from the Fidler's. This was great news for my girls as the Picton family had 3 young daughters. The girls swiftly became great friends. Carmen and Cathy quickly became friends. Martin and I at that stage were just getting to know each other. My first impression of Martin was that he was a serious kind of man who did not take fools easily. Initially I was a bit wary as I thought he might consider me one of the fools. However after several Fidler Picton get togethers I realised what great bloke he was. Yes he did not take to fools easily and he would always say what he felt (no bunches pulled) but you always new where you stood. Martin became a great friend to me and I often sought his opinion on matters. Sometimes we did not agree but I could always rely on him to give me a straight answer as he saw it. I enjoyed his wit, humour and jokes. No matter how many times he told the same joke his delivery was great and I always ended up laughing. We had many things in common from our girls, our love of music, work, Friday night Curry's, Fidler / Picton get togethers and sing alongs, Parties, the occasional glass / bottles of red wine etc. On the wine front I could never get Martin off the French stuff and on to Rioja which he disliked with a passion. I recall some memories of Martin that we shared: Music - Martin was talented. He could play the piano and the drums and he was a good singer. (The welsh Elvis!). I was involved with a band or should I say a group of not so talented Musicians. We were short of a drummer and before long Martin joined us. I have to say he did bring in discipline and music lists etc for the band practice nights. Those nights always started off OK but after more than a few glasses .... One particular evening we were performing in the Conservative club in Watford. Our bass player Pat got very drunk and started to lose the beat. This gave Martin the ache and the next think I knew was that one of Martins drum sticks was thrown and hit Pat on the head. That livened up the evening. In the end that was a good night. However I will not forget the look on Pats face as Martin waved a finger at him saying "pull yourself together and keep the beat" The Picton / Fidler get togethers were always rowdy reunions. The instruments got all pulled out and all participated in various songs. From the well tried and tested Country Roads, to Elvis songs by Martin and the famous duet with Martin and Carmen. Many the time Carmen's microphone was an empty bottle of beer! I have to say Martin and I corrupted our girls who can sing many 1960's and 1970's songs without any trouble. (I believe they actually enjoy those songs - not surprising as they have heard Martin and I sing them a 1000 times!!). As long as I can remember we enjoyed many a Friday night Curry - Martin's usual Chicken Tika Starter portion and a vegetable curry with lots of potatoes. Plus several bottles of red wine. Martin, Cathy, Carmen and I put the world to rights on many a Friday night! We also had regular summer parties - I remember Martin and I carrying tables and chairs up and down Hillside Road, erecting Marquees followed by the BBQ's etc. I do recall that I managed to demolish the Pictons swimming pool in one failed attempt of jumping over the pool wall. ooppps!! Martin loved reminding me of that on many occasions - Sorry Pictons!!! We also shared some great holidays with Pictons from Torquay to Mexico and places in between. Martin and I worked together on may projects and I new I could always rely on him. A very talented man on many fronts. The above memories are just a drop in an ocean of great memories. Martin was like a second Father to my girls who miss him dearly and have taken his parting very badly as have Carmen and I. My thoughts and prayers are with you Martin and I will take comfort that you are now at peace following your horrible illness and will take strength from the great times we shared together over 30 years. I will miss you old friend. Michael Fidler January 2013