I met Mervyn on my first day at high school - Ilford County High School for boys. We were in class 1A together, however I went down a grade after first year so we were then in different classes. In fifth year I chose to study music for O-levels and found there was only one other student taking the music class, and that was Mervyn. Our teacher, Mr Mitchum, made no secret that he wished I wasn't in the class. He told me one day that if I wasn't there, he and Mervyn would be doing all kinds of wonderful musical things that were beyond my meagre talents. Mervyn however was very generous towards me throughout our year together, sharing musical tips, and assisting me with my compositions and generally with my studies. He was so talented musically that he was inspirational. I know I learned more from Mervyn that year than I did from Mr Mitchum. I knew he was brilliant with the oboe and on piano but it was an amazing surprise one day when I went to see a jazz band and there was Mervyn, playing jazz trumpet like Louis Armstrong. I moved to Australia not long after high school and lost touch with Mervyn but I have never forgotten him, his marvellous musical talent and the kindness and warmth of his friendship.