Stu Ashton (Banchory Fool) R.I.P.

From Gavin Bayfield:

Stu Ashton the long-time Fool of Banchory Morris and dancer since the formation of the team in the 70s, sadly died on Saturday 10th Jan. Surprisingly to those who knew him, his death is not thought to have been drink related.
Many in Bathampton will have known Stu, who was a prominent figure on Banchory Tours, some of which were in far-flung places, others closer to home and often with other teams or their members.

Stu was a fantastic singer in his day and would perform – at the drop of a hat – any of many entertaining songs, most of which were about drinking – something he felt very strongly about.
Stu also played the melodeon and specifically Hohner , and was not a fan of ‘fancy italian boxes, the “cost-a-lotty” types’.
Although Banchory team and the Morris community has not seen Stu for a number of years (he had been in a care home for some time), it is no less a loss of a great character and personality the like of which make the Morris such an institution.
No funeral arrangements notified as yet, but is likely to be in the Northeast of Scotland, where Stu built his life – though anyone who met him would recognise immediately on hearing him, that despite his tartan attire, he retained his strong Glossop accent.
When next taking a drink, do raise a cheer – he’d like that.