Malcolm Kearney lived in Cuffley in Hertfordshire and was 51 years old.

He started dancing in September 1998 at Ceroc in Hatfield. He was quickly co-opted onto the Hatfield crew as a taxi dancer and proved his worth. He was much loved by all the beginners and everyone else as well. He was looking forward to demonstrating the beginners' class on stage in November. He could be seen at all the dance events in the local vicinity and often travelled great distances to attend dances with all his friends.

His other love was his accordion playing. He spent numerous holidays in France where he had his accordion made. He also went touring with his accordion group on the continent, playing in such places as Paris and Brussels. He successfully fought off cancer and earlier this year had an eye operation to have his cataracts removed. Through all of this he kept smiling and was never known to be miserable at all. He had a great sense of humour and was always keen to participate in our fancy dress tea dances; the last one (Heroes and Villains) he came as Hitler.

He was taken from us at a time when he was really happy, being with all his friends and doing what he loved, which was dancing. Our condolences go out to his family on this sad occasion and he will be missed enormously at our dance venues.

We will be having a Charity Memorial dance in Malcolm's honour in the New Year - donations for the Royal Marsden Hospital.