I was saddened to hear of the death of Bill Astbury, whose ceaseless support & enthusiasm for my research into his grandfather, the textile physicist and pioneer of molecular biology William T Astbury was always such an inspiration. Our paths first crossed when Bill was working as a children’s storyteller at Headingley Library in Leeds, displaying a talent and passion which was apparent in the memories of his grandfather that he kindly shared with me over the years when I was writing my book ‘The Man in the Monkeynut Coat.’ Thanks so much for all you did, Bill – I couldn’t have written it without you. You’ll be missed.