Thanks for letting us know, Brian. Sad news indeed. I enjoyed several canal trips, GiGs and miniGiGs in the company of Joe, the cats, Will Crooks and later, of course, Jackie.
Joe was, I believe, amongst the earliest of the online group of canal friends which emerged from George's List into the Real World and met each year at the GiG. I suspect he may have been around well before myself, in the days of Bill's list - others will know more. He was certainly present at my first GiG at Normanton, where he made me welcome from the start by conveying me from Trent Lock to the Club aboard Will Crooks. I wasn't just cargo, though, within a few minutes he had me steering and was providing useful (and welcome) criticism of my efforts, typical of his enthusiasm for sharing his knowledge and experience. He truly was someone who lived for the cut and its traditions. I'm very glad I knew him and will miss him. Would whoever is in touch with Jackie please pass on my condolences. -- Mike Casswell
