Joseph Bell (25 Mar 1937 - 22 Jan 2019)

In loving memory of Joseph Bell who sadly passed away on 22nd January 2019. Joseph, a skilled bricklayer, was very active in the Church refurbishment in Fr Jim’s day, installing shelves for the Tabernacle, Light and Statues to stand on, as well as helping with other work. He installed an outward opening door for the safety of disabled users of the toilet and he and Nicky Gibson re hung the freshly cleaned banners at the back of the church. Father Cotter had had these made by the sisters at a Convent abroad where his sister was Mother Superior, as a gift from him to the Parish. Joseph also purchased and hung the fire door in the Parish Hall. He would have been very interested in the work now to be done, only sorry that the years had robbed him of the energy to be involved.
His main interest however was in woodwork, especially carving and ‘dressing’ wooden swing rocking horses; large, medium and small. Rocking chairs with horses heads, hobby horses down to wooden wheelbarrows, walkers with alphabet and number blocks in the cart, wooden cars, trucks, trains, little wooden snowmen for Christmas ornaments. He made bookcases and bookshelves for the bungalow, fitted wardrobes, you name it. He was happiest with his membership of the Rocking Horse Makers Club and wore his cap with their logo constantly.
When the boys were youngsters he took them to watch the local football team. We lived in Peterborough at that time. Taking the girls and me to away matches - we went shopping and met him at the car later! Even after we moved here to Mansfield then to Forest Town, he still went to the Posh matches: In latter years, the boys took him! His other great interest was in the bagpipes. We both belonged to the Chesterfield Pipers and loved attending fetes and similar events. We marched through Sheffield and especially enjoyed taking part in the Remembrance Day Parade at Warsop. The highlight for us both was marching through Edinborough inthe year 2000. A thousand pipers drawn from all nations, plus drummers and highland dancers!
Just about every card I have received, thank you to all who sent cards, speaks of his quiet gentle nature and great sense of humour. He was a kind and caring husband and father, who became my full time carer for nearly 5 years. I miss him dearly and so do the family, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.