When me and my late friend Michael arrived in Canterbury in 2010 on our journey to our first Cropredy Festival the TIC (on Buttermarket at that time) told us that all B&B's were full because of some festival going on in the city. Then someone from behind called: 'Try Joe! It's the only chance!'. And indeed it was. We reached him by phone at some sports-event and made an appointment.

When we climbed up the narrow stairs he asked from the kitchen: 'By the way, what are you up to in England?' and we told him about a certain festval in Oxon ... About ten minutes later we found ourselves sitting in his kitchen, beer in hand, and talking Fairport.

Over the years we became friends and we always were welcomed by him in the past 12 years when we turned up to visit FCC and also sometimes for a wintour concert. There were evenings of Bat & Trap at the King's Head, several pints and I remember it always bing a bit tricky to try and buy a round because he always wanted to pay. Sometimes I succeeded.

As everybody knows a great music lover who introduced us to the music of Kate Rusby, The Aggies, Show of Hands, Feats of Fiddles et al. There were evenings a the Red Lion for the festival fringe. We celebrated with Duff Paddy and other musicians. So many good times iI remember.

To me he is a great loss. I lost two of my friends in recent years so the losses are culminating. But Joe always found words of solace (he knew both of them too)

My thoughts are with Jan at the moment. She had a real short time with Joe but when I visited them in August I found him happy despite his diagnosis.

I will always remember him as a humble man and a good friend across the chanel. So sad - farewell my friend ... and of course we'll meet on the ledge (where other friends are already waiting)

Hans (from the banks of the river Rhine)