Cattle Market "Joe "
Passing of a Newbury Character
A familiar character in Newbury! Cattle Market for many years well , known to farmers from miles around, Mr. Joe Stephens (85), died on Tuesday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Hieatt, Rosebank," 97, Greenham-road, Newbury, who nursed him devotedly since he became bedridden over,a year ago.

Previously he had never had an illness.

Joseph William James Stephens, always known as Joe was born London, but came to Newbury at an early age, and spent his life here. He was a man who could turn his hand to many jobs and he worked for various firms. At one time he was a plumber's mate, at another he drove a lorry. But it was in the market that he figured most in recent years. A lover of animals, he would assist the auctioneers by labelling cattle, driving them to the station, or help in loading transport.

His Pets. For many years Joe Stephens kept a couple of donkeys named Flying Fox and Polly; he also had two ponies, Polly and Daisy. The last named died two years ago aged 34. These animals he took to fetes and scores of open-air gatherings where they were great favourites with the children, whom he loved to give rides. He had quite a collection of R.S.P.C.A. certificates and badges awarded at pet shows. Joe was fond of sport and attended many football matches. In his young days he was an athlete and won several prizes as a mile runner. He also " banged the big drum " in the South Berks Silver Band for many years.

His wife died over 10 years ago, and he leaves a son and two daughters, one of whom, Mrs. Dennis, is in Australia. The funeral takes place on Saturday at 10.30. at the Stroud Green Methodist Chapel, the interment following in the Newtown-road
Cemetery.

Mr. Joe Stephens' Funeral

The funeral of Mr. Joe Stephens, whose death was reported last week, took place on Saturday, the service at the Stroud Green Methodist Chapel being conducted by the Rev. F. E. Watts.

Family mourners and others present in church and at the Newtown-road Cemetery were Mr. and Mrs. W. Stephens (son and daughter-in-law), Mrs. Hieatt (daughter), Mrs. S. Pope (adopted daughter). Mr. Frank Stephens (brother), Mr. John Hieatt, Miss Joan Hieatt, Miss M. Stephens, Mrs. Gray (grand-children), Mrs. S. Stephens, Master R. Gray (great-grandson), Miss Barbara Pope, Mr. L. Gray, Mr. F. Green, Mrs. Quarterman and her sister, Kathleen, Miss Grace Eggleton, Miss Millicent Eggleton, Mr. M. Eggleton, Mrs. Harry Eggleton, Mrs. M. Eggleton, Mr. A. Eggleton, Mrs. Pope, Mrs. Voss, Nurse Domone, Mr, R. Green, Mr. H. Rolfe, Mr. Swain, Mrs. Gibbs, Mrs. Palmer, Mrs. Carpenter, Mr. D. Evans, Mr. Desmond Barton (representing Messrs. Dreweatt. Watson and Barton), Mr. A. P. Morton. Mr. and Mrs. Spanswick, Mr. J. Wetherall, Mrs. Walker, Mr. Bert Clark, Mr. Les Eggleton, Mr. Palmer, Mr. and Mrs. T. Smith, Mr. Nightingale and Mr. Hazel!.

There were over 50 wreaths.

NWN 17^th Dec 1053