NEWS FROM BELCHAMP WALTER:
SEPTEMBER 2016 PARISH MAGAZINE<

It’s been a bit of an emotional month in Belchamp Walter as we come to terms with the loss of Joe Brown, a stalwart of our small community. Joe died in his beloved garden on 8th July and was buried at St Mary the Virgin Church on 4th August. As Rev Sally recalled, on meeting “Joe” in her early days in the benefice, she was slightly confused as he was first introduced as Michael (his given name), but then he pointed out that he was also known as “Mick”. However, he asked that she call him by his “Belchamp Walter” name, “Joe”.

Joe moved to Belchamp Walter when he married Brenda Chatters in 1962. He worked at Whitlock’s in Great Yeldham, and was also a local Scout Leader. Both he and Brenda were at the heart of village and church life. Joe was Vicar’s Warden from 1966 to 1998 and then took up the post of Verger. He was a regular bell ringer at Belchamp St Paul, a member of the PCC, until recently he looked after the Belchamp Walter Church Clock, knew all the secrets of the Church’s “turtle” stove, looked after the village notice boards, delivered the Parish Magazines, donated copious amounts of fresh veg and flowers to all sorts of village events and fed the ducks. Brenda was one of the founder members of the monthly village lunch and Joe continued his involvement, always having his lunch early so he could take on his washing up duties – therefore, it’s fitting that Joe’s family have donated his recently acquired dishwasher to the Village Hall, for which we are very grateful. Joe approached all his duties with huge attention to detail and with a determined gentleness. St Mary the Virgin Church was at the centre of Joe’s world and it’s going to take a while to get used to not finding him there, quietly going about his duties. We are all thankful to have known Joe and our thoughts and prayers go to his family and to all those who feel his loss.