Book of Remembrance – in Memory of Joe
Reflections on the Thanksgiving Service
Our sincere thanks to everyone who watched online or came to the Thanksgiving Service on the 5th March; it was fantastic to see the church so full of family and friends from near and far, and to hear such wonderful singing alongside the heartfelt tributes for Joe.
If you would like to see the Service again, please view the edited recording which has all of the Eulogy by Alan (a short section was lost in the live stream due to a transmission error).
And you may be interested to look at the special video tribute created by Joe’s ‘four-quarters of Grandma’ – Naomi, Rhiannon, Emma & Rachel – which includes some wonderful clips of Joe with his granddaughters!
You can also read the text of the Eulogy given by Alan or browse the pictures of Joe that were shown before and after the service.
Planting a tree in memory of Joe
Before the Thanksgiving Service, the family gathered on the lower lawn across from the Garden Room to scatter Joe’s ashes around a new spring-flowering prunus tree that in due course should provide a colourful focus for the view across the lawn. We are thankful to our good friend and gardener for the grounds, Paul Argent, for his helpful advice on the choice and location for this tree to complement the other planting.
Donations to local charities
Many thanks for all the donations made in memory of Joe. As a result of your generosity, over £1000 will be shared between two charities that were close to Joe’s heart, namely North London Hospice and We’re All Valued Equally (WAVE), which will assist their important work.
Book of Remembrance
We are touched by the wonderful reminiscences already submitted below; they provide a very special insight into your connection with Margaret and Joe. It’s not too late to add your own memory, so please go ahead and provide one long entry or multiple shorter entries as you see fit. And do include a picture if you wish!
You can choose whether or not to give your name (which will be shown with the reminiscence). If you enter your email address, it won’t be shown with the reminiscence. Your contribution will appear as soon as possible, once it has been confirmed as not being spam!
Thank you again for all your wonderful contributions.
Joe used to collect my Mam from Mayflower Lodge to go to church along with Marjory. When Mam was in hospital he used to visit my mother and he would say go on Pet go get yourself a cup of tea. A gentle kind and very fit man used to see him walking in Muswell Hill. I was fond of Joe a friendly man. Christine Campbell
There are so many memories of Margaret and Joe but I think one of the main events was their contributions to the church Garden Parties. Margaret’s cake stall was, of course, one of the main attractions and browsing on the book stall with Joe could last the whole afternoon, if one had the time.
My children recall them as Sunday School teachers and Alice recalls a song about St Peter’s boat.
Of late we remember Joe as the most loving, welcoming person who had a word of encouragement for everyone. His services to those unable to get to church easily were renowned.
I could go on and on and on…………………………………………. God bless the entire Combes family. (You have a lot to live up to!)
Joe’s warm smile and inclusive welcome made us feel part of the church family almost instantly. With very fond memories
Dear Joe is fondly remembered. He touched many lives and will be sadly missed. We recall his warm smile and humour too. Our condolences to all the family.
Such fond memories of Joe and Margaret. I first met them as a young child at my home in Gorleston as our families regularaly got together. I spent some memorable times with Joe Margaret David and Alan at both their cottage in Gorleston and their home in Muswell Hill, times were always joyous. When I was starting my career and moved to London I often visited them and indeed met on many occasions in Covent Garden for coffee and a long chat ! They were so caring and always made sure I was doing ok. Joe always found time to talk things through as he was such a kind and thoughtful man. I miss them both and I will forever remember them. Farewell Joe.
Joe and Margaret were know to me as Auntie Margaret and Uncle Joe. They werent relatives but I was happy to call them Auntie and Uncle as they felt like family. Throughout my childhood they were constant. Auntie Margaret loved pretty girlie things and I remember her getting the train to visit me when I did a college placement in Egham. She was so caring and it was a great comfort to see her. We had a lovely day together.
Uncle Joe was great with our children and often came to help and support my Mum look after them when we managed to escape on a child free weekend. George in particular loved seeing Uncle Joe and found his stores facsinating.We all have great memories of both of them.
Joe and Margaret, Margaret and Joe; whichever way you think it you are reminded of the other. This short comment is particularly for Joe whilst remembering his part in a devoted married Christian couple Margaret and Joe. We are sure he would have been happy with that.
We remember Joe as a truly gentle soul, always careful to see the best in folk and in particular slow to anger. This generous couple offered us home, catering and company on many occasions as they did for scores of other people. Joe could be very serious but certainly was not without humour and we will not forget his particularly characteristic laugh! He also happily accepted the occasional hustling around by his wife Margaret usually when cooking one of her delightful meals.
The Rover 75/90 that taxied us all was absolutely right for Joe; big hearted (powerful!), generous in capacity and super-comfortable, luxurious, of high repute and befitting of a man used to super-tankers.
Joe and Margaret – a lovely couple.
Joe was the perfect gentleman, and so stylishly turned out every time you saw him. I will always remember his welcoming smile and kind words. He was also the best story-teller! Joe and Margaret’s warmth and generosity will never be forgotten.
On Saturday lunchtime before the Thanksgiving Service, the immediate family took a moment to remember Joe as we scattered his ashes around a newly planted tree in the church grounds. We chose to plant this Prunus Kursar tree at the back of the lower lawn as he loved the cherry blossom tree in the middle of his garden at Bells Hill. We hope that others will also find comfort and solace in memories of loved ones as they enjoy the beauty of this tree.
Dear Joe,
The welcome of your’s & Margaret’s ‘open house’ on Christmas Eve evenings – a time when those with families close might have their hands full but those without didn’t – were an important fixture in Phil’s & my calendar. You read at our son’s, also Joe’s(!), christening, & your beloved Margaret’s funeral was a few days before our oldest daughter’s, Maya’s, birth. Your memorial service today is on her 22nd birthday.
Our family’s lives have been enriched by yours, Margaret’s & those of your family, with love,
Ros, Phil, Joe, Maya & Shoshana Dharampal-Hornby
A truly wonderful,kind and gentle fellow.
We have so many wonderful memories of Joe and Margaret. Especially those at the cottage in Norfolk and being part of large group gatherings that far out-numbered the number of beds!
Thank you for all the wonderful times we had together.
Joe was always such a cheerful and positive presence at church, warm and welcoming to all. There he would be in his dapper jackets and ties, beautifully groomed and every inch the gentleman. He was charming and compassionate in equal measure, and totally unforgettable!
In 1994 Derek and I met Joe and Margaret whilst on a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land led by David and Daphne Willie. Very early on in the Pilgrimage it became clear that Margaret and Joe had a natural ability to be “all inclusive”. We kept in touch following the Pilgrimage and Joe and I were able to support each other following the deaths of Derek and Margaret. When we met we learned to smile again and Joe became a friend who will never be forgotten.
We got to know Joe and Margaret when we were in their housegroup in the early 1980s. In discussions Joe sometimes referred to difficult situations at work and showed such care and consideration for the people, management or union leaders, he was negotiating with, always trying to find the best possible outcome for everyone.
It was a delight to listen to Joe talking about engines or machinery, the sound effects and the actions were brilliant.
Joe played a part in our wedding day by driving me to the church in his company Ford Cortina. His calmness and patience when I was late was much appreciated!
Joe and Margaret’s hospitality both in Pages Hill and Gorleston was wonderful. We spent many happy times at the cottage, visiting different places and making sure cream teas were part of the day! Tara still has a photo of her with Joe on Southwold beach 25 years ago on a shelf in her bedroom.
Happy memories of a lovely couple.
“I’ll be wearing a red, white, and blue striped jumper”, said Joe over the phone as he gave final instructions for our first visit to Muswell Hill. He would be waiting for us on the platform at King’s Cross and the multicoloured jumper would help identify him. And there he was, in red, white, and blue waving to us on the platform, quickly followed by a warm and hearty welcome. Joe drove us back to Muswell Hill, chatting all the way, and pointing out landmarks and highlights along the way! After a visit to the church we went down to 49 Pages Hill and experienced the generous hospitality for which Margaret and Joe will always be remembered. Joe and Margaret – two saints who lit up many lives and whose light shines on in our hearts.
We have lived at 47 Pages Hill for over 25 years and hold fond memories of Joe – always engaged, always a project in mind, always ready to chat and share views and always a positive approach to life. He was a lovely grandfather and a great presence in our Pages Hill community
I first met Margaret and Joe in 1958 when I took up an appointment at the Post Office HQ in London. Westminster Central Hall was a great meeting place for young people and I regularly attended Sunday worship and the Tuesday evening Bible study group. Many Sunday evenings were spent after the service enjoying Margaret and Joe’s hospitality. The challenge was to fit as many people as possible into Joe’s car! Like so many people Daphne and I have appreciated the Gorleston cottage where we have had so many happy holidays. Joe travelled the world in his working life but we have had the pleasure of his company on our holiday travels to the Holy Land, Oberammergau, Australia, New Zealand, Madeira and Canada, as well as holidays in Cornwall and Northumberland. He was always good company and had a wealth of knowledge on so many subjects. He was our children’s favourite uncle. He was a good, generous and caring friend to so many people.
As hosts and leaders of our church Sunday evening youth discussion group, they were always so very welcoming and encouraging. They listened to us as we formed our fledging opinions and guided us in a truly nurturing way. The drive home in Joe’s large new Ford cars felt like true luxury and was a treat!
Joe, join my Saturday Morning swimming club, every week we all looked forward to his company and friendship. Such a warm and charming gentleman. Joe you are sadly missed.
Margaret and Joe were very hospitable towards me at their Pages Hill home. It was 1974, my late husband Stan Combes (cousin of Joe) was an inpatient at Hammersmith Hospital undergoing heart surgery. Being a young mother of our 2 children at that time, and living in Gorleston, I would have been unable to afford accommodation in London. Margaret and Joe made it possible for me to spend as much time as possible with Stan in the final weeks of his life. I shall forever be thankful for their kindness.
I met Margret and Joe many years ago, before they were married, having been introduced by my friends Joyce and Bill. We had many good times over the years and have some wonderful memories. They are both sadly missed.
II met Joe and Margaret in 1958 .They were the the most caring and kindest couple you could wish to meet.
Their house was an open door welcoming and supporting any one, young and old into their home after they married and came to 49 Pages Hill .
Life long friendships were made. Our 2 families spent doing so much together , wonderful holidays at the cottage and many times abroad.we have laughed and cried together through many ups and downs.Too many things to remember about my beautiful caring and thoughtful friends except l think of you both always and the memories live on forever .
So sadly missed .
Joe was my late fathers brother (Gordon). As 2 families, I remember well the seaside holidays we all had together in the 1960/70s not just in Norfolk but the south coast too. Joe was always the ‘chief engineer’ building the best sandcastles ever and keeping us children entertained.
Joe will be remembered as a great raconteur, with a story for every occasion, a joy to be with.
Our daughter, Hannah, loved him so much that she called him ‘Grandad Joe’ when she was young!
Sadly missed.
Roger Combes & the Combes/Bradshaws of Lincolnshire
Whilst scanning back-copies of our church magazine ‘Wellspring’, we came across this interview with Margaret & Joe from early 1997 conducted by the then editor, Robert Wynn, entitled ‘A Lump In The Throat‘, which sensitively captures Margaret and Joe’s relationship as they describe Margaret’s discovery of having cancer in 1979. Thank you for your retelling of this special moment for us, Robert.
Remembering much fun and laughter with Joe and Margaret – a friendship we value.
Joe – You’ll be fondly remembered. Rest in Peace.
Many condolences. Joe was a wonderful man. I am glad to have known him.
Best wishes,
Richard Combes
We remember Joe very fondly, his enthusiasm to support, listen and understand the younger members (as we were then) at the methodist church. He was very special, always showing genuine care and made us feel valued at a time when in teenage hood there are lots of self doubting. He was an adult who believed in you and always had a word of positive encouragement for us.
Happy memories of our church youth group held at 49 Pages Hill. Margaret & Joe’s wonderful hospitality, patience and love. I recall Joe saying during a “deep & meaningful” conversation that “in life, it’s relationships that count” Not just with people but also with our heavenly Father. That has stayed with me for nearly 50 years!