I have greatly enjoyed researching and compiling Joe's story. It has been a pleasure to meet the many people who have helped me in my search for background information. The support and enthusiasm of the Wellesbourne History Group has prompted me to have this account published some five years after I finished the initial typescript. I am very grateful to all the people involved.

I would also like to thank my wife Sherily for her support throughout this project. I hope this is not the end of the story. I would be very grateful to hear from anyone who has further information about any of the people or events mentioned in the book. This might take the form of a picture, something in writing or just anecdotal information.

You can contact the author by letter at

Four hundred editions of the book were produced in September 2000. They are avaialble from shops around Wellesbourne at £4 per copy, or contact the author at the address above