Joe was a former player at the Vale, an active committee member and tourist, where he had his own cult following in a number of countries. When his playing days ended he joined the prestigious Manchester and District Referee's Society, later becoming a studious advisor and assessor.

His idiosyncratic style of refereeing made him popular with players and spectators alike, with one of his decisions meeting with the approval of Michael Green, author of the best selling book, 'The Art of Coarse Rugby'.

In a fixture in November 1980 between Vale Veterans and Rossendale Veterans the front row suddenly decided to start flailing their handbags. This was in the days before yellow or red cards. Joe immediately stopped play and issued the ultimate deterrent.

He brought out of his pocket a set of keys. "These," he said, "are the keys to the bar, and if you carry on with this nonsense, I shall abandon the game and the bar will not open!" Normal service was quickly resumed, the Vale winning 12-6.

Joe will be remembered as a lecturer at the Lancaster and Morecambe College, a waiter and night porter at The Elms Hotel before moving to the Old England Hotel at Bowness-on-Windermere, and latterly at Premier Inns.

Before the kick-off against New Brighton a respectful one minute's silence was observed, but sadly during the game one stentorian voice was missing from the clubhouse end urging on the Vale of Lune. A 22-19 victory however, was a fitting tribute to a unique personality who has left behind him a veritable encyclopaedia of memories that stretch beyond the confines of Powder House Lane.