ONE of the last of the 'good neighbour' breed has been lost to us. Joe Jones, from Irwin Road, Sutton, whose regular nostalgic contributions so often helped to brighten this page, was buried in the nearby St Nicholas's churchyard last week. He was 79.

Bachelor Joe was extremely well known thoughout the district as a Good Samaritan and a pleasant, laid-back character. He was a musician, poet, bookworm and local history buff.

His cousin, Arthur Jones, this week summed him up, simply but effectively: "You couldn't have found a nicer bloke". Somehow I think that stocky Joe, of the easy-going temperament, would have approved . . . been even a bit flattered by that simple sentiment.

A former foundry pattern-maker, he was always willing to help out his neighbours -- skilfully fixing a shelf, perhaps, or making them a cabinet of first-class craftsmanship. A talented piano-accordionist, Joe was prepared to voluntarily air his 'squeezebox' at local galas, parties and the like. And he particularly delighted in writing verse.

Fittingly, a couple of his poems were read out at the funeral service of this uncomplaining character who for several years fought a gallant fight against cancer.

I'LL certainly miss his bright and breezy, informative contributions to this diary page.