We were saddened to learn of the death of Joan Gadd, just before Christmas. Joan and her husband Harold were elected Joint Honorary Secretaries of the Gateacre Society in 1987, and Joan continued as Hon.Secretary after Harold's death five years later.

From 1997 onwards Joan was the Society's Social Secretary, responsible for arranging a memorable series of talks - and A.G.M. refreshments. She was again persuaded to take up the reins as Hon.Secretary in 2002 until finally, four years later, her ill-health forced her to stand down from the Committee. Even after that, though, Joan managed to summon up the energy to help out at our sales tables in Belle Vale and elsewhere.

Brought up in Huyton, Joan spent much of her working life in city centre retailing, but in retirement she worked hard for her adopted Gateacre. In more than one sense, Joan was a 'fighter'. She had been battling cancer for many, many years, and donations in her memory will be welcomed by Marie Curie Cancer Care.

We shall miss her.