Shocking the community workers

Joes sometimes shocking sense of humour.
Back in the day when we had lots of community workers in Loughborough we used to have a monthly meeting in the room next to the library to share ideas. It was at such a morning during the miners strike, back when the Youth Training Scheme was a thing, Joe shared with us his idea for this scheme. Those of us who knew Joe well we’re ready for whatever absurdity was to come.
‘I think that is the miners are striking’ Joe began ‘the props in the pits will not be properly looked after and we should be sending Youth Training Scheme people down there to replace those props which are falling into disrepair’. This of course was delivered with utter solemnity and very very earnestly indeed. I can’t remember word for word what Joe actually said but what I will never forget is the reaction of those around us. Those who knew Joe well were instantly convulsed in laughter. The utter shock on the faces of the rest of the audience who didn’t know Joe in the way that we knew him was an absolute picture and has stayed with me for all these years. I cannot pass the library without remembering the Glee on Joe’s face when he watched to see the havoc he had wrought. Joe’s sense of humour was absolutely legendary and those who knew him well knew by the look on his face exactly what he was doing with sometimes devastating effects. A much loved colleague and friend and this is a sad time.