JOSEPH (Joe) Gamble, 94, originally from Liverpool, was a well known resident of Royal Wootton Bassett for more than half a century. He contributed greatly to the life of the community before a stroke and failing health necessitated his move into a care home. Mr Gamble’s funeral at Sacred Heart Catholic Church was conducted by Monsignor Richard Twomey, his friend for 54 years. Mgr Twomey spoke of Mr Gamble's great dignity, love for his family and his dedicated service in the church and the town.

The coffin was draped in the Union flag as a reminder of Mr Gamble’s military service during the Second World War. He did not wait to be conscripted and volunteered for military service as war loomed. He served as a Lance Corporal in the RAF Regiment, was driver for his squadron’s Commanding Officer, and once walked, unaware, through a minefield. After the war, he served for seven years as welfare officer in the local branch of the Royal British Legion. He was also a very caring helper at the Lorna Doone Day Centre for elderly and frail local people. He was a stalwart member of the Catholic Church and was a special minister of holy communion.

Mgr Twomey said: “He was a wonderful man, and a great parishioner.” He is remembered very fondly by many people.

In 2001, Mr Gamble received a Civic Award from Wootton Bassett Town Council, in recognition of his outstanding service to the local community.

His and his late wife Joyce, who died three years ago, met in Wiltshire through the Armed Forces, when she was a WAAF ambulance driver. They were married at St Mary’s, Lydiard Tregoze, and lived in the north of England before returning to Wiltshire, where Mr Gamble worked in agriculture before settling in Royal Wootton Bassett.

He worked at Strange’s Garage in the High Street (the petrol pumps are pictured in the 2016 Rotary calendar), and he also drove a limousine for Trow & Son, the former funeral directors.

Mr Gamble later worked for International Stores in Wootton Bassett High Street and in Swindon, and then became a civil servant at RAF Lyneham, until he retired. He leaves two daughters, a granddaughter, five great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren, who all live locally.

burial at the town cemetery was followed by further reminiscences at the Conservative Club.