PICKMERE residents will pay their respects on Thursday, to Joseph Robinson, following the death of the community stalwart at the age of 85.

Mr Robinson was a local historian, author, photographer and family man, and founded Pickmere Photographic and Heritage Society.

He died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on June 1, and his funeral takes place on Thursday at St Mary’s and All Saints’ Church at Great Budworth at 11.30am.

“Joe was a community stalwart and a unique character in the village,” said Joseph’s daughter Jayne Henderson, from Pickmere.

“He was extremely well known, hugely popular and highly respected.

Residents young and old and regular visitors, some of whom he knew for decades, cherished any opportunities to bump into Joe and reminisce.

“Everyone knew Joe, a memorable gentleman, who was full of enthusiasm and had a passion for life and his community.

“He was instantly recognisable, until recent times, with his loyal dog Chip trotting beside him.

“The Pickmere community has benefitted greatly from his extensive knowledge. History has been preserved and community life recorded, and he made an enormous contribution.

“His expertise and enthusiasm for photography, taking pictures particularly of his local area, spanned more than 60 years.

“Joe was the very worthy winner of the Cheshire Community Champion award in 2016, an award he was immensely proud of, and he will be very sadly missed by us all.”

Mr Robinson was born in Salford, was bombed out of his family home in The Second World War and the family came to live in Pickmere.

He married Ann in 1960, and together they raised a family, a boy and a girl, Andrew and Jayne.

After leaving school Joe's first place of employment was at Redfern rubber works.

He was then enlisted for National Service with the King’s Dragoon Guards and returned to take up a post with ICI.

Joe then went to work for Cheshire County Council and worked his way up to highways Inspector until retiring at the age of 58.

Joe founded the Pickmere Photographic and Heritage Society, which he ran for 33 years, and was a valuable member and campaigner for Pickmere Parish Council.

“Pickmere was privileged to have its own historian and author,” added Jayne.

“Joe’s knowledge, books, archives and pictorial records are a priceless resource for Cheshire, and in particular Northwich and Knutsford areas.

“Thanks to his documented memories of Pickmere village, the landscape and its changing history, we have a unique narrative for future generations.

“Joe’s eighth book, Pickmere through changing times, was published in 2015, and promptly sold out.

“Joe also put together a valuable collection of postcards, some of which are more than 100 years old and a treasure trove of information, archives of local history and information about flora and fauna.

“It is this collection that formed the basis of his books, all about Cheshire village life during the past century.”