Poem for Joffre by Michael Rooke on the occasion to celebrate Joffre's approaching 101st Birthday

 

Poem for Joffre What a privilege for all of us who are gathered here, as long-time honored member Joffre celebrates another year. And not just another year, we say - it’s an extra special one: to his century last year Joffre’s adding another one! For the Nats Club he’s a treasure, he contributed so much… outings, writings, camping, to keep the club in touch. So hats off we say to you, Joffre Bell, to the rarity you are. Your life and work throughout the years has gone wide and far. Of your Second World War service there’d be so much to tell, and one thing’s sure and certain - Google knows you well! With a father at Gallipoli who gave to you your name, you trained first in Canada when the Second World War came. Then as an airman based in Britain, in the thick of World War 2, who knows what sort of things you saw, who knows what you went through. A Second World War airman was fortunate to survive; nearly half of Bomber Command aircrew did not return alive.

But you made it back to Clifton, right here on the Downs, where your service to the community I reckon knows no bounds. Among your talents - Esperanto, and I’m sure lots lots more; you who gave such service with aircrew in the war. Joffre, ever the gentleman, with gentle voice and smile, (and on club outings and camping was always dressed in style). So three cheers for Joffre, the naturalist, and a Clifton man through and through. Here’s to a birthday cake next year  when you’re one hundred and two!   (Photo by Lauren Marlatt)