Joan Gallimore passed away peacefully this morning (Monday August 8th 2011). Her son Harry broke the news to Stewart Lever, asking that he should let as many of her 'folky friends' know as he could - so Stewart enlisted my help.

Joan was, until recent ill health took its toll, an active participant at a number of folk clubs in the Warrington (UK) area, including the Railway Folk Club in Heatley, now Lymm Folk Club, where I first met her.

She was the very first winner of the Fred Jordan Memorial Traditional Singer's Trophy at Saltburn Festival back in 2003, and was a highly respected performer. She had lost her husband, George, with whom she'd spent many years singing at various venues, and was determined to carry on after his death.

I'll post more details when I have them.