From 1936 to 1943 bandmaster of Bideford Town Silver Band which, under his direction, built up a wide reputation, Mr Josiah (Joe) Heal, died suddenly at his home, 12 Chingswell Street, Bideford, at the age of 70.

In his musical interest he followed his father’s footsteps. He was a member of the 6th Devons Territorial’s and of their band, he served overseas with the battalion in the First World War. In between the world wars he played with the Torquay Military Band and subsequently became a member of the Torquay Municipal Orchestra taking part in many broadcast programmes. His principal instrument was the trumpet. He was a keen bowler and had successes in a number of competitions.

Fellow members of the Bideford (Strand) Bowling Club – Messrs F G Parr, R Passmore, A J Seldon and P Wadey – were bearers at the funeral. The Rev Alan Fleetwood officiated at the service at Bideford Baptist Church.

Immediate mourners were: the widow, Mr and Mrs A Heal, Mrs G Babb, Messrs R Babb and E Bartholomew, Mrs R Snow and Miss M Shutt. Absent were: Mr and Mrs S Laird, Mr and Mrs E Heal, Mrs E Bartholomew, Mr and Mrs A A Heal, Mr and Mrs W Heal. Others present included: the Mayor of Bideford, Mrs E J Brown; Mr and Mrs A C Hooper (also representing Mr F Snell); Mr and Mrs F Horner (also representing Messrs J Waldon and H W Mules), Mr and Mrs H Rendle, Mr and Mrs G Lilley (also representing Mr R Mitchell), Mr and Mrs C Harris, Mr and Mrs Davies, Mr and Mrs E Blackmore. 

In addition to other representatives mentioned elsewhere Bideford Bowling Club was represented by Messrs C Morris, F A Pearson (also representing Messrs G P Crabb and C Kelly), S M Marshall, H Littlejohns, R Gerry, H W Elliott, L Lott, J Ward, W and A W Blackmore, E W Cox, A J Joslin, R J Webb, F Hallums, S Luxton, H A Glover (also representing Mr J Headon), A J Luxton, C G Metherell, T Johns (also representing Mr R Smith), E H Hopcraft, A R Allin, T Heard, H Wilson, S Griffin and J Slade.
Others attending included: Messrs F C Backway (representing 6th Devons), R Boyle, W Turner, A F Rogers, C A Bright, R Hopcraft, R Brimacombe, H Phillips (representing British Legion), F G Carter, S Rockhey (also representing Mr K Hearn), H Braund, M V Fogaty (also representing H Bartlett), D Westacott, C S Short (also representing Mr S Short, chairman of Victoria Park Bowling Club), R J Hearn, B Edwards, Mesdames Charles Brough (also representing Mr W Simmonds), G H Blackmore (also representing Mr C A Whittaker), W Taylor, C Bawden, P Wadey, I Davies, A J Seldon, D Kent, R Day, Hicks and Cross; Miss Pursey.
Flowers were: the dearest and best of husbands, Nance; Jeane and Russell, Sara and John; Maude, Percy and David; Els and Eddie, Stephen and Carey; Gwen and Reg; Arthur, Julie and family; Margaret, Ron and family; Mrs C M Congdon, Susan and Anne Marie; all at No. 11; Mr and Mrs C Harris; E Hooper and F Stoneman; officials and members of Bideford Bowling Club; Stan and Gladys Lang, Robert and Bruce; Harold and Gladys Rendle; Edna, Edgar and Arthur Pursey; Flo Thomson.
Funeral arrangements were by Messrs Lang and Sons, Grenville Street, Bideford.