FAMILY and friends will be gathering tonight to remember a young Powys man on the first anniversary of his death.

Joe Baker, aged 20 and from Knighton, died in a road traffic collision near Yeovil, where he was stationed with the Royal Navy, on November 27, 2023.

This evening (Wednesday, November 27, 2024), those who knew Joe are invited to join family and friends to remember him.

A candlelight get together will be held at the field where Joe is buried, referred to as ‘Joe’s place’, located in Newcastle-on-Clun, just over the Powys-Shropshire border.

In a post on Facebook, Joe’s family said: “365 days without your face, your humour, your kindness and love.

“We as a family have decided to hold a candlelight get together at Joe’s place. All his family and friends will be there to welcome anyone who may wish to join us in remembering Joe.

“Bring your stories, your favourite music that reminds you of him. Or just come to light a candle; for anyone who loved him please feel welcome.

“There will be hot drinks, his favourite lemon drizzle cake and sandwiches on white bread of course – Joe wouldn’t touch any other kind.”

Ludlow-born Joe was well regarded as an all-round sportsman in his hometown, playing both football and rugby, with both Knighton clubs describing him as an “asset” as they previously paid tribute to him.

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Both cancelled their respective fixtures following the news, while Tref-y-Clawdd RFC announced that they would be retiring Joe’s number 14 shirt for the remainder of last season.

Both clubs have also organised memorial games in 2024 to honour Joe’s memory.

“He will be dearly missed by everyone in the club and who knew him,” Tref-Y-Clawdd said following his death.

Knighton Town Football Club said: “He was an asset to the club after playing for his home town for the last 4 years, in which he has had a massive influence at the club with his fellow players and the supporters.”

Joe joined the Royal Navy in March 2020 and joined RNAS Yeovilton in November that year, becoming an air engineering technician in September of 2021.

He worked on Royal Navy helicopters and had the responsibility of inspecting his squadron’s Merlin helicopters prior to flying, as well as conducting repairs and maintenance, keeping them safe and ready for operations.

The Royal Navy said he would be remembered as someone who had an “infectious positive attitude”.

Commanding officer, Commander James Coleman, said: “Joe was a well-liked and dependable member of our squadron.

“He was a constant source of morale and always attacked problems with a ‘can do’ attitude; he embodied the traits we exemplify within the Royal Navy and the Fleet Air Arm.

“His passing is a huge shock to the team, he will be sadly missed.”

Joe was a huge Shrewsbury Town fan, whose footballers also paid tribute to him after his death.

Players wore t-shirts during the warm-up for their League 1 game against Peterborough on December 23, with the club describing Joe as “A huge Salop fan who followed the team both home and away”. He was also friends with goalkeeper Harry Burgoyne.

For anyone who’d like to attend his one-year memorial tonight, it will start from 6.30pm, with a bonfire being lit at 7pm. Use the SY7 8PN post code to find Joe’s place.