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Josh's death shocks town
By Suzanne Rutter
TRIBUTES were paid today to a well-known Calderdale figure who lost his life after a cycling accident.
Scientist and musician Joshua Frederic Phillips, of Hebden Bridge, was killed while riding in Manchester.
Keen cyclist Mr Phillips, of Church View, was cycling in Deansgate at teatime on Monday when he was involved in an accident with a pedestrian.
The 35-year-old cyclist suffered head injuries and was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary where he died next day.
Robert Blake, 36, of Birchcliffe Road, Hebden Bridge, who was a member of Hebden Bridge Cricket Club with Joshua, said: "He was an extremely intellectual and qualified person.
"He was also a talented singer and songwriter who played guitar and recorded various tracks of his own.
"His death has sent shock-waves throughout the community. It's absolutely devastating."
Joshua was married to Mabel and had a 12-year-old daughter, Poppy, from a previous relationship.
He was a science and communications officer at The Manchester Museum of Science and Industry.
Away from work he was instrumental in setting up the Open Mic Night at The Stubbing Wharf, Hebden Bridge, and used to play in a band called The Tropes.
As recently as last year he was the winner of the singer-songwriter award at the Trades Club Stars in Their Minds competition.
He also played for Hebden Bridge Cricket Club.
Joshua's many friends paid tribute to him last night by attending the Open Mic Night in his honour.
Dave Boardman, music promoter at The Trades Club, worked with Joshua on the Riverside Festival at Calder Holmes Park in 2003, Todfest and also on The World On Your Doorstep – a world music event planned for Hebden Bridge next July.
He said: "He was a really nice, decent bloke who loved music and loved to hear other people's music.
"I know how important Josh has been to the culture of the town."
Frances Minto, 40, of Mytholmroyd, said: "He was more than a musician – he brought people together. He always had the right song for the right time." Josh Parker, 19, of High Street Court, Luddenden, said: "He was instantly likeable, a humorous chap of great intelligence."
Peter Lazenby, Trades Club president, said: "It's tragic news about Josh. He was such a lovely man."
A spokesman for Manchester Coroner's Court said: "Joshua Phillips passed away on November 28 at Manchester Royal Infirmary. An inquest has not yet been opened but we hope to do that as soon as possible.”
Greater Manchester Police are looking for witnesses to the accident.
A spokesman said: “Shortly after 5.30pm Joshua Frederic Phillips was cycling along Deansgate when, outside the Moon Under Water pub, he was in collision with a pedestrian.
“He suffered serious head injuries and was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary where he later died.
“The pedestrian was not injured.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact traffic police on 0161 856 3572 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”
suzanne.rutter@halifaxcourier.co.uk
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Weather for Halifax
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light sleet
Temperature: 0 C to 1 C
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Light sleet showers
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