The University is sad to report that Joan Elmes, who worked for the Electronic Engineering Laboratory (now the School of Engineering and Digital Arts), has passed away.

Mohammed Sobhy, Emeritus Professor of Electronics, writes: ‘Most of the present staff would not have met Joan, but of course there will be some who knew her very well.  Joan was the Director’s secretary for more than 15 years and, before that, she was in the ‘General Office’ for about five years.

‘Joan was the Director’s secretary throughout my period as Director and I feel privileged to have known her and worked with her. Her contribution in supporting the Director and the Department was substantial.’

Joan’s funeral takes place on 17 March at the Robin Hood crematorium in Solihull.