The death of 'Nokka'

A letter in the correspondence columns of the St Ives Times & Echo records the death of 'Nokka', a man who lived in Steeple Woods and who was found dead inside his bender shelter. The letter writer says that he was in a 'poor state' and that he was well known to many people in the area.

An 'In Memoriam' entry in the paper 'from friends' calls him 'Keeper to the Woods'.

Many years ago when people first moved into Steeple Woods, there was the usual reaction from the authorities who claimed danger to heath as one reason to evict the bender dwellers.

I do not know who 'Nokka' was (if anyone would like to contact The St Ivean with more information, a fuller obituary may be posted), but it is encouraging to learn that his unusual lifestyle was tolerated and that he was well-regarded and liked. As the 'beatnik' years demonstrated, St Ives does not have a good record in accommodating unconventional lifestyles.