Joyce White

The middle of three children born in Salford, Manchester, she moved with her family to Bournemouth at the age of seven.

She joined the Women’s Royal Air Force during World War Two and also served as a fire warden.

One evening she was on patrol on her bike cycling along Overcliff Drive when a German aircraft came over the cliff, causing her to fall off her bike.

She promptly got back on and pedalled off to raise the alarm.

After marrying Australian-born John White in 1947 she often used to joke that she had lost her head, as her maiden name was Whitehead. The pair set up home in Moordown, Bournemouth.

Joyce worked as a teacher for nearly 40 years, including at Winton and Moordown Junior and South Kinson Junior during the 1960s, and ended up as a deputy head. She was firm but kind and inspired great affection from her pupils.

She was a key member of Bournemouth Little Theatre Club and performed a number of front of house and backstage roles for BOAT, including as wardrobe mistress and acting in A Winter’s Tale. Her contribution was later recognised with the title of honorary president.

Following her retirement from teaching, she was on a number of committees.

She was chairman of Bournemouth Literary Luncheon club, a volunteer with the National Trust Christchurch branch and organised trips all over the country for local theatre-goers.

After her husband died, she travelled more and visited Australia on her own.

She enjoyed hosting dinner parties, playing bridge, embroidery and tapestry, and some early morning swims with her niece at Branksome Chine while in her 60s.

She also loved reading and reciting poems, to the delight of her great niece and nephew.

She kept the same best friend from the age of 11, and was a beloved aunt, great-aunt and friend to many. She stayed in her own home until a brief move into Queensmount Nursing Home, where she passed away peacefully on August 18.