MANY tributes have been paid to Joy Titcombe, 88, whose loyal service in the church and the community was appreciated by all who knew her.

Joy was a Royal Wootton Bassett resident, who spent most of her life in the town, having been born at Tockenham and raised with her sisters Daphne and Lynne.

She was active in the parish church girls’ club in her youth and took part in their pageants at the vicarage gardens.

Her father was a member of the RAOB Fred Pearce Lodge, and friends recall that Joy was a regular guest at their Christmas parties in the Curriers Arms.

At St Bartholomew’s And All Saints’ Church, where she loved attending Evensong, she was the third member of her family to arrange flowers each week in the Memorial Corner, close to the screen which commemorates local service personnel who lost their lives in the First World War.

That was a task she took over from her mother, and she always enjoyed meeting other flower arrangers in the church.

She had an unnerving experience some years ago when she was confronted by a young man who had committed arson in part of the church, but she made light of the experience.

Joy came into contact with many people through her work in the Post Office. She began her career at Wootton Bassett’s original post Office (now an Indian restaurant) near the church. She moved to the present premises when Mr Powell was postmaster, before she transferred to a larger post office in Swindon.

She was always pleasant, friendly, helpful and kind, was very well liked, and is sorely missed.

Joy died at the White Lodge Care Home after a period of failing health. The service in church was followed by cremation at Kingsdown Crematorium.

Memorial donations for Prospect Hospice may be sent c/o Maslin Funeral Service, 118a High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett SN4 7AU.