Mrs Joan Bird

Joan Bird - Eulogy

Joan was born in Romford, Essex to William & Florence Sibthorp on January 18^th, 1921. She was the middle sister to Mary & Helen. Joan was lucky to be part of a loving connected family, her mother being one of nine children. Her mother and father were Christians, and they all attended St John the Divine Church, Mawney Road, Romford, each Sunday. The sisters were all taught to play the piano but poor Joan gave up after the piano teacher kept tapping her hand with a ruler because she was left-handed! Miraculously, she did play the piano and organ eventually by ear with both hands. Who needs a teacher! Being left-handed was a nuisance and she had to learn to write right-handed for school, knitting was a strange experience but being determined she did master it.

When Joan left school she went into service as a nursery maid in Cheshire, for Lady Berry. When the war broke out, she and the rest of the household were sent to Scotland for safety. Joan left Lady Berry’s employment when the call went out for young, fit women to join the Land Army. She went back to Romford and joined. First, she went to Lord Raleigh’s farms where she looked after the cows. The farmer and his wife were very strict about the  time the land girls were in bed and would lock the door at ten pm. One night Joan was late back because she had to walk back from the Cinema. The door was locked, so she spent the night with the bull and slept on the straw. At least it was warm in there. Joan was later transferred to Hatfield Heath where she was billeted with a family down the Chelmsford Road and walked to Corringales farm  at the bottom of Ryes Lane. Whilst working there she met Charlie Bird as he cycled by each day to Ryes Farm to milk the cows. They married in September 1947.They lived for a short while in Hatfield Broad Oak where their first child, Michael, was born in July 1948. Then moving to Woodgrove Cottage, the farmer Jack Garton had built for them in 1950. Michael was followed by Sheila in July 1950 and David in March 1954.

Joan loved living in the country, she was never happier than when she was in her beloved garden. Always growing seeds and taking cuttings her garden was a picture. Charlie grew vegetables and some fruit which kept her busy, bottling, pickling and making jams and jellies. All self-taught. She delighted in the many varieties of birds that visited her garden, getting up at 4am with Charlie when he went to work she heard the dawn chorus many, many times.

In the summer holidays. Joan and the children would catch the bus to Hatfield Broad Oak, climb the style into the meadow opposite Dr Bennisons and go roly poly all down the steep grassy hill towards Pincey Brook. Across the wooden plank to the other side and walk towards Forest Farm. They would stop halfway at a part in the hedge where a small spinney gave them branches and stumps to sit on for our picnic. Then walk home. Tired but happy.

Joan was very practical, making clothes and curtains, she could turn her hands to most things. She was always ready to volunteer, joining in many village activities, including, in the very early days of the Hatfield Heath Festival. She and her dear friend Doris Wright helped make the sandwiches for the refreshments. She and Doris also cleaned the Parish Church on a rota.

Life changed for her when Charlie was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, she looked after him for several years at home. Eventually, he needed more care and went into a nursing home. She felt it her duty to visit him weekly, even if it meant catching three buses each way and taking all day.

After Charlie passed away in 2003, she moved into the sheltered accommodation in Broomfields, first in a bungalow and then in a flat. Joan mixed in and got involved with the social side of the Close. She also played the organ for evensong held in the lounge. She made many friends and was happy there. Joan passed away at home, which was her wish. She will be sadly missed by her family and all those who knew her. Many said that she was inspirational to them and changed their view on life. Joan was a loving Daughter, Wife, Mother, Granny and Great Grandma and a true friend.