Joan Dale (22 Jul 1925 - 23 Jun 2024)

In loving memory of Joan Dale who sadly passed away on 23rd June 2024.

Joan was born on 22 July 1925 in Wallsend, on Tyneside, the second youngest of nine children - two of whom sadly died before she was born. Her father was a skilled metalworker working in the shipbuilding industry, but the 1920s and 1930s were tough for the family and she never forgot the hardships they went through.

Leaving school during the war, she worked in an office role at the Royal Ordnance site at Birtley before moving down to the Ministry of Supply in London helping with the provision of prefab homes. This was designed to solve the acute post-war housing crisis and make use of some of the aircraft production facilities no longer needed to produce weapons.

Having trained as a leader in Physical Education with the Central Council for Physical Recreation, she took part in the Opening Ceremony of the 1948 Olympic Games.

At that point, she had the chance to train as a teacher, something she had always wanted to do, and started her career in Windsor before moving to Dover in the early 1950s.

Her first subject was PE, which she taught at Castlemount School, where she formed some lifelong friendships with her pupils. Later, she moved to Astor School, where she taught Maths and Science before retiring in the 1980s.

Her husband, Alan, was also a teacher, whose specialism was History. They had three children Robert, Alison and Geoffrey, and six grandchildren. Geoff continues the family tradition of teaching.

Sadly, Alan died suddenly in 1988 and continues to be greatly missed by his family.

Joan loved her garden, and was a stalwart of the River Gardeners, being a Vice-president at the time of her death. She was for many years a Trustee of the Village Hall.

Donations in Joan's memory also to go to Carers' Support East Kent, donation box will be available at the funeral.

Following the funeral there will be a celebration of Joan's life held at River Village Hall at 2:30 pm. If you would like to attend please let us know by Friday 12th July 2024.