• IT WAS a very special birthday recently for one of Sutton Poyntz's most popular residents, and I am breaking no confidences when I tell you that Joyce Litschi has just reached her 90th year. The Litschi household was a busy place as family and friends came from all over the world for three days of celebrations.

Joyce, an only child, was born to Ida and Hugh Coe in Canterbury, Kent, but they moved to a small village in Warwickshire when she was three years old. She went to school in the village, but then won a scholarship to Nuneaton High School, which opened up new vistas after the small village school. After High School she moved on to college to train as a teacher, and took up a post in Leamington Spa. Ever adventurous, she decided to go on a tour of Switzerland with the famous travel company Cooks. She chose Switzerland "because the exchange rate was good!" but this proved to be a momentous decision, because while there she met her husband, Fredi, and they have been married for over 60 years.

They moved to Streatham where she became a deputy headmistress, but she gave up full time teaching when they moved to Sutton Poyntz in 1966. She can claim local ancestry, for her grandfather was born in Sixpenny Handley. She remained very busy in Dorset, as those who know Joyce would expect. She taught part time in the children's section of Dorchester Hospital, became a founder member of the Sutton Poyntz Society, was President of Weymouth Operatic Society and served with distinction on Weymouth and Portland Borough Council for 17 years, becoming Mayor in 1980.

Her daughter Isolde, an author of note, husband John and granddaughter Claire live in Australia, and Claire is getting married next January in Sydney. Joyce is very much hoping that Claire and new husband will be able to visit them in Sutton Poyntz next summer. I caught up with Joyce and the family at home just before she and Fredi, Isolde, John and cousins Rita and Yvonne, who had flown in from the United States, departed for lunch in Upwey. She told me that one of the major changes she has experienced in her 90 years is that the pace of life has speeded up. When she was a youngster life seemed much slower and more peaceful. I am sure that I speak for all her many friends when I wish her a happy birthday and many happy returns for the future.

  • THOSE intending to go on the October Team Walk should meet on Saturday, 18 October at the Somerfield car park in Littlemoor Road in time to catch the 9.45am bus for Bridport. The walk will actually start on alighting from the bus at Vinney Cross, with the intended destination Bridport itself. Make sure that you take a picnic lunch to enjoy en route. Michael and Sarah have further details, so if you have any questions, give them a ring on 815360.