Village Tour stalwart retires after 17 dedicated years.
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Joyce Roach took part in the first St Peter's Village Tour in1995, and retired after the last tour of the 2011 season.
She has always portrayed, in period costume, Mrs Charles Newbolt. Mr Newbolt started the Ranelagh Pleasure Gardens, in St Peter's in 1818. During the last tour all the groups gave her a round of applause.
However the thing which really surprised her was a visit by H.R.H The Princess Victoria who presented her with a Certificate of Appreciation. The Princess explained that, with her mother, she had stayed at Pierremont Hall, Broadstairs, in 1829, and enjoyed coming back. She was in St Peter's as part of the National Heritage Weekend.
Also on the special Tour was Cllr Doug Clark, Chairman of Thanet District Council, accompanied by Louise Drelaud. They joined the Princess in the presentation, to which Joyce replied in a moving way. For many years now Mr Newbolt has been portrayed by Stan Jarman, who has given Joyce every support. Brian Sleightholm, Chairman of the Tour, commented "In spite of her age, Joyce has kept going in this role as long as she could, and is to be congratulated on a sterling performance. She was recently appointed a Vice- President of the Tour Group, in recognition of her long service and enthusiasm." |
St Peter's
The Queen's
Accolades for
Costumed
Norwood
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