Tribute
Parker In a tribute to the late Joyce
Parker (PJ, 31 July, p171), ARTHUR
WILLIAMS writes:
The death of Joyce Parker robs our profession of a distinguished
industrial pharmacist and a truly charismatic polymath.
Joyce’s range of interests knew no bounds. These were given full rein when
retirement arrived. Together with Jack Morcom, her beloved companion of many
years, Joyce pursued interests across a wide spectrum of the arts. As Friends
of the Victoria and Albert Museum, Joyce and Jack were regular attenders at all
manner of lectures, exhibitions and special occasions. Joyce and Jack loved London
and revelled in all the cultural opportunities available to them.
Joyce’s regular letters were full of the accounts of their doings. These
letters always contained advice on which events met Joyce’s exacting standards
and those which did not. Joyce’s last letter described an exhibition
of fibre optic lighting and an exhibition of Vivienne Westwood clothes
she had recently attended.
I first met Joyce at Birdsgrove House some years ago. In subsequent years, together
with Jack and my wife, we made many expeditions from Ashbourne into the wonderful
countryside of Derbyshire and Staffordshire. Joyce and Jack were interested
in everything and were generous companions.
Conversations with those we met on the way were wide ranging. I well remember
a conversation with a local landowner on the merits or otherwise of the
Canada goose as an alternative to more conventional fare.
Joyce and Jack were equally at home in the mud of Dimmingsdale, the bustle
of Uttoxeter market and the gilded halls of Kedleston House. The Norman arch
of Tutbury parish church and Pugin’s gem at Cheadle were enjoyed as was
the architecture of the Dog and Partridge Inn in Tutbury.
We seldom spoke of pharmaceutical matters but it was clear that Joyce retained
a great appreciation of the opportunities created by her varied career in the
industry.
We have lost a dear friend but many happy memories remain. We send our sympathy
to Jack, whose loss is immeasurable. |
The
Pharmaceutical Journal