Pioneering lady in many fields

THE district mourned the passing of Joy Talbot on Thursday, 29 December, 2005.
Mrs Talbot was formerly Joy Duncan, of Ferny Creek, and her great grandfather, Andrew Duncan, was an early pioneer in the Ferny Creek area.
Mr Duncan was involved in clearing timber and establishing farming activities in the area, and both Mrs Talbot’s grandfather, Fred, and father, Bill, worked the land in conjunction with being contractors for the Shire of Ferntree Gully.
Duncans Lane near Andrew’s property carries on the family name.
Mrs Talbot attended school at Kallista and Ferny Creek, and later at Upwey High School. After further study, she became a competent dressmaker, making her wedding dress and clothing her family and the children of friends.
Craftwork was among her many hobbies, and she produced a steady stream of blankets, rugs, toys and cross and long stitch.
Her cooking skills also became well known outside the family, extending to afternoon teas for Wantirna South Cricket Club and catering for functions for the Australian Railway Exploration Association and the Knox Historical Society.
Mrs Talbot met her husband, Clarrie Talbot, during the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games, and they would both go on to travel widely in Australia and overseas.
Her pleasant manner was appealing and she made many friends. This was evidenced by the large attendance at her funeral, including people from Darwin, South Australia and many parts of Victoria.
Following the service, interment took place in the Ferntree Gully Cemetery on 4 January.
Mrs Talbot is survived by her husband, four children and their spouses, and 11 grandchildren.