At the beginning of the month, faces old and new gathered at our Thursday Project in order to celebrate the career of long-time friend of WATCH, Joyce Passmore.
Joyce spent the early portion of her adult life as a patient at Tone Vale psychiatric hospital, located just outside Norton Fitzwarren, near Taunton. Later, she devoted much of her life to telling her story and sharing it far and wide, in the hopes that her experiences might somehow benefit others. To this end, she documented her journey in the book ‘The Light in my Mind’.
After decades of touring colleges, community groups and other organisations, Joyce announced her decision to step away from her role as an inspirational speaker, and WATCH thought it only fitting that we mark the occasion.
On the day, several people took to the microphone in order to recount their fondest memories of Joyce. One speaker estimated that Joyce had, over the course of her career, touched the lives of hundreds, if not thousands of students, during her time spent speaking in local colleges.
After a few words, Julie Matthews, WATCH CEO, made a presentation to the guest of honour, and then Joyce addressed the room with a typically gentle and touching speech.
All in all, it was a wonderfully memorable occasion in honour of an incredible lady and her remarkable work. Everyone at WATCH would like to say a huge, heartfelt ‘thank you’ on behalf of all of those who found inspiration in Joyce’s story, and for all the years she has dedicated to sharing it. We’d also like to wish her the best of luck as she embarks upon the next exciting chapter of her life!
