At the age of ten, Joyce won a scholarship to Melton Grammar School, travelling from home to Melton Mowbray by train every day.
During the Second World War, Joyce left rural Leicestershire to join the WRNS.
After emigrating to Australia in the 1960s, Joyce wrote her memories of her childhood, referring to them as her ÒscribblesÓ. The ÒscribblesÓ describe a world now lost.
The memories have been edited and illustrated by Lynne Tann-Watson, JoyceÕs older daughter.