Joyce Cook with a poster for one of her many stage productions. (0323656)

TRIBUTES have been paid to the woman who epitomised amateur dramatics in Guernsey, Joyce Cook.

She died early yesterday, following a period of illness, aged 92.

Her services to drama were recognised with an MBE in 1980.

Gadoc chairwoman Judy Moore said even after becoming ill, Mrs Cook had told her that she had been working on an adaptation of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.

‘Together with her late husband, Cecil, Joyce made a tremendous contribution to drama in Guernsey and she will be sorely missed.

‘Her achievements in amateur drama were remarkable, from her own appearances in countless leading roles to the production of numerous plays and musicals,’ she said.

Miss Moore said many islanders had benefited from her tuition.

Barbara Minta, who knew Mrs Cook through her role as head teacher at Vale Infants’ School and as secretary of the Eisteddfod Society, said her passion for drama stemmed from a love of speech.

‘She was a great speech lover and loved the sound of words and teaching people how to get the right inflection.’

Mrs Minta recalled Mrs Cook as a caring person of high principles. ‘She was wonderful with children and they enjoyed her. She was an excellent teacher.’