Boat holidays continued during this period, some more adventurous than others. Joan had been averse to flying, but made a week’s trip to Genoa and Porto Fino, in Italy, in 1966. This was followed by a family holiday, reached by rail and ship, to Amsterdam and the Rhine/Moselle, in 1968.
During this period all her children completed secondary education, at Birkenhead High School and Birkenhead School. Both daughters went to study Biology at the University of Birmingham, and many trips were made there, some by boat.
Relatives of older generations began to depart in this period, including in-laws like JPJB’s Uncle Leslie and Uncle Rowland, and his grandmother Emma, who had inspired Joan in an earlier period. Worst of all was her mother Winifred, who had been ailing for some time, and who died in November 1974.
In the early 1970s, Joan began to study, partly for interest, but also for the sense of achievement. She attained O Levels, and then A Levels, studying part-time at the then Wallasey College of Further Education. Her main interest was in English Literature.
Family holidays changed during this time – from all three children attending, to individual children going with her and JPJB – notably short breaks at Llandudno (1973) with J, and Rhos (1974) with H.
Joan Boughey Recalled 