A GUARD of honour saw a much-loved former stewardess at Follands Sports & Social Club off on her final journey.

The streets of Hamble were lined with dozens of socially distanced well-wishers as the family of Joy Garner set off for her funeral.

Joy, with her beloved husband of 63 years Ron, ran the club for 16 years and she continued to work there for a further 15 years after her retirement.

She excelled at being a stewardess, running the bar and organising all kinds of social events and trips, as well as being a valued member of the club's bowls team.

During the Garners stint at the club, in Kings Avenue, Hamble-le-Rice, it attracted big names including hit band Freddie and the Dreamers, 80s chart-toppers Bananarama and comedian Frank Carson.

The weekly line dancing event was always a favourite for Joy who simply loved to sing and dance. Ron recalls how she would nip out from behind the bar to join in the line dancing and, 20 minutes later, he would wonder where she had got to! She was also prone to belting out the odd Barbara Streisand number, particularly Second Hand Rose during the cabaret, something daughter Lynn remembers fondly from her childhood.

Joy, who took up bowls later in life, got hooked on the game and would play indoors and outdoors all year round. She joined the Follands team for tours to British seaside towns and even Menorca.

She leaves husband Ron, children David, Lynn and Alison, six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Born in Chapel in 1930, Joy moved to Bassett as a toddler. She left the secondary school in Swaythling at the age of 14 as head prefect and did secretarial work, book keeping and wages for local companies.

She later worked at HMS Wessex, serving suppers in the Officers Mess.

Joy's hobbies included dress making and knitting and she often made clothes for the family, even knocking up wedding and bridesmaids dresses over the years. She liked to keep busy and was knitting until the end.

Joy and Ron made the most of their retirement, travelling to America, Australia, Barbados and a host of European destinations from their home in Hamble.

She passed away at Mountbatten Hampshire hospice last month and a service at Wessex Vale Crematorium in West End followed the guard of honour in Coach Road, Hamble.

Joy's family have thanked all the friends who lined the street, saying it was wonderful, very moving and really made a big difference to them.

A celebration of Joy's life will follow, once restrictions allow.