TRIBUTES have been paid to a grandmother who overcame a fear of public speaking to become a world champion in the field.

Joyce Mary Owen, who had lived in Darlington for 45 years, died on June 11, aged 86.

Mrs Owen, known to her family and friends as Joy, was invited to become chairwoman of the local branch of the National Council of Women, in the 1960s.

She had such an aversion to public speaking that she joined another group, the Darlington branch of the Toastmistresses Club, in an effort to conquer her fear.

Members of the club were given a blind topic on which to give a two-minute talk, with the aim of improving their speaking skills.

Such was her success, that she was named her club’s champion toastmistress and went on to win both the regional and UK championships.

This success enabled her to enter a worldwide competition, which she also enjoyed success in.

One of her proudest moments was speaking in front of more than 600 people at a National Paint Federation dinner following the death of her husband, Kenneth Owen, who had been a prominent member.

She received a standing ovation for her speech.

Her son, Clive Owen, who runs a chartered accountancy practice, in Coniscliffe Road, Darlington, said: “The idea of the club was to give members the opportunity to speak on a subject for two minutes, without having prior knowledge of what it was.

“The change in her was remarkable.

“She was literally frightened of the thought of speaking in public when she joined and it had a tremendous effect on her confidence.

“My father died suddenly and unexpectedly, during a business trip abroad.

“The following year, mum was able to put her public speaking skills to good use at the dinner. It was something she was very proud of.

“Always loyal, hard working and clear-thinking her talents were also put to good use in a number of local charities.”

Born in Seaton Carew, she moved with her family to Birmingham in the 1930s.

Returning with her husband in 1967 to Darlington she was a founding member of the successful Hurworth Bridge Club where she was an active committee member for many years.

Mrs Owen also worked for almost 25 years in her son’s chartered accountancy practice, where her administrative skills proved invaluable.

She leaves two sons, Clive and Paul, as well as four grand-children, Alexander, Grace, Kenneth and Christopher.

Her funeral took place yesterday, at All Saints and Salutation Church.