Pakenham Village Tributes : Joan Mangnall MBE

Joan Mangnall sadly passed away at West Suffolk Hospital on 25th Jan 2021 aged 87, less than a year after the death of her husband Roger.
Resident at Woodstock House Pakenham from 1966 to 2007, they were both very much involved in the village where they brought up their children: Sue, Jane & Andrew.
Due to current restrictions a private service will take place.
Sue Gold

There is no couple in recent memory who have contributed so much to Pakenham during the 40 years they lived at Woodstock House. One of my memories of Roger is how he organised a fund and care for the late Bob Mothersole of Swiss Cottage. He had severely injured himself when he fell into his fireplace. Roger also enthused me to create my archive of Pakenham history of the past 200 years. Upon my retirement back to Pakenham in 2005 Joan invited me to rejoin the Village Hall Committee after a break of 20 years. I was soon elected to take over the Chair from Joan who had just completed the present Hall. Joan became my Vice and created, with her resourcefulness and flair, the Play Area that we enjoy today. Whatever she did in life she gave her all.
Christopher Spicer

It was with great sadness that I read of Joan's death in this week's Bury Free Press.
My earliest memory of Joan was during my children's school years at Culford in the 80's. My Jonathon was best friends with Andrew, and Joan and Roger kindly invited him to stay at their home in Pakenham on exeats, whilst we were in Belgium.
We moved to Pakenham in 2004 and met Joan and Roger initially at one of Mary Scarfe's lunch parties.
Before my time as president and a member Joan had been a massive part of Pakenham WI life, being
secretary in 1991 and president in1992.
Joan's massive contribution to all aspects of Pakenham life were much appreciated and a huge part of the village's history. Especially important the construction of the new village hall and the playing field area. I had the honour of being one of her minibus drivers for The Blackbourne Centre old people's project, great fun and so rewarding.
Rest in peace dear lady.
Mary S Kirby

Joan was a founder member of The Blackbourne Centre, a Day Centre for the elderly and infirm people of Pakenham, Thurston and surrounding villages. Joan ran the Centre with a manager, assistant and a group of dedicated volunteers including Roger who helped with the running of the minibus. The aim was to provide a day out, in a caring and family atmosphere and provide respite for members' carers, all of which was certainly achieved and very much appreciated. We all looked forward to Tuesdays and Joan will be sadly missed by us all.
Lydia Painter

I first met Joan when we both became members of the Parish Council. It became increasingly obvious
that the old Village Hall, which was a timber hut, was reaching the end of its life. This became more alarming when the piano started to disappear through the floor. Joan became a figurehead of the Fund-Raising Committee and was ably supported by Roger and many others in the Village.
Eventually a grant was awarded for a new hall, which was built on the site of the old hall. The new
Village Hall would not have been built without the help of Joan and Roger.
Henry Painter

PV&CN - March 2021