Vale – Joke Meyer

We were sad to learn of the recent death in Mackay, Queensland of Joke Meyer. She was a much valued member of Tamworth Birdwatchers, who served on our committee for many years. This only ceased when Joke and husband Bob, moved to Mackay to be nearer their daughter.

Joke actively served on our committee from 2000 until 2006. She was Publicity Officer in 2000 and 2001. She also served as Vice President in 2001. Then she became President in 2002, a position she held until 2005. She will be remembered as a strong, dedicated and active leader. Her final position before leaving was as Conservation Officer during 2006

Although Bob was not involved with the Birdwatchers, Joke and Bob were both ardent conservationists. They lived off grid on a wooded block on Daruka Rd and many members would have fond memories of sitting on their verandah watching birds coming to their birdbath. Bob had set up the bird bath in a large tree at their back verandah. It was drip fed from an attached hose. Joke would invite us to come and do some lazy birdwatching and we all sat on the verandah waiting for the lovely variety of birds that came in daily to drink and bathe.

The Meyers migrated from Holland in 1966 with their two children. When they came to live in Tamworth, they purchased the Daruka Rd bush block and together built a log cabin for themselves. The family lived in a caravan and annexe while they were building. Things were pretty hard in those early days and the only means of cooking was on a little kerosene stove that Joke had found on a street stall. It is now on display at Calala Cottage. Only the cheaper cuts of meat were used, for they required very slow cooking and this could take place whilst Joke and Bob were building their home.

Joke was greatly missed by us birdwatchers when she moved to Queensland, however she maintained her interest in, and membership of TBW up until her death and returned to Tamworth for our 20th birthday celebrations in 2018.