Lady Frances Joan Oram

Joan was a very strong believer in ridding the world of nuclear weapons and promoting peace, human rights and, in particular, women’s rights.

She had been on the early Aldermaston marches and been active in CND since its beginning, holding official positions in the organisation.

Joan helped out at many WILPF Brighton, Hove and District Branch events, both indoors and on the seafront, in the town and at the war memorial. She enjoyed talking to the public about our activities, about peace and militarism and much more.

For years we held our meetings in her home and her contributions to discussions and planning were wise and purposeful, thanks to her long experience and wide-ranging knowledge.

WILPF was welcomed to her garden for our parties, just as she welcomed various other groups such as the Labour Party and the Fabians. Her interests also included the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Defend the NHS and other groups and causes.

The belief in ridding the world of nukes never left her and in her last years Joan’s son brought her to our events. She particularly insisted and enjoyed coming to the seafront when we walked along to the peace statue carrying our huge Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons banner and even though her memory was foggy she was still motivated to hold the corner of the banner.

The various activities Joan was involved in clearly followed a long pattern of seeking peace and ending the stupidity of the nuclear weapons arms race.

It is with sadness that we lose women of such strong beliefs in our causes. She had a long and busy life in which WILPF was a big part and we were so lucky to have had her in our midst.