A COURAGEOUS Wordsley woman who revolutionised maternity ward rules to allow men to be at their partner's bedside during childbirth has died.

Joyce Perry, who had recently moved to The Green live with her son - internationally renowned painter Robert, died on Friday May 16 after a short illness.

The 85-year-old was a well-known Wordsley stalwart who owned a shop in the village in the 60s and 70s, called Joyce, run by her sister Mary.

She also organised a succession of celebratory street parties for villagers in 1951 during the Festival of Britain and the for the Queen's Coronation in 1953.

But undoubtedly her biggest achievement was her successful campaign to break the rigid rules of hospital labour wards that meant mums-to-be had to give birth alone.

She began the battle in 1965, aged 42, following the traumatic birth of her twins Andrew and Simon. She wrote to the Queen, organised petitions, was featured on television, interviewed by the Health Minister and had the backing of many MPs in her quest.

And - backed by the Association for Improvement of Maternity Services (A.I.M.S.) - the NHS finally rethought its outdated maternity policy and changed the rules to allow fathers or a close relative to stay with women giving birth.

Joyce's sister Mary Skidmore said: "The result was overall success, as we see the benefits today."

She added: "Joyce was a most extraordinary lady, always putting other people first, before her own interests and sometimes her own welfare.

"She felt strongly about injustices and voiced her dissent several times, through the media and with letters to ministers and MPs for the benefit of others."

"Joyce had such inner strength, energy and enthusiasm for life. We shall miss her terribly as she played such an active part in our lives and was regarded as the matriarch of our family."

Brockmoor born Joyce, moved to Wordsley in 1945 with her husband - petty officer Ernest Perry, who eventually became head of the art and craft department at Kingswinford's Crestwood School.

She had a number of office jobs in Brierley Hill in her younger days. She also worked for the National Coal Board at Himley Hall, before opening her shop - and she later headed up the typing pool at Dudley's social services department until her retirement in 1983.

In her spare time she was a great charity fundraiser and a member of many village groups including the Women's Section of Wordsley Royal British Legion, Wordsley's Holy Trinity Church, Wordsley Townswomen's Guild and The Friendly Club at Wordsley Community Centre.

Widowed 18 years ago, she leaves four children, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Her funeral will be held at Wordsley's Holy Trinity Church on Tuesday May 27 at 11am, followed by cremation at Gornal Wood Crematorium at 11.40am.