Joan Beck facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joan Margret Beck
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| Born | 2 December 1918 |
| Died | 14 January 2014 (aged 95) New South Wales, Australia
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| Occupation | Fencer, fencing instructor, archeologist |
| Parent(s) | Edward Beck and Dora Beck (née Young) |
| Relatives | John Young, building contractor and Mayor of Sydney |
Joan Margret Beck, who received the British Empire Medal (BEM), was an amazing Australian woman. Born in 1918 and passing away in 2014, she was known for two very different but exciting things. Joan was a top-notch fencer and a dedicated archaeologist.
A Champion Fencer and Coach
Joan Beck started her career as a teacher in 1937. She worked at the Bjelke-Petersen School of Physical Culture. Later, she discovered fencing and quickly became very important to the sport in Australia.
She trained at the Swords Club with a coach named Owen Weingott. Joan became so skilled that she even taught fencing in England. In 1951, she earned a special title: Professor of Fencing. This was given to her by the British Academy of Fencing.
When she returned to Australia, Joan taught fencing all over Sydney. She coached students in schools and universities, including the Australian College of Physical Education. She even helped athletes at the Royal North Shore Hospital. Joan introduced fencing to people with disabilities, like Daphne Ceeney, and to Olympic athletes.
In 1952, Joan became the head coach at the Swords Club. From 1952 to 1972, she trained many state and national teams. She helped athletes get ready for every Empire and Commonwealth Games.
Exploring Ancient Worlds
After her amazing fencing career, Joan decided to study something new. She went to Macquarie University to learn about archaeology. This is the study of human history through digging up old things.
She worked closely with Professor Naguib Kanawati. Joan went on many archaeological digs. She traveled to Egypt 11 times and to Greece 14 times! Imagine all the ancient places she explored.
Joan also helped create the Rundle Foundation for Egyptian Archaeology at Macquarie University. She was key in making it a very active and popular group. Because of her dedication to the university and to Egyptology (the study of ancient Egypt), she was given a special award. She became an 'Honorary Fellow of Macquarie University'.
Her Early Life and Learning
Joan Margret Beck went to school at MLC School, Burwood. She also studied at the Bjelke-Petersen School of Physical Culture. Later in life, after she stopped fencing, she continued her education at Macquarie University.
