Bill & Phyllis Dell

William Frederick Dell, known as 'Bill' was the son of Cecil James Dell & Louisa Saunders.

Phyllis Roseina Ellen Adams was the daughter of Min & Fred Adams

Bill and Phyllis married in 1948

They had 4 children as follows :-

Michael Frederick Cecil Dell born 1951 married Pamela Chambers in 1974

Linda Mary Dell born 1955 married Christopher Pomeroy in 1975

Philip John Dell born 1956 married Elaine Jennifer Field in 1978

Stuart William Dell born 1964 married Karen Gilliland in 1986

Extract from Hallmark written by the Editor

For 50 years the Village Hall was lovingly cared for in a caretaker capacity by Mrs Min Adams, and if that’s not enough her husband Fred Adams was secretary or joint secretary for 40 years.   Also their daughter Phyllis Adams, married to Bill Dell, is at present (1983) the longest serving member of my committee.   A unique record of 60 years dedication to me by one family

Extract from the Wycombe Observer. For the full article go to 1964

In later life Min Adams, Phyllis's mother specialised in making lace handkerchief borders for brides.   Phyllis still had a number of examples in traditional Bucks patterns like Duke’s Garter and Water Lily.   She made proper shaped corners and often did her own thread work on the handkerchief.   Minnie made 16 yards of lace for her daughter’s wedding veil.    This has since been cut up for her grandchildren’s christening gowns.   What a labour of love!

Phyllis's work at Bomber Command in WW2

During WW2, Phyllis worked at Bomber Command, making maps on thin cotton fabric.    Later her mother used this to make the hankies for her lace edgings, once the map pattern had been washed off.   

Phyllis Dell's memories as told to Rosemary Mortham.

Min and Fred Adams, the parents of Phyllis had attended the Methodist Chapel and Phyllis can remember that they had very good outings and picnics in the dell in the field opposite, where there was a pond.

A Calling to Church

Minnie, Phyllis's mother, told her that her father Fred had a sudden calling telling him to go to church.  He felt he had to obey, and Minnie decided that she should go with him. As a small child Phyllis used to sit in the choir stalls with her parents at evensong.

They were to become lifelong supporters of the church.   Fred was Vicar’s churchwarden for 40 years.   Fred Martin was the people’s churchwarden.   Phyllis believes that they may have been founder members of the choir under Reverend Steward.   She cannot recall there being a choir in the time of Reverend Gee.

See 1929 Fred gets a Calling for the full article.

P.S.

FAMILY CARRIES ON TRADITION

Phyllis remained a choir member until the 1970s.   Both her sons were in the choir, and her daughter Linda used to sit with her in the choir stalls from the age of 3.   She was on the Parochial Church Council (PCC) for 18 years as Secretary    (Phyllis sadly died in 2011).