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 of 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

Phyllis Dell's memories as told to Rosemary Mortham.

FIRST THE CHAPEL

as a small child, Phillis Adams, born in 1924, used to sit in the choir stalls with her parents at evensong.  They had previously attended the Methodist Chapel and Phyllis can remember that they had very good outings and picnics in the field opposite, where there was a pond.

A CALLING TO CHURCH

Phyllis's mother Min Adams, 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.   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.

CHOIR SUPPERS & GAMES

At that time the organ was hand pumped by one of the boys.   The organist was Nancy Hawes, and when the organ was running out of air she would wave her handkerchief to indicate that it required pumping.   The adult choristers enjoyed choir suppers with games in the vicarage.

WHAT FRED & MINNIE DID

Both Fred and Minnie were quite musical.   Fred played violin in Harold Williams' dance band with Ted Tyrell and one other member.  Min played the organ at the Methodist Chapel and did all the church washing.

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).