Abbotsbury and Langton Herring

Abbotsbury

ONE of Abbotsbury and Portesham’s long serving volunteers, Phyllis Saunders, aged 82, was laid to rest at St Nicholas Church, Abbotsbury on Tuesday, August 3 her coffin adorned by a floral tribute of beautiful cottage garden flowers.

Born at East Elworth – between Abbotsbury and Portesham - in 1927, Phyllis attended Portesham primary school followed by South Dorset Tech. where she studied administration.

She worked for Jeffery Bros. Printers as a secretary for 20 years and when at work one day witnessed the preparations for the D Day landings.

She then became housekeeper at her father’s farm at East Elworth.

Phyllis worked tirelessly for the community and charitable causes earning her respect from all who came into contact with her.

In the late 1950’s with her mother she established the local branch of the Conservative Association.

For over 60 years Phyllis had been member of the Women’s Institute (WI).

She attended Denman College, represented the local WI at National Federation and area meetings and became President in the 1980s.

Her wealth of local knowledge was invaluable in the publication of a local history ‘The History of Portesham’.

In 1944 Phyllis became secretary of the Abbotsbury and Portesham branch of the British Legion and remained in this position for 57 years.

She was also Group secretary and organised the British Legion poppy appeal for 40 years.

In 1994 Phyllis received and award for 35 years service and was made a life member of the RBL Women’s Section in 2002.

She was secretary to the Abbotsbury and Portesham Diamond club, on the committee of the old village hall organising beetle drives, bingo and whist drives.

Her other commitments included involvement with the Women’s Fellowship, Portesham Horse show, local fetes and Possum Week.

But it was her immeasurable command of the local area, history, rules and procedures of the committees that she worked on and has passed on to the younger generation that has earned her the respect and honour that she deserved.

Her service contained hymns that reflected many of her interests.

Her niece Helen Harris gave her eulogy and among the mourners was the newest member of her family, great nephew Lenny, 6 days old.

Our thoughts go out to her family and friends.

THE West Country Embroiderers, Dorset Groups are returning to Abbotsbury from August 9 – 15

Their exhibition will be held in Strangways Hall in the market square from 10am –4.00pm Monday ‘til Sunday.

Entry will be £1.50, which includes a catalogue.

From visiting them in previous years I can recommend this exhibition to anyone who is interested in textiles and embroidery.

Their skills are quite amazing.

Earlier this year in a piece about our local Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens I remarked on the felling of a huge old oak tree which dates from 1828

.

Exmoor woodsman Mr Cribb has intricately carved this massive tree with scenes of animals, birds and fish.

He has also carved seats into one of the branches.

If you go down to the lovely gardens this holiday you’ll be sure of a big surprise!