Phyllis was born and raised in Buckinghamshire where she lived with her mother, father, brother, and sister.
Phyllis had a happy childhood, but their close family unit was disrupted when the war broke out. Phyllis was just 5 years old and due to the safety concerns of staying at home, she was evacuated with both of her siblings. She was allowed to travel home occasionally, but she and her siblings weren’t allowed to move back home full-time until the war had ended, six years later!
Upon returning home, Phyllis continued her education and subsequently completed secondary school. It was around this time that Phyllis first found enjoyment in making and crafting things. She had quite a talent and would later use these skills to pursue a part-time career as a dressmaker. Phyllis thoroughly enjoyed making dresses for her friends, family members and clients, but especially loved seeing her customers smile when they tried them on.
Phyllis was a hard worker and worked full-time at an accounting firm. This changed when Phyllis and her husband Ian began a family of their own. As Ian worked in Scotland and would only return home on weekends, Phyllis took on the role of a full-time mother.
During this time at home, Phyllis put her craft talents to the test and began to make solid wood furniture. The more she practiced, the more she improved, and Phyllis soon began to make items of household furniture, including wardrobes, dressing tables, door archways, and coffee tables to name a few. Ian would regularly come home to new items of furniture Phyllis had made, which would both surprise and impress him.
When her kids were a little older, Phyllis went back to work at an accounting firm, but this time as an Auditor. Phyllis said this role gave her a better work-life balance and allowed her valuable time to spend with her family.
Outside of her busy career and part-time businesses, Phyllis liked to unwind by attending classic dance lessons. Dancing made Phyllis feel free and she found it an enjoyable way to make new friends.
Now living at Waterhall Care Home in Bletchley, Phyllis still enjoys dancing away the day and spending time with her beloved family.