BUCKRELL, NILLA DORIS CLARA nee HYDE

Nilla Hyde was born on the 3 January 1895 at Pahiatua, the daughter of George and Susan Hyde nee Wagland.  She grew up in Masterton being educated at the Masteron Central School and District High School.

Nilla was then employed as a bank clerk until her marriage on the 4 March 1920 to Stanley Paul Buckrell of Whakamara, Hawera.  The couple then farmed at Whakamara for 40 years, buying their first car in 1924.  About 1960 they retired to Hawera to live.

Nilla became a prominent member of the Whakamara district during that time.  An early member of the WDFU, she was also active in the district hall and social activities, and was Sunday School superintendent.   Nilla played the piano at many local functions.  She was foundation president of the Mokoia-Whakamara WDFF branch for ten years, and president for a further ten years of the Whakamara branch.

Nilla was especially interested in developing the Women’s Division Housekeeper Scheme, and was South Taranaki Provincial Secretary of this for 18 years.  She was made a provincial life member in 1958 and dominion life member in the late 1960s.  Nilla was also awarded with the Dominion Member of Honour.

Besides her Women’s Division work, Nilla and Stan were both active members of the National Party.

Nilla Buckrell died on the 12 August 1976 at Hawera aged 81 years.

SOURCE

Phyllis Gwilliam (daughter)