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)