memoriesofphylliswood
MEMORIES OF PHYLLIS WOOD
Memories of Phyllis Wood from her daughter.
"Eldest Child of Mr and Mrs E A Wood. 4 Scotland Street Nelson.
Grandmother Wood was an artist (came from the 'Black' side of the family). Phyl was very artistic also - and inherited her fathers rather volitile manner when roused!! She was a woman of presence! Had a natural talent and did well at art in school and night school - mainly concentrating on the human form (from plaster models) faces, water colour landscapes and imaginery scenes. A very enthusiastic Girl Guide and even went (by ship) to Australia to a ralley (ref. her cartoon book of adventures).
She was noted for her dress sense and elegance. Could wear anything with style and aplomb. Even when playing tennis she would arrive looking cool and slim in a fugi silk dress with a white bandana on her head. She had enviable poise which her friends couldn't emulate. Men would rise when she entered a room.
She could tap dance and do the Charleston and regretted she never learnt to waltz.. worked in 'Beggs' music shop.
'Auntie Phyl' was well known for her childrens Radio programme and a deep throated chuckle and her eyes would twinkle. Phyl (never Phyllis!) played the piano well.. spoke French - and as an artist would be called on to illustrate church childrens talks on flannel graphs which held children spellbound.
Took speech (or 'elecution') and singing lessons.
At Bible class Easter Camps she was always expected to organise, write, outfit and get props etc for the camp night concert. Sometimes it would get too much and she'd blow her stack - but they knew it was just Phy, and turned to her again the following year! She loved drama and dressing up.
Had a wide range of interest apart from painting. Was a wonderful cartoonist (as on lunch box eggs!), photographer, made puppets and marionettes, gardeining, loved being on committees, sewing.. Taught bible in School and Sunday School.
She had a deep faith in Jesus and could share it naturally - she lived her faith too.. cooked cakes for old ladies, picked up hitch-hikers, had college boarders to meals.. even made hot scones for her favourite shop staffs morning tea!
Her mother Trixie died when the children were small and she missed her phone calls, help and friendship. She enjoyed her children (ref funny sayings book..) but got very weary and a bit frustrated at the isolation and lack of stimulation.
Her youngest daughter was born when she was 40 - a special bonus. Had a mastectomy.. Traumatic but not spoken about. 12 years later the cancer reoccured. Again - fears, love and longings not mentioned. She never complained and 3 months later she died on her youngest daughters birthday. She was 54."
