Mrs Phyllis Russell (1926-2012)
A leading member of the Royal Naval Auxiliary Service, noted for her voluntary sea-going service from the 1960s through to the service being disbanded in 1994. While it was her husband, Frank, who became a Skipper, she became a Chief Communications Officer, in her customary position on the bridge, from where she could also take the helm. She was the elder daughter of Mrs Mabel March, and so grew up in an atmosphere of community activism. Like her mother before her, she was a keen activist through the Stonehouse Mother’s Union, and known for her support for her neighbours, as she was always ready and more than competent to turn her hand to practical maintenance tasks. Phyllis March grew up in Stonehouse, and from her earliest days was interested in boats, working with the neighbouring boy who eventually became her husband, Frank Russell, to reclaim and restore them. It became a lifelong interest, and of the two, it was she who was the undisputed more confident helm. They were both strong swimmers, but her knowledge of the ins and outs of the coastline was unparalleled in its detail. The expertise she gained through restoring, maintaining and cruising in the succession of family boats was passed on to others, as she turned out to be an exceptional instructor, and an encouraging model for other women with an interest in the sea and a desire for maritime adventure. She more than earned her Certificate of Commendation, awarded in 1988, for her outstanding service to the RNXS.