In tribute to the late Phyllis Ecclestone, we wanted to tell a little of Phyllis’ story and thank all those who have made donations to Great Yarmouth Sports and Leisure Trust in her memory.
Phyllis passed away in August at the age of 96 and throughout her life, played an active role in improving sport facilities in the Great Yarmouth area.
A founder member of the Great Yarmouth and District Sports Council in the 1960s, Phyllis’ worked alongside some our our valued Trustees, giving many voluntary hours over the years to encourage and support grassroots sport and physical activity throughout the borough. Her achievements, to name but a few, included raising money for football training sessions; organising events to boost sport council funds; and enabling an extra swimming lane at the Marina Centre.
Originally from Port Talbot in Wales, Phyllis met her future husband while on holiday in Great Yarmouth, and lived in the area for 77 years. Much loved by her four children, nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, Phyllis was also loved by her community. Phyllis was a school governor, a carer for terminally ill people, president of the Sports Council, a member of the Great Yarmouth Physical Culture Club and part of the Great Yarmouth Amateur Operatic Society. In 2006, she received a civic award from the then mayor of Great Yarmouth.
In an interview for the Great Yarmouth Mercury, her son Victor said “Mum taught me the value of education and hard work and independence, values that supported my future career. She was a remarkable perceptive woman.”
We thank her family for offering donations to Great Yarmouth Sports and Leisure Trust in her memory.
To read more about Phyllis’ amazing life, see Great Yarmouth Mercury’s story
