Philomena Agnes Magdalene Tibbenham

11 November 1923-16 October 2014

Phil Tibbenham lost her left eye as a result of enemy action whilst serving on an anti-aircraft gun site near Hastings in 1944. She served as a member of the Auxiliary Territorial Services (ATS) from 1941 until 1946 and, following discharge from HM Forces, took up employment as a Civil Servant until she retired in 1980.

She joined Blesma and Blind Veterans (formally St Dunstans) and was very active in support of both charities alongside her husband Richard, and son and daughter. Originally a Member of the Buckinghamshire branch, Phil and her family moved to Crieff, Perthshire and transferred to the Fife Branch for a short period of time before returning to the South of England when they joined the East Berkshire Branch. It was here where Phil volunteered to take on the duties of Branch Secretary before the family were on the move once more, this time to the South West of England. Again, she applied to transfer, firstly to the Southampton Branch and subsequently to Headquarters Branch.

Phil had a passion for sailing and was often found sailing the English Channel with fellow Members. On more than one occasion during the 1980’s, the Association entered a float in the Lord Mayor of London’s Procession, and each year Phil was part of the crew.

The family were also keen attendees of the AGM, where they made friends across the Association as well as delegates from our French “sister” charities. The Ancaster Blesma Home in Crieff was a favourite holiday destination where each year Phil and Dick would catch up with many life-long friends. Another event that they would not dream of missing was the Annual Remembrance parade Weekend at the Cenotaph in London where Phil would act as the Wreath Bearer.

Sadly, Dick predeceased Phil in early 2013. A well respected and much loved Member, Phil is very much missed by all who knew her.