Basil was born in 1918, the first of three sons. He had a good education and obtained a degree in mechanical engineering. During World War II he served in the Fleet Air Arm of the Navy and was finally demobilised in 1946.

Shortly afterwards Basil came into the Truth and was baptised in 1949. He began in 1952 in Newhaven and then later in Brighton and Hove. He also had privilege of attending the 1953 International Convention in New York.

Later in 1953 Basil served as a traveling overseer in the north of Scotland including the islands. After about 18 months he was recalled to Bethel to work on the Service Desk whilst also serving as presiding overseer in the Ruislip congregation. In 1957 Basil was again serving as a traveling overseer in the Leeds area of Yorkshire. It was in this year that Basil and Joyce married.

Joyce had been baptised in 1942 and begun regular pioneering and later had been made a special pioneer. She had been imprisoned for her stand on neutrality, had helped with the setting up of the congregation in Uttoxeter and had pioneered in northern Ireland. In 1950 Joyce had the privilege of attending the 16th class of Gilead and afterwards was sent to southern Ireland where the clergy caused a lot of trouble for the brothers as reported in the 1988 Yearbook.

In 1956 Joyce returned to Wolverhampton and in November 1957 she married Basil and joined him in the traveling work in Yorkshire. They later went back to Newhaven where Basil served as presiding overseer and then to Newport, Monmouthshire, where again he served as presiding overseer. In Newport they were instrumental in building the Kingdom Hall that is still in use by the Belle Vue congregation.

Some years later in 1964, they returned to Wolverhampton, Finchfield congregation, where Joyce had originally come from. Then in 1988 they moved to Spain and finally back to England in 2006 and in 2007 they moved into the new home at Merthyr Tydfil.

Both Basil and Joyce have faithfully served Jehovah for many years and although limited now because of age, they continue loyally doing all they can in Jehovah's service.

Donations Page

We are pleased to announce that Jah-Jireh now has a donations page on our website, allowing credit and debit card donations, which can even be turned into gift aid donations with just a couple of mouse clicks. We would like to express our deep appreciation to Alicia Butler at Tingleweb for her hard work in setting this up for us.

Merthyr Update

Work has begun on Phase 2 of our Merthyr home. Whilst many residents are enjoying the benefits of the initial conversion. More bedrooms are in the process of being constructed. As we go to print, work has commenced on the brick work.

Anyone in need of a through floor lift?

Able to carry a wheelchair and occupant 3 years old. Very good condition. Located in Ramsgate, Kent. Please contact Brother Bell for more information. 01843 826 076. Please forward this information to anyone who may be interested.