Born in Reading on the 28th of October 1895, Albert, affectionately known as Dickie, was one of six children of biscuit factory employee, Thomas Ilott (1872-1955) and his wife Florence Mary nee Austen (1872-1944). The other five were Percy G. A (1893-1968), James (1897), Frederick Austen (1899 – 1972), Alexndra F L (b. 1901), who became Mrs Lee is 1929, and Sidney C. (b. 1906).
Dickie was a chorister of St. Peter’s Church, Earley. A keen sportsman, he participated in rowing, cricket and tennis. In later years he took up bowls.
By profession, he was a commercial artist and spent most of his working life in the advertising department of Suttons Seeds. One of his hobbies was painting which continued until his eyesight began to fail in his later years. One of his last paintings was of Harry Bowyer, father of Stanley Bowyer. who also commissioned the painting.
During the First World War, he served with the Royal Berkshire Regiment and in 1921 he married Ivy Edwina Benning (1894-1972). They had six children: Jeanne Marie (b. 1925) who died after 22 days; Diana Elizabeth (b. 1927); Jocelyn Edwina (1929-2006); June Winifred (1932-1994); and Averil Shirley (b. 1937).
From 1935-1947, Albert was a member of the National Fire Service which took him to numerous bombed towns in the south during the Second World War.
Outside work and civic activities, Albert was a member of the Carnival Committee; the hospital committee and the Ratepayers’ Association
Ivy died in 1972 at the age of 77 and was buried in All Saints Churchyard beside their youngest daughter, Jeanne Marie. Albert joined them in October 1981 nine years later in his 85th year.
Wokingham Town Museum Unique Identifier: WTH0118