'So many memories, full of admiration': A fond farewell to Tina Sell

People across the Borough are looking back fondly on the life of Tina Sell – a stalwart volunteer and ‘real Maidonian’ with a strong sense of civic duty.

Tina worked as a teacher and was very involved in both Maidenhead Golf Club and Maidenhead Civic Society. She passed away peacefully at home on July 19, aged 82, after a long illness.

She taught at Highfield PNEU School and was ‘much-admired’ there. She retired in 2003, and became ladies’ captain at Maidenhead Golf Club in 2012.

As a long-standing member of Maidenhead Civic Society (MCS), the group paid tribute to her in its newsletter shortly after her death, saying the news gave them ‘great sadness.’

She was a member of several key committees within MCS, and held several committee meetings in her home. She was someone (perhaps one of the few) who enjoyed being on committees, and ran them ‘strictly.’

Ever determined, Tina also once successfully lobbied the Government for changes to its Elizabeth line plan, to protect Guards Club Park.

In addition, she was MCS’s events organiser for many years, and compiled a programme of talks and memorable visits to local places of interest. Tina was instrumental in organising themed teas, annual dinners and theatre trips.

Ann Darracott, an MCS member, said she remembers the time that Tina helped with the 20th anniversary celebration of the inaugural Millennium Walk of 2000.

Despite Covid restrictions cancelling most activities, she could be seen sat outside, socially distanced in her mask, ready to get the ball rolling like always.

Ann remembers her as ‘a very competent organiser’ which she attributes to the trials of being a teacher.

“One of her pupils told me she was regarded as ‘cool’, as she drove an Alfa Romeo and wore a leather jacket,” said Ann.

“She treated her pupils as young people rather than children, which apparently was much appreciated.”

Tina was married to George Bell, who she met at the golf club. Both had partners who had passed away, and the pair married at St Joseph's Church Maidenhead about 10 years ago.

George said Tina, while born in Yorkshire, ‘really became a Maidonian.’

“She had a very active life in regard to Maidenhead, she put a lot into it,” he said. “She was just good [as a person]. She did everything for the world.

“From day one, she just wanted to put something back into society. That's what she really enjoyed.”

Caroline Cope was Tina’s vice captain during Tina’s time at the golf club, and describes her as ‘so special – kind, understanding, considerate and warm.’

“Nobody could do that role better than her,” Caroline said. “She was so efficient.

“Because of the teacher's element, she could come across as being strict, but there was this warmth and kindness underneath, and a humour.”

One ‘magical day’, Tina called Caroline and asked her to be her vice captain – and Caroline feels she ‘couldn't have worked with anybody better.’

“No one could be prouder than I was to be asked to be her vice captain,” she said.

“When you work together, you become extremely close friends. There are a lot of memories of Tina and every single one of them is full of admiration.”

Tina’s funeral was on August 21. Those who wish to make donations in her memory can do so to Thames Hospice.