I too have plans to go up to Aylesbury, to check out other nearby parishes in Bucks, for my missing relatives.
I spent a day in Oxford, a year or two ago (at the Oxfordshire Studies Centre) and found their online indexes very helpful. There was just too much to take in, in such a short time?
Have you read the book "Stokenchurch in Pespective" editors: CJH Starey and PG Viccars. It gives one a very interesting insight into village life over the years.
I remember seeing a John Bennell, listed as one of the members of the first Parish Council in 1894.... the book also mentioned Bennells in the early minute books of the Ancient Order of Foresters.
There are some lovely photos of the lace making and chair making etc in the book too.
It is perfectly natural that your life would get turned upside down, after losing your husband; it takes quite a while to find out who you are and where you want to be going, after such a loss.
I am sure you will soon be hot on the trail, of some fascinating, elusive ancestors?
I was interested to hear that your Stokenchurchers didn't wander too far from home... only as far as High Wycombe.
Many of the Dobbins clan went to London, as did many other families, according to the 1851 census.
I recently heard from someone, who is descended from one of them that made it to Brisbane, Australia!
I see that your John Dudley married on Christmas Day?
I used to think the idea was quite romantic, until someone enlightened me, that the vicar's services were free on Christmas Day!
So now I smile when I see how many baptisms etc are recorded for that day.....