Mar 2021
Celebrating inspiring women at Larkrise
Residents, employees and families at Larkrise Care Centre in Banbury marked International Women’s Day on 8th March by celebrating all the amazing women who have inspired, supported and influenced their lives in positive ways.
Remembering Beryl
Carla Hicks, paid tribute to her much-missed nan, Beryl, a former resident at Larkrise. Carla said that Beryl was "a very strong, independent woman who always put her family first."
Banbury local Beryl had a full and interesting life, which included working through the Second World War, adopting two children, and biking to her work at a printers in all weathers; even in the deep snow of 1963.
In later years Beryl loved surrounding herself with her six grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren for whom she would often bake sweet treats, with her rock cakes always being a firm favourite.
Beryl is remembered as a strong and determined lady, and with much love by her family and the extended family at Larkrise which had been her home in later life.
Supportive grandmothers
Larkrise Kitchen Assistant, Lizzie Barlow, shared how proud she is to have been brought up by her grandmothers Jill and Pat who were both a big part of her life when Lizzie was growing up.
She described her nanny Pat as her “rock” and explained that she has helped support her through life’s ups and downs.
Strong women in care
Home Manager, Lyndsay, expressed praise for all the amazing women she works with in the female-dominated care sector. She said: "Over the last 12 months, the women I have worked with have shone more than ever before. I am honoured to work with such strong and devoted individuals."
She added: “I am extremely lucky and blessed to have such a united team, who have shown that the care and welfare for our residents has always been our priority during this challenging time. They are some of the strongest women that I could ever have imagined, and I cannot thank them enough for their hard work, commitment and dedication.”
Female role models
On a personal note, Lyndsay also paid tribute to the women in her life, including her mum who she described as, “a truly amazing lady who showed me that you are unique and that you must stand up for what you believe in. I have taken those values with me throughout my entire life and I could not thank her enough for that.”
She added: “I also have my aunties who are all strong and determined women. I love and adore each of them and I am thankful to have them all a part of my life.”
Finally, Lyndsay paid tribute to her friend, Sam, a foster carer. Lyndsay said: “Sam is an inspiration because in the face of adversity she always stands strong and fights for children’s opportunities and rights. I admire her because Sam’s role is 24-7, and yet she is always smiling, and she always finds a way to make the best of each opportunity given to her.”
Lyndsay and the team at Larkrise agree that there are so many millions of similar inspirational women around the world that it’s important to thank them, support them, and keep inspiring.