This Remembrance Day, resident Doreen shared reflections of life shaped during a remarkable period of change; a life marked by service, resilience, and joy, with the expectation of a life of service that seems to be missing today.

Doreen grew up in the years following the Second World War and trained as a Physical Training teacher, leading display teams with great pride. She recalls meeting well-known swimmers, footballers and boxers who, during their National Service, at the RAF (Royal Air Force) School and Training RAF Team, were ordinary people who shared ordinary routines in extraordinary times. One of her most treasured memories is performing in a gymnastic display for the Queen Mother, a day sparkling with excitement and honour.

Alongside teaching, Doreen was a talented athlete, running hurdles, and played netball for the combined services against Australia and had 2 trials for England.

She had also worked in the Civil Service, preparing telephone bills back when calls were connected manually through switchboards and cables, a reminder of how far the world has come.

She left to join the WRAF (Women’s Royal Air Force) in 1947, when she went to serve in the RAF. She served in the Royal Air Force for ten years. She remembers her time in the RAF with affection, camaraderie and pride, particularly the gratuity payment she received for her service, which allowed her and her husband to buy their first car, a milestone that represented independence and possibility.

Later, while working in a rehabilitation centre, Doreen and her husband would bring joy with stage shows to recovering patients: she performed the gymnastic displays while he played the piano. “Their faces lit up”, she shared her voice soft with emotion. “It meant so much to them seeing us in a different role”.

One memory she holds close is serving as a marker at a Remembrance Day parade at Lincoln Cathedral - standing with quiet dignity of someone who understands the weight of remembrance.

Doreen’s creativity has travelled with her throughout life. She recalls hand-painting plain white crockery to brighten everyday tables- designs she believes may still be used somewhere today. Doreen shared her recent artwork for our annual Christmas card competition, intricate and delicate.

Joining the RAF was like going to university today, people from all aspects of life, united with the same purpose and a great leveller, with fun included.

Moments like this remind us why sharing memories matters.

Reminiscing helps people stay connected to who they are, to what they have experienced, and to the meaning held in a life fully lived.

Here at The Heights, we feel privileged to listen to stories like Doreen’s, stories of service, contribution, identity and heart. Because when we remember together, we honour not only one person’s journey but the generation that helped shape the world we live in today.