Monmouth Nursing Home Resident Celebrates A Century of Life

We recently had the privilege of celebrating Audrey’s 100th birthday! Her loved ones, the team, and family members (the home’s fond term for residents) came together to mark the occasion alongside her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. There were balloons, plenty of cake, and singing to honour such an incredible milestone. To celebrate this remarkable achievement, we’re honoured to share a glimpse into Audrey’s life story – generously shared with us by her daughter, Helen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Growing Up

Audrey was born in 1926 and was the much-loved only child in her family. When she was young, they moved to Sawbridgeworth in Hertfordshire, a move that would change her life forever. Across the road lived a boy called Don. Audrey was just 13 when they met, and he would go on to become her first love, her husband, and the father of her children. Love stories seemed to run in the family. Audrey’s mum worked as a telephone operator and her dad as a post office engineer. They met thanks to a happy accident on the very phone lines they both worked on!

Life During the War

When the Second World War began, everything changed. Audrey remembers doing her homework under the bed during air raids, and because she lived close to the North Weald Aerodrome, she and her friends would sit on diving boards at the local pool to watch dogfights in the skies. She and her mum would even sit outside together watching “doodlebugs”, the small bombs that flew overhead towards London, preferring to see them in the open air rather than hiding indoors.

Later in the war, Audrey trained to work at the Bank of England while Don was away in Naval College, and later the Merchant Navy. At first, she commuted to London, but after a month she and her colleagues were evacuated to Overton in Hampshire. There they made bank notes and worked on dividends, living in camouflaged dormitories with just curtains for privacy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Family Life

After marrying Don, Audrey left her job at the Bank of England, which was common for women at the time. She kept busy with gardening, painting, and making beautiful bobbin lace. Together, she and Don had two children, Helen and Graham, and she kept chickens from the age of 20 right up until moving to Gibraltar Nursing Home! Audrey has always been active in her community. She did brilliantly as an Avon representative (even winning awards), became President of her local Women’s Institute branch, and was part of gardening clubs and Bible study groups. She now has four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren she’s incredibly proud of.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Later Adventures

Audrey and Don always dreamed of going on a cruise, but sadly he passed away before they had the chance. Years later, Audrey and her daughter Helen made that dream come true, enjoying several cruises to Scandinavia. Audrey loved dressing up in her finest outfits and joining in with all the activities. She also got involved with her local u3a group, keeping her mind and social life busy.

Life with Us at Gibraltar

These days, Audrey is surrounded by the things she loves — her bobbin lace, her own paintings, and books about animals. These treasures not only make her room feel like home, but they also offer opportunities to tell us the stories she loves to share with others (and that we love to hear!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To read more stories about the people living and working at Gibraltar Nursing Home, please click here.