Women looking for the best advice on navigating life should look no further than Heatherfield Care Home in Armadale, where residents celebrated International Women’s Day with a relaxing morning of champagne and manicures.
The ladies discussed inspirational women they’ve met, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the guidance they would share with their younger selves.
Heatherfield, part of the Holmes Care Group, regularly arranges activities as part of their mission to provide outstanding care and support to the elderly.
What advice would you have for your younger self/young women? What are the biggest barriers you’ve overcome as a woman?
Margaret Orr, aged 92, said: “If I saw my younger self I would tell her how lucky she was going to be to meet her future husband who was such a wonderful man. I would tell her that her life was going to be wonderful and she must enjoy every minute of it.”
Margaret Orr, aged 92, said: “I was a farmer’s wife, so my life as a woman was different to most others. I had to work hard. I always remember Mill Day which was when we spent a day or two in the mill threshing off the last of the previous years crop. The community pitched in and neighbours would come along to help. I had to cook for everyone and that was hard work!”
Charlotte Milligan, aged 88, said: “I advise women today to read great books, get an education and a good job. And if they find a good man, they must marry him!”
Janet Reid, aged 86, said: “I would tell myself to enjoy life. I would say to take your time and don’t rush things.”
Betty Clark, aged 93, said: “I would tell them to value themselves. I would tell them how important it is to be strong and independent and that they must always be themselves no matter what.”
What women have inspired you?
Mary Ewart, aged 83, said: “One of my teachers who was called Rose Robertson inspired me. She took the time to show and teach us things. She liked to make sure that everyone understood. She taught me patience, understanding and hard work.”
Anetta Watson, aged 93, said: “When I was young, there was a teacher called Miss Broom who then became Mrs Marshall. She really inspired me. She was so kind and when I met her years later in the street she always made time to chat with me. She inspired me to always project my natural kind heartedness throughout life.”
