ELM Group Residents Join International Women’s Day Celebrations

We’re celebrating two inspirational women who made history within the fields of science and catering and we’re sharing comments from residents on who they are honouring on this day.

For this year’s International Women’s Day, we have heard from a collection of residents across our independent retirement estates who are joining in celebrations by either honouring themselves, appreciating those in their local communities or simply getting together with others to mark this annual occasion.

We’re fortunate to have a community of inspirational men and women among our residents who offer a wealth of life experience and have remarkable stories to tell. For IWD 2024, we’ve spoken to two women who have made history in two very different fields.

Antonia Batty from our estate in St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex, told us about her inspirational career as a Senior Biomedical Scientist. In 2005, she discovered a previously undiagnosed cause of recurrent sore throat and tonsilitis. Today, this research is being used to diagnose and treat people around the world. To Antonia’s amazement, her breakthrough was later quoted in an episode in American drama series Grey’s Anatomy.

Original magazine article featuring an Interview with Antonia Batty

Antonia, who is now retired and volunteers for the NHS, said: “When I was a small girl, I was fascinated by Marie Curie which is why I chose to work in medical science. I am proud of my work and continued voluntary work in the NHS where I sit on the UK ethics committee, specialising in the approval of UK clinical trials and medicinal products.”

Antonia Batty

Another resident Anita Cannon, who also lives in our St Leonards-on-Sea estate, celebrates that in 1957 she became the first lady in the country to complete a 5-year apprenticeship in catering at a well-known hotel in Westcliffe-on-Sea.

Anita pictured in the kitchen as a catering apprentice for a local newspaper article.

Anita said, “Sadly, I believe the hotel is no longer standing but I made some wonderful memories there and I am proud of this achievement.

Anita pictured alongside the Head Chef and colleagues for a local newspaper article.

Speaking confidently of the table display pictured, Anita adds: “The table display pictured was all my own accomplishment; the head chef wanted to be in the picture, although he never did any of it.”

It’s not only the biggest achievements that we’re honouring today though; some of our residents wanted to acknowledge members of their community that have impacted their lives recently or family members they are grateful for.

A resident from one of our estates in Staffordshire has shared a thoughtful note thanking a member of their community who has made a difference to his life and the lives of fellow residents.

Resident J.Brookes said, on behalf of the estate in Lichfield: “I am extremely proud of Lynn McKeon, Vicar of Farewell & Gentleshaw. Throughout Covid, her services were carried out online from her home and later when churches were open again, all services were available online.  She kept us all going.”

Speaking of the family members she’s proud of, Anita from our Tunbridge Wells estate, said: “Today, I’m feeling proud of all six of my children and my sixteen grandchildren.”

Another resident in Tunbridge Wells added: “Thank you to all the women (and men) teachers who have inspired me over the years!”.

It’s rewarding to see residents coming together today to reflect on their own successes and appreciate their loved ones. This serves as a great reminder that the older generation is a fascinating collection of individuals with resilience, talent, and skills that many of us could continue to learn a thing (or two!) from.

Many of our independent retirement estates regularly hold events and gatherings on special occasions such as International Women’s Day. These gatherings are a great social aspect of life within retirement communities that people have the freedom to get involved with as much as they like.

For more information about living on one of our retirement estates, visit www.elmgroup.org.uk/customers.