Celebrating International Women's Day 2022 | News from Oakwood Court

How lucky we are to support and care for women who have the most amazing lives. Those who have incredible accomplishments and contributions to our society, and who continue to bring a ray of sunshine to our community. They share sheer strength, experience and knowledge and enrich our daily lives for the better.

This International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8 to commemorate the cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements of women, we spoke to Gail Amies, 78, who has lived at Saxonwood care home in Battle for two years. Gail studied Latin at university and in 1966 began teaching Latin at Preston Grammar School in Lancashire.

“I was very fortunate to find a school which taught Latin and I was able to put my degree to good use. I then moved to Sussex and began teaching at Claverham Community College in Battle, and here I am, still living in the town! I took a career break to have my two children, I was lucky to have a boy and a girl. People close to me gave me support and encouragement to continue to work full time and progress my career, I was grateful to have the helping hands of my husband and mother-in-law.

The thing I am most proud about is my children, they are helpful and understanding and are a great pleasure to me. I think it’s important to have fun where ever you can. My one piece of advice would be to think before you make a decision. Don’t leap into anything, think first.

I believe women have a critical role in society. They are not always acknowledged but they are key to bringing up the next generation which is very important. I think we’ve definitely seen improvements in society valuing the role of women, but of course it could also be better.

Since I’ve retired and continue to live in Battle, I have encountered many students I once taught. I get great joy and a sense of satisfaction when they come up to me and talk about how they loved their Latin lesson and still remember some of the language to this day!”

Gail is a valued member of our Saxonwood community and is brilliant at bringing people together. She usually likes to get involved in organising teams to play in a Scrabble tournament and enjoys group quizzes and crosswords.

Happy International Women’s Day to all the wonderful women in our lives. We’re celebrating our residents and also the brilliant women who work for Sussex Housing & Care, across our care homes, sheltered housing and in support services. Thank you to you all.