International Women’s Day in Stratford & Warwick

International Women’s Day in Stratford & Warwick: Anne’s Story

Curious, Capable and Still Learning

For Anne, life has always been about curiosity.

When asked how friends and family would describe her, Anne smiled: curious, interested, always wanting to learn. That curiosity has followed Anne through every chapter of her life. 

From a quiet and well-behaved schoolgirl who loved netball, to a woman forging her own path in a male-dominated field, to the strong, resilient and thoughtful person Anne is today.

Finding her path
Anne didn’t always know what she wanted to do. Inspired by a much-loved teacher, Anne discovered a passion for architecture and art, eventually building a career in a world where women were far less visible. Anne has always been practical and capable. “I feel strong that I was capable of doing lots of things” Anne notes she always just made it her business to learn, to know, to do for herself. 

Anne embraced life fully. She played netball well into her 30s, travelled abroad for the first time at 27, enjoyed Russian cruises, and celebrated a milestone birthday flying to Spain and driving through France with friends, enjoyed art and has created her own pieces. 

Anne planned and designed a significant extension and redevelopment of her home, all while pregnant. Anne has a great love for animals and has nurtured many feral cats and the local wildlife, testament to her kindness and knowledge. 

A proud moment
Anne’s proudest moment outside of raising her children, was travelling to RIBA in London (Royal Institute of British Architects) in a very male dominated field, with her own portfolio. Nervously, Anne presented her work. The panel looked up and said “At last! Someone who can draw!” Anne felt so proud of her achievement. 

Anne was also very proud of passing her driving test, pictured here with her car, another milestone that gave her independence and confidence.

Strength, for Anne, has never been loud. It has been steady.

Curiosity never fades
Today, living with MS brings new challenges but not a loss of spirit. What makes a good day for Anne now? Something interesting on the radio. Feeling the sunshine. Laughing with the Bluebird team. Looking back at old photographs. And learning something new.

With support from Bluebird Care, Anne has embraced technology as a new doorway to independence. Getting to know Alexa has allowed Anne to research, ask questions, explore topics and satisfy that lifelong curiosity on her own terms. Alexa may be small, but for Anne it has made a meaningful difference, helping Anne remain self-sufficient, informed and connected to the wider world.

Looking back and sharing stories
What would Anne say to her younger self or other young women? “Keep everything! Write. Hold on to your memories and take lots of photos and keep them” Anne says everyone’s story is important and it is great to share your journey with others. 

Anne gets great joy from discussing her photo albums, her own artwork and her story with the carers and she loves hearing about their journeys, too. Maintaining a strong connection to people, the community and the wider world.

 This International Women’s Day, Anne reminds us that being a strong woman isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about resilience. It’s about continuing to learn. It’s about adapting, staying interested, and keeping your sense of humour, no matter what life brings. Hold your own space!