Devonshire Court resident encourages women to chase their dreams

Audrey Turner, a 92 year old resident at Devonshire Court, in Leicester was born in Preston, Lancashire on 8^th April 1930. As a young girl, she spent most of her time looking after a dozen of her siblings and their friends.

Audrey recalls her family didn’t have a lot of money, but their home was full of love. She said:

Sometimes there could be up to 15 of us that ended back home for tea. We didn’t have enough chairs, so we’d stand in a circle around the table eating. Magical days!

From an early age, Audrey discovered she had a special talent for numbers, and working as a Junior Stock Broker was one of the most fulfilling but frustrating times of her life.

Audrey mentions:

It was unheard of for a woman to be a stock broker in the 1950s. I accepted it. I didn’t like it, but it’s just how it was in those days. I got used to being a woman in a man’s world. That wasn’t what I really wanted.

She recalls women were not easily accepted during those times on The Stock Exchange, but she was able to teach others a thing or two.

She said:

Some people didn’t like me for having a natural talent. I suppose they felt threatened and didn’t let me take my exams to keep me in my place! So sadly I remained unqualified. I was even better with numbers than my boss. I could never tell him though, but he knew it.

Audrey married her husband Norman in June 1950 and they went on to have a son and a daughter. Today, she has seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Audrey as a young woman in 1953

At the Home, Audrey enjoys taking part in all activities especially gardening, arts and crafts, and attending church services.

Asked if she had any advice for younger women, she said:

Don’t let anything stop you from achieving your dreams. Go after them while you still can!

Fiona Collins, one of the Home’s Activities Coordinators, said:

Audrey is an amazing woman. She’s kind and gentle, and has a wicked sense of humour!

[Summary: 92 year old resident, Audrey Turner at Devonshire Court, in Leicester recalls her time as stock broker, encourages women to chase their dreams.]