THREE Bridges Nursing Home in Warrington is celebrating the remarkable life of resident Irene “Rene” Chorley, who at 101 years old continues to charm and inspire with her sharp wit and refreshingly honest approach to life.
Born on in 1924 in Hollywood, South Birmingham, Rene describes her childhood as “wonderful”, filled with love, laughter and adventures shared with her two brothers and two sisters. Family outings were particularly memorable – especially when she and her siblings had to jump out and push the family car up hills when it stalled.
At just 17, Rene embarked on a lifelong career as a tax officer, a role she speaks of with great pride. “I was very good at it,” she says with a smile. She later married, and she and her husband adopted their daughter – “my proudest achievement,” she reflects.
When asked for the secret behind her longevity, Rene’s advice is simple: “I have always looked after myself and I eat well – as many fruits and vegetables as possible… and I apply moisturiser to my face every day.”
Her guidance for younger generations is equally straightforward: “Learn and have fun in equal measure. And be kind. It is very important to be kind to people.”
And if she could relive her twenties? Rene answers with typical candour: “I would enjoy myself more and work a little less.”
Despite living through more than a century of change, including growing up during WW2, it is people, not technology or world events, that she believes have changed the most.
Home manager Whitney Sampson said: “Rene is as sharp as a pin. Her dry wit is legendary, and her memory is incredible. Colleagues and residents adore her. She’s feisty, caring and always makes us laugh – and she truly has the most amazing skin. She recommended one brand of moisturiser to us, as she’s used it for over 80 years, and the entire team went out and bought it.”
Rene enjoys watching television, doing word searches, chatting with the care team and fellow residents and taking part in events, including VE Day celebrations, music performances and the much-loved visits from the ice cream van.
Whitney added, “Residents like Rene bring with them a lifetime of knowledge and experience. Give them time to talk – and really listen, ask questions and get to know your people, you’ll be surprised how much you will learn from them.”
Three Bridges Nursing Home is part of the Orchard Care Homes group, which operates 23 care homes across the Midlands and the North of England.
For more information about the home visit: https://orchardcarehomes.com/carehomes/three-bridges-thelwall-lane-warrington
