A STUDLEY pensioner is enjoying life to the full with a trio of carers.
Barbara, aged 91, from Studley, began receiving home care from local care company, Home Instead Senior Care more than two years ago.
Since then carers Alex, Claire and Juliette have formed a wonderful relationship with her and her pooch – lurcher Izzy.
Alex said: “Barbara and I were matched up right from the start for our shared love of horses.
“I used to ride horses myself and I often take Barbara to the stables where she can spend time with the animals she loves so dearly.
“Barbara’s love of animals, especially horses, has never wavered, and to see her around them is to see someone truly in their element.
“We get to spend a few hours every week together and I always plan trips out for us. Recently, we visited Webbs of Wychbold, and we have also been glass blowing, and jewellery making.”
Barbara, a mother of three, has led an extraordinary life. In her youth, she was a ballerina with the Anglo Polish Ballet Company in London, the first ballet company to travel overseas to entertain the troops during the Second World War.
At one time, she danced only a few miles from the front line.
She also worked as a seamstress making animal nightdress cases to be sold in Harrods and also stitched fine embroidery for dolls aprons.
After the war, her husband’s work took them to South Africa where Barbara continued her other passion – horses.
During her time there she bred, reared and showed her beautiful horses.
Barbara said, “I have loved bonding with my girls since joining the Home Instead family. Each one of them is special to me, and they really do a great job. Visiting the horses and dancing is always a highlight, but most of all, their company really keeps me going.”
For more information on Home Instead call 01527 810855.
