Sylvia, Lady Mayoress of Ashlea Lodge

Ashlea Lodge Care Home in Sunderland is full of successful women, and given that it’s Women’s History Month we thought it a perfect time to share resident Sylvia’s fascinating story! Not only was Sylvia “Lady Mayoress of Sunderland”, but her and her husband were also fortunate enough to meet Queen Elizabeth II, so we asked her some questions about her greatest experiences and accomplishments.

Sylvia, now 87, has been a resident at the wonderful Sunderland care home for nearly three years and enjoys reminiscing about her vibrant life. A proud Sunderland native, Sylvia only left the area briefly during the war when her family relocated to Durham for her father’s work. Given her strong connection to her hometown, it’s no surprise that she later served as Lady Mayoress of Sunderland!

Sylvia worked hard and studied a lot to get to the title of Lady Mayoress. Starting out, she was studying to be a legal secretary on an evening studies course while working as a secretary on the shipyards in the daytime.

Sylvia’s daughter, Melanie, shared with us: “My mam’s fondest memories from her time in office were the social aspects of her role, especially the events. She adored dressing up and being driven to them in the chauffeur-driven car.”

Sylvia and Brian got married at the age of 23 and were the very definition of childhood sweethearts. They have two cherished children, Melanie and Caroline. Brian sadly passed away in 2019, but Sylvia continues to keep his memory alive and will always be proud of all that they achieved together.

“While serving as Mayoress, mam supported our dad by dedicating much of her time to charitable work. She was a member of the Women’s Guild from a young age and even gave a talk about her experiences. Although she was incredibly nervous, the audience adored her.”

Sylvia and Brian met Queen Elizabeth II in 2000 when Her Majesty was in Sunderland to open the new Maternity Unit at Sunderland Royal Hospital (as well as the Winter Gardens). Joanne, Deputy Manager at Ashlea Lodge, told us that Sylvia talks often of this happy moment in her life. She was very nervous about her curtsy and practiced it for a long time before the big day, but in the end she did it wonderfully.

We asked Joanne how she would describe Sylvia in 3 words and she said: “Dignified, graceful and kind-hearted.”

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