The Lady Mayoress of Ashlea Lodge: Sylvia’s Royal Pursuits

Ashlea Lodge Care Home in Sunderland is full of fascinating women, and since it’s Women’s History Month we thought it a perfect time to share resident Sylvia’s interesting story. Sylvia was Lady Mayoress of Sunderland and her and her husband were also fortunate enough to meet the one and only Queen Elizabeth II, so we asked her some questions about her greatest experiences and proudest achievements.

Sylvia, now 87 years young, has lived at our fabulous Sunderland care home for almost three years and enjoys reflecting on her successful, exciting life. Sylvia was born and raised a Sunderland lady, relocating only temporarily with her family to Durham for several years during the war for her father’s work. It’s therefore no surprise that she ended up representing her hometown as Lady Mayoress of Sunderland!

The turn of the millennium was a very exciting time indeed for Sylvia as she was graced with the official role title of “Lady Mayoress of Sunderland, as consort to the Lord Mayor of the City of Sunderland” (her husband) in the year 2000.

Sylvia had worked hard and studied a lot to get to this stage in her career. Starting out, she was studying to be a legal secretary on a night course while working as a secretary on the shipyards during the day.

Sylvia’s daughter Melanie told us: “My mam’s favourite memories while in office were all to do with the social side of her role, particularly the functions. She loved getting all dressed up and picked up by the chauffeur-driven car.”

Sylvia was always very proud to support her husband Brian in his role of Lord Mayor, particularly during his time as magistrate and NHS board member. Brian even chaired the board which accomplished city status for Sunderland! They went to Buckingham palace together three times, receiving invites each time to the Queen’s Annual Garden Party.

Sylvia and Brian got married at the age of 23 and they were childhood sweethearts. They have two beloved children, Melanie and Caroline, and although Brian sadly passed away in 2019, Sylvia cherishes his memory and will always be proud of what they achieved together.

“During her time as Mayoress, mam supported our dad by doing lots of work for charity. She was a member of the Women’s Guild from a young age, and gave a talk once on her experiences. She was so nervous but the audience loved and praised her.”

Sylvia and Brian met Queen Elizabeth II in 2000 when she was visiting Sunderland to open the new Maternity Unit at Sunderland Royal Hospital and the Winter Gardens. Deputy Manager at Ashlea Lodge, Joanne, told us that Sylvia talks often of this special moment in her life. She was very nervous about her curtsy and practiced it plenty beforehand, but in the end she did it perfectly. 

Melanie also told us that Sylvia has always had a real interest in dress-making, as she learnt it when she was younger. She said: “My favourite memories are of watching mam and dad dancing together at functions. He would twirl her around to all the rock and roll songs, they were always dancing. That’s how they met, at a dance, all those years back.”

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

Sylvia is still a very sociable lady, she spends her time with her friends inside the home and just loves being around other people. She always gets involved in dancing and singing, and still enjoys her girly luxuries such as perfume, make-up and getting her hair done every week. Thank you to Joanne, Melanie and of course Sylvia, for sharing her story with us – and what an inspirational one it is.

A huge thank you is also in order to the whole of the Ashlea Lodge team for their hard work and excellent care, and for ensuring that Sylvia can still enjoy all her favourite things. If you’d like to find out more about our brilliant Sunderland Care Home, take a look here. If you are in fact searching for a new career yourself, why not take a look at our current vacancies and help us make a difference.