HC-One’s Hepworth House Care Home in Stanley, Wakefield, is proud to share the extraordinary life story of resident Rita Durrant, aged 95, whose memories span from the skies of wartime Leeds to the parade grounds of Carlton Barracks, and later to the wards of Leeds General Infirmary.
Born and raised in Hunslet, Rita grew up with her mother, Dorothy, a gentle and hardworking care assistant who raised her single-handedly. Their home in Meanwood and Hunslet was filled with warmth, kindness, and an unshakeable bond. Rita fondly recalls her mother as “never shouting, never hitting, and never once treating me unkindly.”
Some of Rita’s earliest memories include standing outside as a nine-year-old during the Second World War, hearing raised voices between two men and looking up to see warplanes criss-crossing the sky. “I remember the noise and the movement,” she said. “It felt like the world was changing right above us.”
As the war progressed, Rita vividly remembers the moment American troops arrived in Britain, bringing with them much-needed relief and reassurance at a time when the country faced unimaginable pressure.
At 18, in 1948, Rita made a courageous decision that would shape her character for life: she joined the Leeds Rifles, part of the Territorial Army. With two friends by her side, she walked into Carlton Barracks, LS7, and signed up. Training was rigorous, disciplined, and often tough, but Rita embraced it wholeheartedly.
Twice a week, she drilled, marched, practised rifle handling, completed PT, endured inspections, and undertook camp routines. Her pay, one shilling and nine pence an hour, felt generous at the time, but what she gained in resilience and camaraderie was far more valuable. “It made me tough through life,” Rita proudly reflected.
Every August, she attended a two-week training camp, remembering those days as challenging but full of fun. She recalls returning home once with her rifle bag, only for her mother to say, “If there’s a war, you’ll be the first to go!” Yet, Rita remained committed, serving for four to five years.
In 1951, at age 21, Rita married her beloved husband, Jim, whom she met through Meanwood Methodist Church. “He was my one and only,” she said. Women could leave the Leeds Rifles upon marriage, and though she didn’t marry to leave, her wedding marked the end of her time in the TA.
Afterwards, Rita found her true calling as a nurse at Leeds General Infirmary. Nursing brought her immense joy, caring for patients, supporting families, and working with fellow nurses. These years remain among the proudest of her life.
From watching warplanes as a little girl, to marching with the Leeds Rifles, to caring for others as a nurse, Rita’s life is a testament to strength, kindness, and unwavering dedication.
Debbie Manley, Home Manager at HC-One’s Hepworth House Care Home, said:
“Rita’s story is inspirational. She embodies the resilience and compassion that define her generation. We are honoured to care for her and to celebrate her incredible life.”
Rita continues to share her memories with fellow residents and colleagues at Hepworth House, inspiring everyone with her humour, warmth, and remarkable life journey.
For more information about HC-One homes in your area, visit:
www.hc-one.co.uk/carehomes.