Latest news with #InspirationalWomen
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Three inspirational speakers to take the stage at County Durham event
Three inspirational guest speakers will take the stage at a special event in County Durham to mark International Women's Day. Sue Snowdon, the Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, will host the event, titled 'A World of Inspiration', at Bishop Auckland Town Hall on March 8. The speakers include Nigerian-born Doncaster artist, curator, and advisor Chinwe Russell; Professor Azadeh Fatehrad, a multi-disciplinary scholar at Teesside University; and Sarah Price, head of Locomotion at the Science Museum Group. Artist Jilly Johnson working on her portrait of Elsie Marley (Image: DCC) The event will also feature two new exhibitions - '20 Historical Women Who Changed The World' and 'Inspirational Women of Durham'. The first exhibition, displayed in Bishop Auckland Town Hall's main gallery, provides an insight into the lives of women whose work has significantly impacted the contemporary world. This collection, from Chinwe Russell, includes well-known figures such as Marie Curie, Elizabeth I, and Florence Nightingale, along with many lesser-known women whose works continue to shape people's daily lives. Artist Chinwe Russell, who is a guest speaker (Image: DCC) The second exhibition, 'Inspirational Women of Durham', will be displayed in the venue's Strong Room gallery space. It features five larger-than-life portraits of women from County Durham who have been inspirational within their communities. These include the county's current Lord Lieutenant, Sue Snowdon, and 18th-century pub landlady Elsie Marley, who inspired a song that is still sung today. The portraits were created by artist Jilly Johnson with help from the team at Durham County Council's heritage and registration venue, The Story. : A portrait of Nwanyeruwa, a Nigerian advocate for women's rights in the early 20th Century, by Chinwe Russell (Image: DCC) The exhibition also includes a soundscape by Marie Gardiner featuring the voices of County Durham women. Councillor Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council's cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: "International Women's Day is an opportunity for us all to reflect on the achievements of women who have shaped the world in which we live today. "But it's not just about looking back; it's about looking forward and considering how we can continue to strive for gender equality. "It's about inspiring people of all genders to follow their dreams and shining a light on the opportunities that exist. "The speakers taking part in this event bring a wealth of experience and unique perspectives, and we are looking forward to welcoming them to Bishop Auckland Town Hall." Chinwe Russell, one of the speakers, is a renowned artistic visionary and industry leader who captivates audiences with her distinctive, emotionally evocative, big, bold narrative art. She is a force in the community, passionately advocating for active involvement in the visual arts. Professor Azadeh Fatehrad, another speaker, is a professor of art and public policy at Teesside University. Her work investigates the complexities of gender, identity, and representation through a unique combination of research, artistic practice, and curatorial projects. Sarah Price, the third speaker, has been head of Locomotion in Shildon since August 2018. In the last six years, she has led the transformation of the museum, including a wide range of capital projects. She is committed to ensuring that Locomotion becomes a place of inspiration for young and old alike, particularly this year as people all over the world celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. The event, 'A World of Inspiration', starts at 10am on March 8, with tickets priced at £3. The exhibitions, '20 Historical Women Who Changed The World' and 'Inspirational Women of Durham', will run from March 1 to May 24. For more information about Bishop Auckland Town Hall's galleries and exhibitions, visit their website.
Yahoo
16-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Women given plaques for first time since 1933
Six plaques celebrating the achievements of women have been installed in a council chamber for the first time since the building opened in 1933. Previously only men had been honoured at Leeds Civic Hall before the new names were added as part of the council's Inspirational Women project. The women chosen to be celebrated include the city's first female MP, Alice Bacon; the first black headteacher in Leeds, Gertrude Paul; and the Barnbow Lasses munitions workers who died in a factory explosion during World War One. Councillor Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council deputy leader and executive member for resources, said she hoped the project would inspire future generations. She said: "We have lots of schools come into the council chamber to see how local democracy works and all they saw before were men's names on these plaques. Now they can feel inspired by the women's plaques that they see. "If you can see it, you can believe it and you can be it. And now we've got that to offer to the next generation and the next." Heather Paul, daughter of Gertrude Paul, said seeing her mother's name added to the chamber was a proud moment. She said: "Her vision and impact continue to make a difference to many people generationally. "She was a woman who believed in collective action, galvanising young and old to promote equity not only in education but in all public services." The Inspirational Women project is aimed at recognising the accomplishments of Leeds women and the contribution they have made to the city's history. When Leeds Civic Hall was built in 1933, men who had a close association with Leeds, or who had contributed to the history of the city, had their names added to the walls of the council chamber. The women were chosen by a public consultation and confirmed by members of the council's executive board. According to Ms Coupar there is space for two more women to be added to the chamber plaque, and councillors are in consideration about who to select. The Barnbow Lasses The Barnbow Lasses were 35 women and girls who worked in the Barnbow munitions factory in east Leeds and were killed in an explosion during World War One. The incident remains the single biggest loss of life in the city's history. Leonora Cohen OBE A pioneer of the Suffragette movement who was born in Leeds, Cohen was arrested for her protests in 1913. She was convicted for smashing a glass case containing royal insignia at the Tower of London in protest against the government's position on a woman's right to vote. In 1928 she was awarded an OBE. Gertrude Paul A founding member of the Leeds West Indian Carnival and the first black headteacher in Leeds. Paul also founded the Leeds International Women's Group, the Afro Asian Organisation and the United Caribbean Association. Alice Bacon MP CBE The city's first female MP, Bacon was a minister in the Home Office in the 1960s. She oversaw the abolition of the death penalty, the decriminalisation of homosexuality and the legalisation of abortion. A member of the Labour Party, in 2019 Rachel Reeves unveiled a blue plaque to Bacon in Leeds Corn Exchange. Beryl Burton OBE Burton was an English racing cyclist who dominated the sport in the UK and abroad. She was born in Halton and raced for clubs in Morley and Knaresborough. She won 96 national championships and seven world titles. Ivy Benson Born in Holbeck, Benson was a saxophonist who led an all-female swing band. Called the All Girls Orchestra, the group became the BBC's resident dance band and were the first entertainers to be invited to perform at the VE Day celebrations in Berlin in 1945. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here. City's notable women celebrated with new sculpture Display celebrates city links to feminist movement
BBC News
16-02-2025
- General
- BBC News
First women celebrated with Leeds council chamber plaques
Six plaques celebrating the achievements of women have been installed in a council chamber for the first time since the building opened in only men had been honoured at Leeds Civic Hall before the new names were added as part of the council's Inspirational Women women chosen to be celebrated include the city's first female MP, Alice Bacon; the first black headteacher in Leeds, Gertrude Paul; and the Barnbow Lasses munitions workers who died in a factory explosion during World War Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council deputy leader and executive member for resources, said she hoped the project would inspire future generations. She said: "We have lots of schools come into the council chamber to see how local democracy works and all they saw before were men's names on these plaques. Now they can feel inspired by the women's plaques that they see. "If you can see it, you can believe it and you can be it. And now we've got that to offer to the next generation and the next."Heather Paul, daughter of Gertrude Paul, said seeing her mother's name added to the chamber was a proud said: "Her vision and impact continue to make a difference to many people generationally."She was a woman who believed in collective action, galvanising young and old to promote equity not only in education but in all public services."The Inspirational Women project is aimed at recognising the accomplishments of Leeds women and the contribution they have made to the city's Leeds Civic Hall was built in 1933, men who had a close association with Leeds, or who had contributed to the history of the city, had their names added to the walls of the council women were chosen by a public consultation and confirmed by members of the council's executive to Ms Coupar there is space for two more women to be added to the chamber plaque, and councillors are in consideration about who to select. Who are the six women? The Barnbow LassesThe Barnbow Lasses were 35 women and girls who worked in the Barnbow munitions factory in east Leeds and were killed in an explosion during World War incident remains the single biggest loss of life in the city's history. Leonora Cohen OBEA pioneer of the Suffragette movement who was born in Leeds, Cohen was arrested for her protests in was convicted for smashing a glass case containing royal insignia at the Tower of London in protest against the government's position on a woman's right to 1928 she was awarded an OBE. Gertrude PaulA founding member of the Leeds West Indian Carnival and the first black headteacher in also founded the Leeds International Women's Group, the Afro Asian Organisation and the United Caribbean Association. Alice Bacon MP CBEThe city's first female MP, Bacon was a minister in the Home Office in the oversaw the abolition of the death penalty, the decriminalisation of homosexuality and the legalisation of abortion.A member of the Labour Party, in 2019 Rachel Reeves unveiled a blue plaque to Bacon in Leeds Corn Exchange. Beryl Burton OBEBurton was an English racing cyclist who dominated the sport in the UK and was born in Halton and raced for clubs in Morley and won 96 national championships and seven world titles. Ivy BensonBorn in Holbeck, Benson was a saxophonist who led an all-female swing the All Girls Orchestra, the group became the BBC's resident dance band and were the first entertainers to be invited to perform at the VE Day celebrations in Berlin in to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.
