A film commemorating some remarkable women associated with South Kesteven is now available online following its launch on International Women’s Day (8 March).
South Kesteven District Council’s Inspirational Women of South Kesteven film focuses on ten women who made their mark in history across the military, theatre, politics, nursing, philosophy and policing.
The film interviews four modern experts, including British historian, TV contributor, author and archaeologist Dr Elizabeth Norton.
Sister Mary Kenefick, who attended the launch, speaks as a member of the Congregation of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God, founded by Venerable Mother Magdalen Taylor.
Detective Chief Superintendent Kate Halpin, now retired from the Metropolitan Police, is a modern advocate for women in the police force.
Baroness Sarah Hogg, Viscountess Hailsham, politician, businesswoman, TV presenter and journalist, was the first woman to chair a FTSE 100 company.
Cllr Annie Mason, Cabinet member for People and Safer Communities said: “This film is an incredible tribute to some amazing women.
“Who knew we had such pioneers back through history, with many proving instrumental in changing how women are perceived, either in their areas of work, or their callings. So many of their stories were largely untold and I am proud that we have been able to highlight the impact they made.”
Elected members and guests attended the premiere at Grantham’s Guildhall Arts Centre.
Now the council is encouraging residents to explore the lives of other local women, past and present, who have made an impact locally, nationally, and internationally – and share stories on social media using #SKInspirationalWomen.
Story cards to highlight other inspirational women will also be available at Grantham’s Guildhall Arts Centre, Stamford Arts Centre and Bourne Corn Exchange.
The ten women celebrated in the film are:
- Margaret Beaufort; ‘Lady of the Deepings’ - the most influential and powerful Englishwoman of her time
- Harriet Arbuthnot; Fulbeck- born and at the centre of British political life in the mid-1800s
- Mother Magdalen (Frances Margaret Taylor); a Crimea nurse volunteer, born in Stoke Rochford, who took vows and supported London’s poverty-stricken women and children
- Victoria, Lady Welby-Gregory; philosopher with Denton connections who defined use, meaning, interpretation and evolution of language
- Lady Angela Forbes (St Clair-Erskin); following a childhood in Stamford, she campaigned for the military in WW1 prompted by the plight of soldiers
- Edith Smith; vocal campaigner and first policewoman in Britain to be given powers of arrest while carrying out duties in Grantham in WW1
- Lilian Wyles; a Bourne-born campaigner and successful career policewoman
- Dame Felicity Hill; military pioneer, one-time Station Commander of RAF Spitalgate and first woman Air Commodore.
- Judy Campbell; a Grantham-born theatrical luminary, actress and playwright
- Baroness Margaret Thatcher; Grantham born and Britain’s first female Prime Minister.
