“Life is not dated by merely years, Events are sometimes the best calendars”. Disraeli could not be more apt in describing our event. The most celebrated calendar, to date, originated in Yorkshire, home of our guest speaker. Portrayed by Dame Helen Mirren in the film of the same name, Tricia has an amazing and inspirational story, which inspired the stage, film, and musical productions of ‘Calendar Girls.’

Description

The 8th of March is recognized and celebrated yearly as International Women’s Day. Since its 1908 inception, each March 8th has witnessed successive progress in Women’s rights around the World. Voting, education, property ownership, entering the professions, and self-determination have been achieved when in 1908 they were unthinkable to some members of society. Although these advances are still progressing universally, March 8th is a day to celebrate womankind’s achievements and to focus on the work still to be done. We have one of Yorkshire’s favourite daughters here with us today to help lead that celebration.

At this market briefing, our guest speaker Tricia Stewart will tell us how, when touched by the serious illness of her friend Angela’s husband, John, the WI endeavoured to raise money for charity. Upon his death, Tricia was determined to produce a calendar in his memory and to raise funds for Leukaemia research.

In 1999, through courage, mutual support, and clever poses, eleven women aged between 45 and 65 became the Calendar Girls as we know them today. Due to Tricia’s innovation and promotion, the reimagined WI calendar became a worldwide hit.

Speakers

• Tricia Stewart, the originator and driving force behind the 1999 Alternative WI Calendar
• Dave Matcham, IUA CEO
• Jo Sykes, UK HR Manager, IGI and Chair of the IUA HR & Training Committee (event chair)