SEVEN “great women of York” have been chosen in a York 800 competition aimed at highlighting inspirational women in the city.

Andrea Denniss, of Pink Lily Photography in New Earswick, decided last year to mark the 800th anniversary of the granting of Royal charter to York by creating a series of portraits to highlight the contribution made by women today.

She received a good response to an appeal in The Press for people to nominate the “special women in the community from all walks of life that make the city of York a truly great place in 2012”.

Now, as York celebrates International Women’s Week, the winners have been announced. They are:

• Sharon Moore, mother and grandmother, who owns and runs Face ETC Medi Spa and helps other businesses

• Tammy Hobson, founder of Mumprenuers, an organisation helping mums from all backgrounds in York and globally with personal and career development

• Annie Austen-Meek, an inventor and designer of products including Softpots at the Softpot Garden in York

• Jeanette Hutchinson, assistant head of conference and events at York Marriott, who is dedicated to helping local good causes

• Joanne Cadden, who runs her own gym and is a role model to all at her Yummi Mummy keep-fit classes

• Lisa Browne, a “fantastic mother doing a great job”

• Rachel Speight-McGregor, an “inspirational and passionate” fundraising manager for Cancer UK.

Andrea said: “Launching this project has put me in touch with such an inspiring group of women. Each in their own way is making a real and positive impact on people around them, in their community and workplace. Through my photographs I want to celebrate their contribution.”

She is now seeking a city centre venue, such as a cafe, shop or bar, which could offer temporary display space for the photographs.

To offer wall space for the Great York Women exhibition, email andrea@pinklilyphotography.co.uk or go to pinklilyphotography.co.uk

York Press: Rachel Speight-McGregor
Rachel Speight-McGregor

 

• Physics departments at the University of York and five other top universities marked International Women’s Day yesterday by encouraging their colleagues across the country to do more to reduce the gender disparity in physics.

In a new video, the six departments – which have all been awarded Institute of Physics (IOP) Juno Champion status for their efforts to overcome barriers to women in the subject – explain how their involvement in Project Juno has led to better working environments for all staff, regardless of gender.