IWD 2019: Womann In Review

We’re kicking off our week long series of International Women’s Day content with a special edition of Gef’s Good News! And what a wonderful year of Womannly goodness it has been…

March 2018

All Female MLCs Elected…History was made an all female ensemble of MLC’s were elected back in March 2018. All female candidates were elected to take positions available on the council. It was also the first time that no standing MHK’s were elected, the only time an election has been completed in one round and Tanya Humbles is the youngest member to be elected to the council.

April 2018

Mera Royle wins BBC Young Folk AwardA harpist from the Isle of Man said she was “surprised and overwhelmed” to win a prestigious annual folk music award. Mera Royle, from Maughold, was named as the winner of BBC Radio 2’s Young Folk Award at a ceremony in Belfast.The 18-year-old A-Level student, who also plays the violin and penny whistle, has been playing the harp for about nine years. She said the award has already opened doors, bringing in invitations to play at festivals during the summer.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOLNqYRgOQE 

July 2018

Rowan HenthornLocal mega babe & Marine Scientist Rowan Henthorn has been making waves with her latest eXXpedition to the North Pacific!Rowan set sail in June as part of an all-women crew, joining 13 other inspirational women from around the world, all with one mission; to investigate the scale of plastic pollution out in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.What these gals found was nothing short of shocking. Fueled by the fire of her devastating findings, Rowan has been making some serious waves back on the rock. Teaming up with the Isle of Man Government to implement a ban on single-use plastic within government and delivering a heartfelt, emotive presentation to Dark Horse festival revelers, this is a girl on a mission. Catherine Reid raised £8.5k in 24 hrs to fund crucial operation…Local athlete and gold medalist Catherine Reid is all set to go under the knife after her GoFundMe campaign raised enough money to fund crucial surgery on her knee in just over 24 hours.Hampered by injury over the past 3 years, following her 2015 breakthrough, Catherine is finally able to receive treatment that we hope will see her return to track.We wish Catherine all the best for her operation & look forward her speedy return back to the track!Jane SubachusThanks to the power of social media, local lady Jane Subachus is set to receive a life-changing, stem cell transplant for rare-blood disorder, myelofibrosis. Jane, who was completely overwhelmed by the response on social media, which saw a 300% increase in the number of people signing up for the donor register, says she was humbled by the response and kindness of strangers. Link to our article here. 

August 2018

Sam Barks takes to the stage in Pretty WomanThe beautiful and talented Sam Barks is leading lady in Pretty Woman. We’re still crushing on the pic of her and Julia Roberts, iconic really. Mad to think a young gal from Laxey has made it all the way to Broadway. Dream big kids. Red BoxThe Red Box Project was launched with an aim to provide all school age girls with sanitary products, free of charge. Read more here.  Charlotte Clarke (Tennis)A 13 year-old from the Isle of Man, Charlotte Clark, reached the final of a National Tennis Championship at Wimbledon and won! Lisa Angwin opens UN-NYE concession at TopShop Oxford Street…Local gal Lisa Angwin, who’s clothing brand UN-NYE is opening as a concession in Topshop on Oxford Street (no less) “UN-NYE celebrates empowered women, featuring timeless, effortless, versatile pieces that are both sophisticated and enchanting, ethereal and sexy.” What a talent and an incredible success story. 

September 2018

Bethany Cooper (Island Travel Award)Bethany Cooper who is a travel agent at Island Travel won the ‘Young Travel Agent of the Year’ award, out of entrants from all over the UK & Ireland.A snippet from the official press release stated the judges had this to say about Bethany;“What made this agent stand out was her impressive work ethic – which saw her work for 30 days without a break during the peak booking season – and her commitment to providing excellent customer service. A strong sales performance and savvy social media skills also strengthened Bethany’s entry, and left us in no doubt that this young agent has a bright future ahead of her in the travel industry.”A huge congrats to you Bethany and the entire Island Travel team, you must be very Proud. 

October 2018

History is Handmaid…After a long and somewhat controversial debate, the Abortion Reform Bill 2018 received Royal Assent, resulting in the Abortion Reform Act. This means that women who want a choice, now have one. A momentous day for the Island. 

December 2018

Gemma Brings Cheer to Children’s WardIn December, eleven-year-old Gemma Kerruish used the £100 prize she won at the opening of The Entertainer in Douglas, as one of the first customers through the doors or the new toy store in Strand Street. She had already decided that if she won a voucher of any kind she’d spend it on presents for others. She chose to distribute the presents to youngsters in Noble’s Children’s Ward. Her teachers at Ballakermeen High School were so impressed at the gesture they matched the sum from the school’s charity fund, so Gemma could go to town with her Christmas shopping!

January 2019

Manx HarriersOur very own Manx Harriers ladies became the Lancashire Cross Country champs for a mind blowing SIXTH year in a row!! The team comprised of six athletic legends; Karen Shimmin, Caroline Mayers, Laura Dickinson, Rachael Franklin, Gail Griffiths and Elissa Morris. There were also three individual medals, two silvers and a gold(!), for Rachael, Caroline and Gail. Love Tech event raises over £11,500…The legendary Love Tech ladies played host to over 250 people at their first fundraiser of the year. Guests attended the Broadway Cinema for Isle of Man premier of ‘General Magic’.The award-winning documentary was co-directed by Manx-born Sarah kerruish who was in attendance and did a Q&A sesh after the screening, so major Manx-pride going on! Lesley Turnbull MBE + Voirey Heaton MBELesley Turnbull MBE and Voirrey Heaton MBE for their selfless efforts to ill children and equality in the NHS. Roisin Mental Health MatesFor many people, ‘January blues’ never truly go away and are not limited to one month of the year. Sadly, sometimes, the rigours and demands of life can be too much to bear. Gef caught up with Roisin Cummins who is doing her bit to help those who need it most. Roisin was inspired to start a support group for people with mental health issues after holding a wonderfully monikered ‘Crafternoon’ for Mind charity group. There, she was overwhelmed with the response from attendees.  

February 2019

Free Bikini WaxesCancer survivor and all round good egg Nikki Hartley is getting the conversation of cervical cancer started.  Her beauty salon Beautiful You have started an initiative offering free bikini waxes for women as an incentive to book in for smear tests. Gef caught up with Nikki to speak about this hugely important and often overlooked issue impacting women. Bethany Williams wins the Queen Elizabeth II Fashion Award and is the talk of London Fashion Week…SHE’S IN VOGUE?!?! The British designer received the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II award for her ethical approach to fashion as the industry came under criticism in a parliamentary report for its unsustainable and exploitative business model. var bannersnack_embed = {“hash”:”bhiyr0li1″,”width”:672,”height”:280,”t”:1551455337,”userId”:38193901,”responsive”:true,”type”:”html5″};//cdn.bannersnack.com/iframe/embed.js