International Women’s Day: Voices and Reflections from Newquay Town Council

The full reflections speak to lives of service, resilience, learning, and the power of women supporting women.

Below, we share their words in full so that the stories behind the social media posts can be read in the depth they deserve.

Women Who Inspire Us

Many of our councillors spoke about the women who shaped their lives. Some are well known figures. Others are mothers, mentors, and leaders.

From life’s challenges and experiences, I have become my own woman. I had no role models but I enjoy Mary Beard’s take on Women and Power as well as following comedienne Cally Beaton’s social media comments on misogyny. My Newquay Town Council highlight to date is the collaboration with local residents, the NTC Environment Team, Cornwall Council officers, Cormac and Forests for Cornwall with the trees that have been planted in the Chester Road area. It is volunteering with people for people while problem solving and facilitating that gives me the most pleasure in the Town Councillor role.

I have been lucky to work alongside many women who have inspired me in small but powerful ways. The ones who juggle life’s demands with strength, the ones who lead with compassion, and the ones who keep communities steady. Their support throughout my career has shaped the way I show up today. Women often lead in ways that are unseen and if my role in public life helps another woman step forward with confidence, then I am proud to play my part.

My Mum wrote this in my new autograph book when I was about six: “Be good, sweet maid, and let who will be clever”. It was only years later that I looked up the whole of the Charles Kingsley poem and realised what it all meant. The poem continues: “Do noble things, not dream them, all day long: And so make life, death, and that vast for-ever One grand, sweet song.” My interpretation is that it celebrates the diversity of gifts and skills we all have and that together we can make every part of our lives meaningful and hopeful. It is about dreaming and action. As town councillors, we have to dream the society we want and act to make it happen. My Mum knew exactly what she wanted me to learn.

Learning, Leadership, and Changing Perceptions

Some councillors reflected on the experiences that shaped their confidence and their careers.

Coming from a male dominated industry, I have been pleasantly surprised that in over a 20 year career in Town Council I have never experienced gender based abuse or any obvious direct misogyny or simply being patronised, either on social media or directly. I can say that being a Town Councillor is rewarding and if you want to make a difference you can.

I spent a long time debating whether to become a Councillor because I was concerned about how I would cope with confrontation, either from the public or indeed from other Councillors of different political persuasion. You see so much squabbling and negative input in the news. My experience so far has been nothing but positive. I have been interacting with communities who are grateful for help and with all the other Councillors who continue to make me so welcome despite representing different parties.

Education, Citizenship, and Community-building

A powerful theme running through several reflections was the importance of education and the long-term work of shaping values.

I spent a major part of my working life teaching Philosophy and Ethics, as well as personal and social education, mostly in a boys grammar school. I was part of the group that established Citizenship in the National Curriculum. My subjects provoked many questions in a mostly male environment and I sought to answer by living it and challenging entrenched and culturally set views and values, giving opportunities for discussion and debate. The concept of Citizenship and developing community remain an intrinsic part of who I am, and being part of Newquay Town Council enables me to continue to work that out.

Lifelong Service and Leadership

One councillor shared her lifelong journey shaped by strong family values, professional dedication, and civic commitment.

My parents were an inspirational couple, always working as a team and instilled in me the need for honesty, compassion, compromise, discipline, and integrity. Their unwavering support of all I did throughout my life shaped the independent woman, daughter, sister, and mother I am today.

I am the youngest of three girls and attended an all-girls school in the 1950s. I then entered a predominantly female profession. I worked with some formidable nurses who ran their hospitals like a well oiled machine. Having been taught about respect and discipline both at home and at school, nursing was a comfortable option for me as it was extremely disciplined and dignity and respect were instilled from day one of my training. I was inspired and in awe of those nurses who had the ability and determination to work full-time in nursing, sharing their knowledge and skills and influencing the nursing process.

I have represented nursing at the highest level in the Royal College of Nursing, meeting MPs to discuss remuneration and other aspects of nursing.

As a public servant volunteering for 13 years in the town I love and call home for the last 50 years, it has been extremely rewarding and fulfilling. The skills I learned as a mother and a nurse come into play at every meeting we have. I have been privileged and honoured to have been voted by my peers to lead the town not once but three times as Mayor. It is a rewarding role but hard work, but that is what my life has always been: hard work. I hope this will encourage others to put themselves forward for Town Council at subsequent elections.

A Shared Commitment to Equality

Finally, one councillor summed up the message of International Women’s Day with clarity and purpose.

International Women’s Day reminds us that equality is not an aspiration, but a necessity. Every day in this town, I am inspired by the women who lead, serve, support, and strengthen our community. When women’s voices are heard and respected, our communities are stronger, fairer, and better for everyone.

Closing Reflection

Across all these stories, a shared message stands out. Women in Newquay and beyond lead in many ways, both visible and unseen. They lift others up, challenge old assumptions, bring people together, and build communities where everyone can thrive.

Newquay Town Council is proud to recognise and celebrate these contributions. On International Women’s Day, and every day, we thank the women who shape our town through their service, their insight, and their example.