Congratulations to Miki Ashton, our Woman of the Month for December.

This month we celebrate Miki Ashton. Many of you who’ve visited The Hypatia Trust will already be familiar with Miki - she is our beaming ray of light who welcomes everyone to our space on Chapel Street and makes sure everything at Hypatia HQ runs smoothly. Miki is of course also responsible for heading up The Gardener's House project, an incredible addition to the cultural and botanical map of Penzance, and Cornwall. We also of course cannot forget Eric, the Hypatia hound, who is pictured here with Miki. We sat down and asked Miki about her achievements, inspirations and motivations...

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My relationships with the special people in my life, my husband, my friends, and family. 

As a child I was so incredibly shy, if you had told my younger self that one day I would form wonderful friendships, bonds and have the confidence to be myself, and be loved by such special people, I truly would not have, and could not have, believed you. The younger little me is very proud of that achievement. 

What motivates you to do what you do?

Above all I love creating spaces and places that help people to feel safe and welcomed. Recently one evening a regular visitor came into Hypatia and said she felt that coming into the space was like receiving a warm hug - that's what motivates me. 

16 Days of Activism

This year we are once again partnering with PZ’s 16 Days of Activism - Ending Violence against Women & Girls, to deliver a series of workshops and talks.

Events run to 10th December, with workshops and talks held across venues in Penzance and Newlyn.

For more information and to get involved visit the Facebook page, and to see the upcoming events visit the Eventbrite page.

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Where to Start? A Creative Writing Workshop with Gail Owen

Tuesday 3rd December | 5.00pm - 7.00pm | Hypatia HQ | £20

Join us for an inspiring creative writing workshop with Gail Owen.

Stories surround us. We grow up with stories. We instinctively know what a story is; and yet, no matter how compelling our urge to write one may be, often the hardest thing is simply knowing where to start. In this two-hour creative writing workshop we will unpack that storytelling instinct, taking a practical look at ways of thinking about a main character's obstacles and needs, and how we can use those needs to develop storyline. Whether you're a first time writer or looking to reinvigorate a long-term project, this friendly, supportive workshop will provide inspiration for your novel, short story or novella. Join us; it'll be really fun! Please bring a notepad and pen.

Gail Owen teaches creative writing at Cornwall College St Austell, where her adult students have gone from not writing at all outside of class to becoming published and longlisted in competition. Since graduating from Royal Holloway's Creative Writing MA programme, she has had several short stories published and, more recently, been signed by a literary agent, who is planning to submit her novel-in-progress to publishers next year.

More info and to book, please visit our Events page.

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Exhibition @ Hypatia
11th-18th December

In the South West of Cornwall there is a long tradition of the women in the local area using their creative skills to raise awareness of manmade events which are having a negative effect on the lives of the community both here and further afield.

This month, at Hypatia HQ, we will be exhibiting samples of work from local campaign groups who are bringing about change.

For example, Sustainable Penzance, which aims to encourage the local community to enjoy the green spaces in and around Penzance, has produced a beautifully detailed, user-friendly map of all the green spaces which can be walked in Penzance.

There will also be some examples of the need for change, which involves raising awareness and encouraging others to get involved.

This exhibition is designed to be inspirational for others to bring their creativity to important topics, encouraging positive and thoughtful action.

Join us on Wednesday 11th December from 6.30pm - 8.30pm for the opening.

The exhibition will continue through to Wednesday 18th December, open 11.00am - 5.00pm every day.

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Wednesday 4th December | 6.30pm | Women in Word bookshop  

This month our Women in Word reading group will be looking at two stories from Bloodchild by Octavia E Butler. We are a friendly and informal group focussing on short stories and shorter fiction by women writers — new members are always welcome. 

If you’re thinking of attending, please contact readinggroup@hypatia-trust.org.uk for further details and reading materials. 

Wednesday 18th December | 1.30pm - 3pm | Hypatia HQ

Have you ever wished you could knit, sew, embroider, quilt, darn or learn any of those practical crafts that others seem able to do? We gather highly skilled crafters who love to share their skills with keen learners.

The session runs from 1.30pm - 3pm, and continues every 3rd Wednesday of the month. Contact maggi@hypatia-trust.org.uk to join.