Congratulations to Bridget Crowley, our Woman of the Month for November.

Bridget has had an extensive and varied career in the arts. She once had both toes on the ground as a dancer, she then became a teacher, an art historian, a gallery educator and an audio-describer. But always – in between all this – she wrote. Her writing has covered many fields, but children’s books are a special pride and joy.

Back in April this year, Bridget gave a talk at Hypatia entitled ‘Whatever Next..?’ taking us through her "desert island discs" and memories of her extraordinary life in the arts. It’s only natural to celebrate her publicly in this way.

We asked Bridget which women inspire her:

“The many women I work amongst, who achieve things quietly and without a fuss are an inspiration, especially when they share my sense of humour. I believe in fun to help the learning along.”

Read our interview with Bridget here.

Over 140 submissions received so far!

There’s been a fantastic response to the call out for the Women in Cornwall art project.

If you’re not familiar already - the aim is to honour women in and of this county through the creation of an art installation of 50 porcelain plates at Arts Centre, Penryn, in collaboration with ceramic artist Katie Bunnell. We are proud to support this initiative through our womenincornwall.org online archive team.

The project invites the public to suggest women from all sectors of the community, from diverse backgrounds, as well as different periods in history.

Deadline for submissions is 30th November 2024.

View the submissions so far and submit your own entry via the project page.

A spotlight on our
Women in Cornwall volunteers

Women in Cornwall is The Hypatia Trust’s online archive documenting the lives and achievements of women in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The archive is maintained by the expertise and enthusiasm of a small team of volunteer editors.

Abbey and Layla joined Women in Cornwall earlier this year, and they are currently providing research support for The Sanctuary – Mousehole Wild Bird Hospital, a project by Barbara Santi of awen productions CIC, funded by Heritage Lottery Fund and British Academy/Leverhulme Trust.

Hear more about their experience on the project and what it means to them.

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Join Storylines at Hypatia HQ for a relaxed gathering (with a delicious lunch) where you will share memories and reflections exploring how the everyday work of women helped shape West Penwith.

Monday 25th November | 10am-2pm | Hypatia HQ (+ free lunch!)

Come alone or bring someone who you think might have interesting memories to share.

Storylines want to connect with people who hold stories, memories and clues to exploring themes around women at work and West Penwith communities. Through stories and memories that have been passed down the generations, they are exploring the character of women’s work in the region. Find out more about the project here.

** Please book your place by visiting our Events page. **

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16 Days of Activism

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

Starting with a walk and vigil on 25th November, with events running through to 10th December ending with the ‘Big Splash’.

For more information and to get involved visit the Facebook page.

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Sorry for the Inconvenience But This Is an Emergency: a talk from Lynne Jones

Thursday 7th November | 6.30pm - 8.00pm | Hypatia HQ | £10

Join us for a talk from Lynne Jones on the subject of her newly published book Sorry for the Inconvenience But This Is an Emergency: The Nonviolent Struggle for Our Planet’s Future. The book is an insider’s candid account of our new era of mass protest, calling passionately for action against existential threats.

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.

Next month, at Hypatia HQ, we will be exhibiting samples of work from local campaign groups who are hoping to or who have begun to bring about change.

For example, Sustainable Penzance, who aim to encourage the local community to get out into the green spaces in and around Penzance, have 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 involve raising awareness and encouraging others to get involved.

There will be an opportunity to take part in an ‘Activism Workshop’ during that week in December, and there will be a follow up to a talk by Lynne Jones at Hypatia entitled ‘Sorry for the inconvenience but this is an emergency’ (see article above) about the non-violent struggle for the welfare of our planet which affects us all but is particularly important for our local community.

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

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Book Review:
A Thousand Threads

This month our contributor, Julia Spry-Leverton, brings us her review of Neneh Cherry’s very well received autobiography.

Published by Fern Press (Vintage) in October 2024, it is a captive read from a woman who continually fascinates and delights, and who has challenged conventions.

Wednesday 6th November | 6.30pm | Women in Word bookshop  

This month our Women in Word reading group will be meeting to look at two stories from Attrib. by Eley Williams. It is a friendly and informal group focusing on short stories and shorter fiction — new members are always welcome.

Contact readinggroup@hypatia-trust.org.uk for further details. 

Wednesday 20th November | 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.