Jane has many strings to her bow. She is an Associate Professor at the University of Oxford, where she teaches medieval and early modern literature in English. She’s also a poet, having six books published by Bloodaxe, and is formally trained as a bookbinder. Lately she spends much time jewellery-making and painting, and has work in galleries in Oxfordshire and West Penwith. 

She divides her time between St Just and Oxford.

Which women inspire you and why?

“When I was thirteen or fourteen, I came across that iconic Cecil Beaton photo of Nancy Cunard – the one where she’s posed against a spotted background with a very sharp 1920s bob and enormous bracelets all the way up both arms – and I was fascinated by her very personal style. Then when I read the Anne Chisholm biography of her, I discovered she had been a poet and a printer, and she became my heroine for combining writing with craft AND with complete self-possession. Later, Woolf – again, for combining writing and printing, and also for capturing so perfectly what she called the flight of the mind.”

International Women's Day (IWD) is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Each year, this day serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made towards gender equality and highlights the work that still needs to be done.

This year's campaign theme, Inspire Inclusion, encourages everyone to recognise the unique perspectives and contributions of women from all walks of life, including those from marginalised communities.

Find out more at: www.internationalwomensday.com

PLUS it’s our Women in Word bookshop 2nd anniversary!

The bookshop is a wonderful space of connectivity, and the support for this venture just keeps growing.

Pop by and celebrate with us if you can. There will be cake and beverages…. and chat.

The Hypatia Trust has a commitment to advancing women's equality and being visible, strong and collaborative – and we also like to put on fun, community events – so we are super pleased to be hosting our second Women In Word literary festival celebrating women creatives in Cornwall. Women In Word is a women focused literary festival but the events are open to everyone to attend.

For June 2024 we have extended the programming – look out for further updates on our social media channels, when the tickets go on sale.

Unstoppable: The Adventures
of a Human Swan

Wednesday 27th March 2024 | 6.30-8.00pm | Hypatia HQ | £12

To investigate the reasons behind the Bewick swan population's shocking decline, female environmentalist Sacha Dench takes to the skies in a paramotor to follow the flock on its migratory journey, over 7,000 kilometres, and 11 countries, from Russia to England, across wetlands, tundra and industrial landscapes, where she encounters local people just as passionate about saving and protecting the swans. Narrated by Sophie Okonedo.

Join us for an in-person evening of conversation and film with Sacha, known as the 'Human Swan' for having undertaken this astonishing journey and having remarkable encounters with people along the way. This story is one of astonishing bravery and marvellous adventure. It is a story of hope for our planet that will touch even hardened hearts.

Last few tickets remaining. There will be a donation drinks bar. Find us on Chapel St.

On Wednesday 21st February Hypatia was buzzing with lively chat, the click of knitting needles and the low hum of the sewing machine. Our craft exchange has begun.

We’ve been fortunate to have a number of remarkably talented women who are giving up their time to pass on skills to those who have not had the opportunity to learn.

Sarah, a well known local artist, taught sewing. Charlie became friendly with a new-to-her sewing machine and taught a learner how to use it. Others included Jane and Katherine passing knitting skills, with Christiane’s crochet expertise being passed on at the same table. On another table were two weavers, Anna with her peg board and Gilla with her weaving squares.

The consensus is that both teachers and learners enjoyed themselves and many will return when Anna will show us how to darn properly. Unfortunately our embroiderers were unable to attend but hope to come this month.

Thank you to everyone who got involved.

The next session takes place on Wednesday 20th March, at 1.30pm, and is free for anyone to attend. Please contact Maggi at: hello@hypatia-trust.org.uk with enquiries.