On my way to the swimming pool this morning, I listened to a radio discussion about International Women’s Day. As I swam the 40 lengths, I thought of the women I’d met, those who had inspired, challenged, supported and sometimes terrified me.
Five very different women left their mark on my school years. Despite my lack of musical talent, two of the first truly inspiring women I encountered were music teachers. One somehow had me playing the timpani and performing a drum roll on a snare drum in front of hundreds of people – some might say that I’ve been being too loud ever since. The other, Miss Bitterling, insisted we listened to classical music every day. Thanks to her, I still love Schubert’s Trout Quintet.
Then came two more women: one a nun, one a future nun. Sister Frances founded the world’s first children’s hospice. Miss Roker, my History teacher, was absolutely wild — full of stories about the attractive men she knew, the ‘quirks’ of nineteenth‑century politicians, and the occasional hangover... and years later she became a nun, showing us that life can turn in so many ways.
Mrs Locke, my Geography teacher, taught us that when we vote, we should do so not in our own interest, but in the interest of our country. Other than ox bow lakes, that's pretty much all I remember from my Geography lessons!
I’ve been fortunate to work with some remarkable women too. My first female manager, Alex, was terrifying and inspiring in equal measure — she knew everything and genuinely wanted me to become the best I could be. My current manager would never claim to know everything, but she really is the expert and concedes when she doesn’t have the answer, and I admire that so much.
Closer to home in Sanderstead, we’re surrounded by extraordinary women including Heather, who chairs the Residents Association. Maureen, who was awarded an MBE for her services to netball and Rosemary awarded a CBE for her work as Worldwide President of the Mothers’ Union. We are lucky to have so many impressive, yet modest, women in Sanderstead, Actually I think they should be far more vocal about their achievements!
Politically, too, I’ve been inspired and supported by women — sometimes long before I realised it. My friend Monique, who sees a problem and simply solves it, went on to become an independent councillor and is an outstanding advocate for her residents. When I was asked to consider standing as a councillor myself (and it is so important to ask women to stand), I was encouraged again and again by Sara Bashford, who insisted I’d make a great councillor because I was interested in improving people's lives. Helen Pollard showed me what an exemplary councillor looks like: knowledgeable, hard‑working, and utterly committed to her community.
In the Council Chamber, I’ve had the privilege of sitting next to Jade Appleton — so impressive, so knowledgeable. I now sit beside Gayle Gander, who is hardworking, bright, vivacious, and just all-round great!
And then, lastly but certainly not least, are my ward colleagues, Lynne Hale and Yvette Hopley. I'm pretty sure we were the first all‑female ward team to be elected to Croydon Council — Sanderstead leading the way again! I am incredibly fortunate to work alongside two such magnificent women who give so much to both Sanderstead and Croydon. They are both so energetic and so focussed on making a positive difference.
By the time I left the pool this morning, I’d thought of so many women who had shaped me (many of whom I have not mentioned here) and it left me thinking that I have so much more to do and achieve. I hope that International Women’s Day gave others an opportunity to consider the wonderful women who impact their lives in so many extraordinary ways.
Helen
