IWD2020

This Sunday, the 8th March is International Women’s Day, we wanted to celebrate inspirational women living in our communities.

We visited Newport to speak with two residents who wanted to share their stories.

Linda (above) was born and bred in Newport, living in Pill since 1987. A strong independent lady she was landlady of a busy public house for five years, she then became secretary for a local political party dealing with branch meetings, complaints and liaising with the Council. Linda is a well know personality in the area, working at the local Rugby Club for over 18 years she has watched young children grow up and enjoys seeing them around now that they have families of their own. She only retired last year at the age of 70.

Pat, age 80 was awarded an MBE in 1996 by Prince Charles at Cardiff Castle. Pat told us “I am not really sure why I got one.”

After chatting to Pat, and finding out about her life we can see why. Pat worked as a Civil Servant for over 35 years. During this time Pat’s daughter was in a very serious accident resulting in her losing both her legs. She spent nearly six months in hospital, however during this time Pat still went to work juggling the stress of her daughter’s injuries and a full-time job.

Pat told us “I didn’t cry for a year, I wanted to be strong for both my husband and daughter.”
“I don’t know who nominated me. I do know that the big boss at the time was also nominated, but he didn’t get one.”

Pat also worked tirelessly during this time for lots of charity organisations.


Pat in 1977 receiving her MBE.





Whilst chatting to Linda she told us about a local lady called Jan Martin, who has transformed the local area and truly has Pill in her heart. We met up with Jan and were impressed with her vision and work in the local area.

Jan has a passion for art and everything creative. She has opened Barnabas Arts House – a fine art gallery, Robbins Lane Studio – affordable creative spaces to hire and recently The Phyllis Maud Performance Space – where she transformed a former toilet block into a purpose-build hireable performance space.

We think Jan has transformed the art scene in Newport and we should mark her work on International Women’s Day.

Jan at Barnabas Art House, Newport.



We are sure you will agree all these ladies are inspirational; we pledge to celebrate amazing women every day.

Yn ôl i newyddion