World Women's Day - Ottery the town where women reign!

When the world is celebrating Women’s Day 2023 on the March 8, we will be thinking of this town where in recent years a whole female battalion have been determined to show the world that women can succeed in any field of the professional world.

When we began writing this article we were impressed by the number of businesses and organisations in town that were either owned, ran or initiated by women.

It seems that the women in Ottery are happy to turn their hand to anything new and can excel in areas normally dominated by their male counterparts, such as mayor, mission community rector, town or district councillor, Hospiscare fundraiser, librarian, chair of dementia awareness group, netball coach, teacher, medical professional, garden centre owner, veterinarian, fitness instructor, supermarket assistant, hairdresser, solicitor, volunteer, business advisor, restaurant or café owner and many more.

The list is already huge and continues to grow. We can only assume that in the coming years it will expand further, as more and more women make their first foray into the working world or return to industry creating new and avant-garde businesses.

What motivates these women to accept the challenge and what message do they have for future generations? We asked four past contributors to the column, all key influencers in their professional fields, two questions: what advice do you have for a young woman just leaving school/college/university and starting their professional career? If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be? Here is what they had to say:

Rev’d Lydia Cook licensed to our Parish by the Bishop of Exeter, becoming not only Otter Vale’s new Mission Community Rector but also the first woman Incumbent of St Mary’s Church since its records began in 1191: “Have confidence in yourself. Never be afraid to challenge received ways of working and ask yourself - what new perspective can I bring to this role or workplace? My change to the world: that we could learn to live alongside people who are different and ‘other’ to us in harmony and understanding.”

Kathie Carr Managing Director of Everett Masson & Furby Group: “For many decades I have thoroughly enjoyed my career, I have always been true to myself and those I have had the pleasure in assisting in buying a business.

“One secret is to always surround yourself with a great team of dedicated and caring people, who enrich your day, and be there for anyone needing help or guidance. I also sincerely believe that you must have fun and laughter and live life to the full.”

Sally Gooding Ottery Tar Barreler and Owner of the Bay Tree Café: “Set yourself goals and don’t give up until you have achieved them, never think you are unable to do what you want, there is always someone to talk to for help.

“I have the pleasure of owning a cafe, I enjoy my work and love the social side and meeting new people, I have amazing staff which make us a great team. Being honest, hard working and punctual always sets a good start”.

Josefina Gori Adult Education Tutor of more than 40 years and former Ottery Town Council Deputy Mayor: “Never stop learning, and don’t be afraid to try and take every opportunity that comes your way. It is always better to try and say, I tried but it wasn’t for me, than to spend the rest of your life wondering what would have happened if you had tried. Each new experience enriches your life and opens the doors to more opportunities.

“What one thing would change to the world? Get everybody cycling, it helps people stay healthy and eases congestion and pollution”.

On the March 8, we in Ottery will be saying a big thank you to all the amazing, hard working women who have so greatly contributed to our community in addition to celebrating those women who have nurtured and developed such great talent in our town. Your legacy will not be lost, instead it will be passed on to future generations who, reflecting on your example, will contribute to the work initiated by all of you.