30TH ANNIVERSARY

2019 is a very special year for Cumbria Women of the Year: it is our 30th Anniversary.
Since its inception in 1990 when CWY recognised the ladies who supported Barnado’s at Kendal, it has evolved to honour all this county’s amazing women: charity workers, esteemed professionals, sports people, those who have overcome extraordinary challenges – the only criterion is that nominees must be inspirational. And they are, every year, without fail and in huge numbers!
Nowadays, two awards are presented at our annual luncheon, a glittering and glamorous occasion held for the past four years at the elegant Laura Ashley Belsfield Hotel overlooking Windermere: the Cumbria Woman of the Year, the current title holder being Joanne Tomlinson, who campaigned with tenacity and fearlessness for the release of her brother, wrongly incarcerated in an Indian jail (she succeeded), and the Cumbria Life Lifetime Achievement Award which recognises long term commitment and selflessness. Last year, Nicola Kell, the leading light in Project John at Barrow in furness won this coveted award.
And in our 30th year, we remember particularly our first winner, the wonderful Edith Knapton, a dedicated midwife who went on to entertain us all each year at our luncheon, with a witty and sometimes quite risqué rendition in dialect! Edith’s husband Norman is still very much part of the team, taking photos at the luncheon – many of the pictures you will see elsewhere on this site are Norman’s work.
So, we look forward to the next 30 years, secure in the knowledge that Cumbrian women will always inspire us with their initiative, commitment and kindness.

Charities Of The Year:

Our chosen charity of 2019 is Jigsaw. To see all the amazing charities we have supported click the link.
Past charities