Weston-super-Women!
A film celebrating Weston-super-Mare’s entrepreneurial women was screened at Weston College’s Conference Centre today (April 25).
The project, sponsored by the College, is the brainchild of producer and interviewer Becky Walsh, a former Weston College student, and Justyna Steinkeller, an associate producer and graphic designer.
Becky studied a BTEC in Performing Arts at Weston College and progressed to The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama for her stage management training. She then spent 15 years in the West End working as a stage manager on shows such as West Side Story and Blood Brothers. She was also part of the lighting team for UK’s ‘Handover of Hong Kong’ to China in 1997.
She then spent time living across the globe, having gained a reputation both in the personal development field as a self-help author and as a TV and radio presenter, before returning to Weston to bring her knowledge back into the town.
Becky said: “The women interviewed for these documentaries come from various backgrounds but have one thing in common – they have brought inspiration and entrepreneurship to Weston in terms of creativity and care.
“Their stories are heart-warming and inspiring, and create a new chapter in Weston’s history.”
The film tells the stories of:
- Gill Bute, who fought off gangsters to build a company
- Amelia Eikli, who turned her life around after just one year living in the town
- Valerie Donegan, who has spent her life helping the people who have made the streets their home
- Sara Pacey, who organises entertainment events across the area
- Linda Chan, who was a high flyer in the corporate world until she started to lose her sight.
Linda’s luck changed after moving to Weston, when she joined an adult part-time art course at Weston College. She then progressed onto a Level 2 Art and Design Diploma at Weston College and, last year, graduated from UCW with a Contemporary Art and Professional Studies, FdA.
Linda is now an exhibiting artist and her life has been transformed.
Linda said: “I was overwhelmed by how inspirational the first class was and I have never looked back.”
Dr Paul Phillips, CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, said: “We are delighted to be supporting this event. Weston College is passionate about supporting the people of Weston and helping our community to grow.”
If you would like to join a full-time course, like Becky, visit our website.
If you are interested in a part-time adult course, like Linda, visit us at the Festival of Learning on Saturday 15th June 11am-3pm at the Winter Gardens and Italian Gardens.
There will be a live Q&A with the team at https://youtu.be/ZOX1CZi41zI
