ILMINSTER NEWS: Inspiring and motivating women are celebrated

GIRL POWER reigned supreme at Ilminster on Sunday (March 19, 2017) as the town celebrated the positive contributions women make to their families and the community they live in.

A competition was organised by Ilminster’s Tesco store to coincide with International Women’s Day which is held every year on March 8 to commemorate the movement for women’s rights and Mother’s Day which is being held on Sunday, March 26, 2017.

Tesco’s community champion Helena Jones asked for people for nominations as to why their mum or a woman they know in Ilminster deserved to win a number of prizes including a luxury hamper, a Mother’s Day lunch for two at The Retreat in Ilminster, a bouquet of flowers from Cottage Flowers and a massage from Leanne’s Beauty at the Lodge.

Winner of the competition was Cindy Rutter who, up until recently, had been the popular landlady of the Royal Oak pub in Ilminster for a number of years.

She was nominated by her daughter, Emma, who said that her mum was her “inspiration and motivation.”

PHOTO – TOP: Winner Cindy Rutter (left) and runner-up Marie Upshall (second right) with Tesco community champion Helena Jones (second left) and Emilee Moon, also of Tesco.

“Most people would say how their mothers are their inspiration and without a doubt all mums are incredible,” said Emma.

“However, my mum Cindy, without a doubt, goes that little bit extra for everyone – family or friend.

“You may know her from her pub landlady days where she would always be there for a friendly chat, be an agony aunt who would give you advice and comfort or perhaps you remember her for all the charity work she has done.

“Over the years I’ve lost count with the amount of charities she’s helped raise money for. She’s touched the hearts of many by getting involved for more “personal” charities such as fundraising for the loss of a local lady and a poorly young boy who spent several weeks in hospital.

“Or you may just remember her for her amazing roast dinners!”

Emma added: “As a mother she would do anything for her children, but she also felt this for her locals, she would help out in community days as the Party in the Pakr.

“I look up at my mum tremendously as she has taught me many things over the years, but most of all she has taught me to be selfless and caring and to look after each other.

“This world can be a cruel place sometimes, but if you’ve got a “Cindy Smile” and the “get-up-and-go” you can turn any bad situation into a good one.

“This is why I’m voting for my mum. She deserves the recognition for all she does, not just as a mother, but also as the caring friend who would help anybody out in need.”

Runner-up was Marie Upshall who was described by friends Amy Charlton, Becky Cosgrove and Donna Rowe as having a “heart of gold.”

“She is made up of strength, courage, beauty, kindness and honesty,” said her nomination paper. “She is an inspiration to most people I know. If we had half the strength she has I’m certain we’d be able to survive anything in life!

“Her three boys are also an absolute credit to her – they too have showed enormous strength and Marie has ensured a loving, safe environment for them. She’s one in a million – beautiful inside and out.

“She’s one of those people that only lucky people get to meet in life. She would give you her last pound if you needed it.”

The nomination added: “Look at all the fundraising she has done – always the first to whip up a batch of cakes for a cake sale.

“She oozes loyalty, trust, kindness and the list goes on. Marie is one of a kind and I don’t think she has any idea the wonderful impact she has on our lives.”

A celebration tea was held at the Archie Gooch Pavilion in Ilminster where the results were announced and attended by those women who had been nominated.

Community champion Helena Jones, of Tesco, said she would like to thank everyone who took part in the competition and Claire Timson, Emilee Moon, Cottage Flowers, The Retreat, Tesco Ilminster, Leanne’s Beauty and Ruby Miles, Keira Timson and Gracie Bourne for their support.

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