Honouring the women who drive Plunkett UK’s mission forward and inspire community resilience
March marks Women’s History Month, dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness of the social and historical contributions and achievements of women.
At Plunkett, we proudly celebrate the women in our organisation. This year, we are thrilled to announce our first-ever Deputy Chief Executive, Harriet English, and our first-ever female Chief Operating Officer, Kathryn Morrison. Women make up 45% of our board, 66% of our Executive Team, and 80% of our Senior Leadership Team. We are incredibly proud of our team, regardless of gender.
We also recognise this month as an opportunity to champion the commitment and dedication of women involved in community-owned businesses. Here are some examples from both today, and our past.
Volunteers at Hampstead Norreys Community Shop, Berkshire
The backbone of our history: rooted in Margaret Digby
To say that Margaret is a former employee of Plunkett Foundation is a huge understatement.
For 50 years, she was the driving force behind our organisation, firstly as research assistant – working closely with founder Horace Plunkett, then as Secretary for 33 years (with a break because of the Second World War), and then finally as a Consultant.
At times, Margaret single-handedly kept Plunkett Foundation. She then became an Honorary Trustee in 1977, eight years before she died, aged 82.
Margaret was a pioneer who laid the foundations for the charity’s mission today to support rural community-owned business that are resilient, thriving and inclusive. We can learn a great deal from her tireless work on behalf of communities, not only in the UK but globally too. Margaret is even more extraordinary because she achieved all she did in a time period when it was rare for women to work, lead organisations and travel the world.
Rebecca Gabzdyl: Uniting the community of East Boldre, Hampshire, to open a community store
Rebecca has worked tirelessly to establish a community shop in East Boldre since 2019. Undaunted by initial rejections of expanding the village hall and buying the existing shop, she found the energy to rally a team for a third attempt when the former Baptist Chapel came onto the market in August 2022.
Chapel Stores finally opened in February 2024. Always ready to tackle new challenges, Rebecca turned her hand to drafting planning applications, specifying the schedule of building works, and project-managing multiple building contractors, grant applications, communications and website development. Due to research, time and networking by Rebecca, feedback on the shop’s product offering was very positive.
Rebecca has successfully united local residents behind the community shop cause, maintaining a positive and pragmatic attitude throughout. She never seeks personal recognition for the thousands of hours she has volunteered. Yet, her remarkable efforts were acknowledged at the 2024 Rural Community Business Awards, where she won the Community Contribution Award.
Rebecca receiving her award at last year’s ceremony
Amanda at Number 10!
Female Leadership in Peterstone, Wales: The Save the Six Bells Campaign
The Save the Six Bells campaign in Peterstone, Wales, has reached remarkable milestones, driven by the unwavering commitment of a predominantly female steering group and a dedicated team of volunteers. Their mission to transform the historic Six Bells pub into a vibrant community hub has not only brought the community together but also garnered recognition at the highest levels.
Chair Amanda Reynolds’ invitation to 10 Downing Street for a St. David’s Day reception is a testament to the project’s significance. There, she had the opportunity to discuss the campaign with prominent Welsh figures such as Alun Wyn Jones, Ken Owens, and Michael Sheen. This acknowledgment underscores the profound impact of women’s leadership in preserving local heritage and fostering community cohesion.
Join the movement: Become a member today
Why not join over 700 individuals, community businesses and corporate partners and become a member of Plunkett UK? Your membership, which for individuals’ costs just £22.50 per year, will support our ambition to grow the community ownership movement across the nation.
By becoming a member, you’ll be eligible for nomination in our 2025 Rural Community Business Awards!
Sponsored by Lands Improvement and held at the Royal Society of Chemistry, this event celebrates the outstanding achievements of our community business members and the individuals who make them thrive.
Don’t want to miss out? Join us as a member today!
