Opportunity for a local business in Harpenden

Give your business an inspiration boost

Align your premium brand with a local initiative to recognise Harpenden’s inspirational women at an Evening of Inspiration in March 2020.

What is it?

#SHEINSPIRES2020 is a project designed to recognise and showcase the daily acts of kindness and inspiring work of the amazing women in Harpenden. Online nominations and voting is invited from the end of January until mid February, and the Evening of Inspiration is held towards the end of International Women’s Month in March. 2020 will be the third consecutive year the initiative has been run - see the women recognised in 2018 and 2019.

Who organises it?

Professional photographer Penny Bird organises and promotes the project, manages the nominations and voting, photographs and interviews the nominees, and arranges the event to recognise the women. She was inspired to start this initiative by a tribute held for her mother in South Africa.

How much will it cost?

Your financial investment is limited to sponsoring the refreshments and canapès for the event, and contributing to a bouquet for the top three nominees. Access passes/free tickets are allocated via Eventbrite. Indirect costs would include time and resources to maximise your sponsorship to your customers and at the event (last year there were circa 50 attendees including Harpenden’s MP, a councillor and local celebrities).

What’s in it for my business?

• You would be supporting and encouraging uplifting and inspirational acts in our local area.

• Your company promotional material would be displayed at the event.

• Photographs of the event and nominees would be provided by pennybird and camera to use on your social media channels.

• pennybird and camera would cross promote your support on her digital assets (Website, Facebook, Instagram, Google Business, LinkedIn and Twitter)

• PR - Your support would be mentioned in two press releases - coverage isn’t guaranteed, but the initiative has been supported by local publications in print and online for the previous couple of years.

How do I sign up?

If you would like your business to be part of #SHEINSPIRES2020, please get in touch with Penny. phone now or email penny@pennybird.co.uk

Christmas is the sound of laughter and happiness

My favourite weekend every year is my #festivemini’s. Babies, children and young people gather - bringing in their cold bright cheeks, shiny eyes and chests bursting with excitement because the countdown to Christmas has begun.

Children’s laughter. It’s so contagious. It always makes you smile.

Gift the gift of giggles this Christmas. Book using the schedule below.

Harpenden women take a cheeky stand against #furcoatnoknickers

On Saturday 11 May, eleven seemingly ordinary Harpenden women shook out their faux furs, slipped on their sexiest heels, fluffed out their hair, brightened their lippy and took up their positions for a Vanity Fair style photo shoot for pennybird and camera. Each of them career women, nearly all of them mothers - even a grandmother. Funny, vivacious and courageous - with depth of character, varied interests and passions - their ages spanning five decades. The only thing slightly amiss about this lineup is that they are wearing nothing beneath their coats.

Congratulations to these genuine, gutsy women, ranging in age from 69 to 25, who have demonstrated that Harpenden women are the full monty: gorgeous and women of substance.

the story in brief - or briefs?

A couple of months ago, a friend of mine mentioned that Harpenden women were occasionally referred to as “fur coats and no knickers”.

The term was new to me, so I consulted Google, and came up with this definition:

“Have an impressive or sophisticated appearance which belies the fact that there is nothing to substantiate it.”

‘the government's policies are all fur coat and no knickers’ (lol!)

Aha.

Not me.

And not the women I have met. Time for a bold statement.

My creative juices started working overtime - I was thinking a group portrait, faux fur, pearls and heels, and some leggy ladies who couldn’t bare being coated with this brush!

I published the request on my Harpenden through the lens Facebook group and crossed my fingers. The response was immediate and hugely positive - I had a dozen volunteers within 24 hours - there is nothing wallflower-ish about Harpenden women. Thrilled, I got straight to work organising the models. After a flurry of activity involving hair, makeup, posing and accessories, we were all set for the shoot date.

the vanity fair style shoot

This began, rather fittingly, with the popping of Prosecco corks. A dose of Dutch courage was needed to remove all underwear before the models took up their positions. And, with a saucy twist, the ladies decided to spice things up by insisting that I do the shoot without my knickers as a mark of solidarity. (Well, in for a penny…).

The eleven models were grouped and photographed in three separate images which I combined into the finished composite. My inspiration is from the famous Vanity Fair Hollywood Covers - which have been published since 1995.

When I was researching Vanity Fair, I came across this quote from William Makepeace Thackeray, author of the novel of the same name, which I found very apt:

“Good humour may be said to be one of the very best articles of dress one can wear in society.”

To thank these extraordinary women for their good humour and participation in my project, they each received a fine art print of the portrait - which I hope will make them smile secretly to themselves every time they glimpse it.

baring all

As always, I love the stories my clients bring to my studio, as they add texture and meaning to their portraits. So I asked the models if they were willing to share their motivations for taking part in my latest project - and here are some of the lovely contributions I received.

to celebrate strong women…

This is a fabulous way to celebrate strong women across all generations. The lady I bought my fake fur coat from told me it had belonged to her late Grandmother - Madeleine - who would definitely have approved of the shoot!

Kate Cherry

don’t judge a book by it’s cover…

I was excited to take part in this project because it’s important to remember the truth about not judging a book by its cover. There is so much more to women than meets the eye. The women of Harpenden (as elsewhere) are women of substance; friends, mothers, lovers, daughters, sisters, professionals - experts in many fields from domesticity to hedonism. We are fighters and achievers, have depth, humility, hunger, brains and brawn, and yes, love a (fake) fur and, as for the knickers? Well, that’s our little secret!

Kathryn Cooney

because i could…

Why did I want to take part? Three words. Because I could. It’s as simple and complex as that.

Lynnelle Robinson

opportunities to grow in confidence are rare…

I was given many reasons why I shouldn’t do the shoot, but opportunities to grow in confidence are so rare that I did it. And I don’t regret it.

Catherine Neil

we are set apart by the crazy things we do…

Anita Lindop

I wink at challenges…

I took part in #furcoatnoknickers because I am a strong woman who takes a look at challenges, and gives them a wink!

Maria Wakeling

laughter is wine for the soul…

I love an adventure and a project and Penny’s latest idea was a great opportunity to be part of a local community collaboration.

My passion is having fun and spreading kindness and happiness. Life needs to be full of joy and slightly off the wall experiences either alone, or with friends and family.

The #furcoatnoknickers project was great fun with lots of laughter and was definitely wine for my soul!

Danielle Jelfs

i felt liberated and VULNERABLE at the same time…

As a coach I’m always encouraging clients to step outside their comfort zones and do things they have never done before. What better way to do that myself than take part in a photoshoot in only a fur coat? The sensation of my naked derriere perched on the wooden stool was definitely new to me, making me feel liberated, but very vulnerable too - interestingly much more than my coat-clad appearance shows!

Jenny Goodhand

About my photographic projects

Harpenden, Hertfordshire has been my base for almost 15 years. I began my photographic journey five years ago and collaborate with the locals every year to showcase some of the unique character of the town. Projects I’ve completed include Harpenden Doors, Harpenden Shoes, Harpenden Letters and Harpenden Reds. These can be viewed online or at my home studio in Ox Lane, by appointment.

I also run #SHEINSPIRES during international Women’s Month each year to recognise Harpenden women in our midst who inspire others. I believe it’s vital to stop and appreciate the people around us and to say thank you in some way for their efforts, even if it’s a virtual hug. These shining people - with their strength of spirit - spur us on to make a greater difference in our own lives.

If you would like to be involved in future projects, or have an idea for a project, please join my Facebook group Harpenden through the lens.

An evening of inspiration...

Harpenden is a unique place. It is filled with incredible people who do inspirational things for their fellow human beings every day. #sheinspires is about recognising these acts, saying thank you and reflecting on the ripple effect of these actions.

Park Café was the stunning setting for a wonderfully uplifting evening of inspiration in Harpenden last night. Guests gathered to show their gratitude and appreciation to winner of #sheinspires2019 Emily Ketchin, aka ‘the voice of Harpenden’ for her incredible and enduring campaign to improve the train service for Harpenden commuters over the past year. The beautiful mother of two is humble about being seen as an ‘absolute warrior’ and a ‘true Harpenden hero’ but she continues to juggle her family and a demanding job in the city to prioritise the campaign she is passionate about.

Giles Croot spoke about some of the milestones of Emily’s remarkable journey, such as her leading the most supported petition in the St Alban’s council’s history requesting that the council take effective action; being the only passenger to give oral evidence to the transport select committee in the Houses of Parliament; and taking the campaign to BBC, ITV, Channel Four & Five and Sky News.

He said the evening was a good opportunity to reflect on the impact Emily and the people of Harpenden had made so far. Adding:

“We will keep up the pressure on Thameslink to fix the problem they created.”

Emily took the opportunity to thank everyone for their support, saying that there is still much to do, but steady progress is being made.

“The impact of Thameslink’s decision to reduce Harpenden trains by 30% without consultation has had a hugely adverse effect not only on commuters and their places of work, but on our support network of family and local business - it’s been a personal and financial blow for everyone and is not acceptable.”

It has been such an honour to meet and work with Emily over the last few weeks. She is an amazing inspiration to me and all the people around her.

I was also thrilled to be able to applaud the other nominees Kim Brougham, Mary Maynard and Esther Hathorn for their inspirational work - and many thanks for Elly Downes for representing her legend of a grandmother Judy Fryd CBE.

Janet Crawley, winner of #sheinspires2018 was also at the event to wish this year’s nominees well.

Over the last three weeks I have been frequenting Harpenden station to try and capture images that reflect the plight of the Harpenden commuters and Emily’s incredible endeavours to improve our train service. The images were displayed for guests to view. Many thanks to all the lovely commuters for their patience during this time - I really hope the images go some way towards telling your story.

Special thanks to Isaac Kenyon for being my wingman at the event.

The voice of Harpenden

Congratulations to Emily Ketchin, outright winner of #SHEINSPIRES 2019.

Hailed as “the voice of Harpenden” and someone who works tirelessly to improve the train service for our town’s commuters, Emily received six separate nominations and nearly 60% of the votes, making her the most inspirational woman in Harpenden this year.

Sarah Jenkins-Greig nominated Emily for her exceptional dedication, advocacy and tireless work to improve the Harpenden train service in response to timetable cuts, changes and appalling service.

Emily outside Harpenden station where she has fought so valiantly to improve the train service.

She was also nominated by Rebekah Ingall who said: “Emily is amazing - she has done more on the train fiasco than everyone else in Harpenden combined!”.

Jo Cumbo said: “Emily has been an absolute warrior for the town, fighting our corner on national television, at council meetings and in parliament. She is a true Harpenden hero!”

Leo Ketchin applauds her “persistent determination” and Anna Webb supported her nomination saying “Emily really deserves this.”

Victoria Seabrooke voiced her gratitude: “Thank you for all your work and campaigning for the long suffering Thameslink commuters!”

Emily was thrilled to hear the news and gratified at the tremendous support for her efforts: “I find the time to fight for the train service because it is important to us all.”

More amazing nominees

Also recognised for their fantastic contributions are:

• Esther Hathorn, nominated by me, because she nurtures her large family, has made an amazing success of her business Visage Dental Spa, runs the Manland School HSA Fundraising Ideas, dances like a demon and still has time to talk to you in a really caring and helpful way with the biggest-ever smile on her face. What an inspiration!

• Judy Fryd CBE, nominated by Carol Watts: “Judy's obituary says it all. A selfless lady who was the founder of MENCAP.”

• Kim Brougham, Reception teaching assistant at Manland Primary School, nominated by Rania Aidley: “Ms Brougham is an amazing woman. She gives the children the best start and also supports parents. She is consistently caring, warm and cheerful - a real treasure.” This nomination was supported by Amanda O’Gorman who said: “I will never forget the support Ms Brougham gave our family during a really difficult time. Our two adore her and were once overheard saying that they thought she was the secret, real life, queen of the fairies .... She is an exceptional person. Warm, caring and professional. Every school, parent and child needs a Ms Brougham. A treasure indeed.” Paula Skilton said: “Ms Brougham is an absolute angel! I've had the pleasure of working with her, as well as my daughter being at Manland school. Even as my daughter starts her journey to leave for secondary school, Ms Brougham is still there with a kind word of support, a lady with a true heart of gold!”. Lara Wares said: “I’d love to see Ms Brougham recognised, she’s so caring, kind and empathetic. She made such a difference to my highly anxious son when he started school. We’ve always said she has magic powers with children!”. Fahima Begum said: “I will never forget how she supported us through the years and she is so loveable and great. My kids really love her and she is so brilliant.”

• Mary Maynard, nominated by Caroline Bailey-Pearce for the second year running: “The hardest working local councillor our town has - and also my friend for 17 years.”

Thank you

#SHEINSPIRES is an initiative run by pennybird and camera during international Women’s Month to recognise Harpenden women in our midst who inspire others.

It’s vital to stop and appreciate the people around us and to say thank you in some way for their efforts, even if it’s a virtual hug. These shining people - with their strength of spirit - spur us on to make a greater difference in our own lives. Thank you to everyone who took the time to make a nomination and to all those who voted.

The prize

Emily wins a photo shoot to document the work she is doing to improve the train service.

An evening of inspiration - date for your diary

You are invited to come and raise a glass to these wonderful women and recognise their amazing achievements.

• Thursday 6 June 2019 @ 8pm, Park Café Rothamsted Park, 23a Leyton Road, Harpenden, AL5 2FH

Everyone is welcome - prints of the photographs illustrating Emily’s endeavours will be exhibited. Cash bar available.

she inspires

We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already. We have the power to imagine better. JK Rowling.

You know her. She has courage. Deep gratitude for our world, her life, and the people around her. She listens with empathy. She loves openly and unconditionally. She is authentic. Utterly trustworthy. Deeply passionate about the things that matter to her, particularly her calling in life. Her positivity shines from every pore. She has faced adversity, but uses her past struggles to help and develop others.

She is humble.

She inspires.

Janet Crawley was voted the most inspirational woman in Harpenden in 2018. Here she is pictured at St Matthews care home in Redbourn with one of her beloved dementia residents.

To celebrate International Women’s Day on 8 March 2019, let’s recognise these amazing women in our midst. We know who they are.

nominate here, then vote on facebook!

Celebrate the most inspirational woman in your life. (The only requirement is that she lives in Harpenden.) First complete the nomination form and submit it. Then visit my FaceBook Group Harpenden through the lens (sorry you will need to join it - I’ve tried to find an easier way to do this - without success!) add the person’s name to the poll, and vote for her.

Closing date: Sunday 31 March 2019 - the winner will be announced on Mother’s Day. The award is a portrait session with pennybird and camera, reportage style, showcasing and recognising the contribution the person makes to the Harpenden community. (Please see last year’s award here.)

Thank you! Now visit my FaceBook Group Harpenden through the lens and vote in the poll.

241 headshot offer - limited spaces