One of York’s most famous daughters sent a special message to York to mark International Women’s Day this evening (Tuesday).
The Oscar winner appeared by video at an IWD reception at York Mansion House, hosted by the Lady Mayoress, Joy Cullwick, and Sheriff’s Lady Danielle Mason.
Many of the leading women in the area were invited to the reception.
And the Lady Mayoress surprised them in her speech by saying: “Our city’s nurtured many high achieving women, and perhaps none more so than our very own national treasure, Dame Judi Dench.
“We invited Dame Judi to come along tonight. She can’t be with us. But she has sent us a message.”
This is what Dame Judi said:
I would have loved to have been with you this evening on International Women’s Day. Especially in my beloved York, at the Mansion House.
I was born there – not in the Mansion House, but I was born in York, and went to primary school there, and then went to The Mount. And I hold it very, very dear to my heart.
I still have some family there, thank goodness. So I’m sorry, I’m not with you. I hope you have a glorious evening. And perhaps next time…? We’ll keep our fingers crossed.
Her message delighted around 60 guests at the reception, which celebrated the “remarkable women in our great city of York,” Joy told YorkMix.
As well as Dame Judi’s video appearance, three speakers appeared in person to address the event: Detective Chief Inspector Carol Kirk of North Yorkshire Police; ceramics artist Rebecca Cottrell, who is also married to the Archbishop of York; and Emily Pickard, founder of parenting website York Mumbler.
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