Art, Entertainment, News and Sport and Community
A number of Plymouth women have made their mark in these areas, but we have chosen to focus on those whose local links (past or present) remained strong and whose Plymouth legacy, based on their affection for and commitment to, the city has been significant.
Mrs Jessie Boultwood A notable local sportswoman, and a renowned long-distance swimmer (winning the 7 mile Cargreen to Devonport race), she was one of the founders, and captain, of Plymouth Ladies Football Team when it was formed in 1921. On 21 May 1921, the year… Read More »Jessie Boultwood
Angela Collins (Angela O’Brien) MBE Angela has worked to promote drama and entertainment in Plymouth, both professional and amateur dramatics, in association with the City of Plymouth Theatre Company. As Chair of the company, as well as acting as Director and choreographer, she has been… Read More »Angela Collins
Beryl Cook (1926-2008) Artist whose works are highly recognisable, with many depicting Plymouth life. She moved to Plymouth in 1968 to run a guest house on the Hoe. A largely untrained painter, with a keen eye for humanity, she painted scenes of everyday life that… Read More »Beryl Cook
Sharron Davies (1962 to date) A local girl and highly successful swimmer, winning a silver medal at the Moscow Olympic Games in 1980, and two gold medals in the 1978 Commonwealth Games. Since retirement from professional sport in 1994, she has come to prominence lobbying… Read More »Sharron Davies
Lucy Luxmoore (1953-2019) A community activist and local choir creator, she set up Devonport Park Community Choir to launch refurbishment of Devonport Bandstand in 2011. Lucy studied at the Royal Academy and became a music teacher and helped lead and organise the restoration of Devonport Park in… Read More »Lucy Luxmoore
Angela Rippon, CBE Plymouth born and educated, her first job was at the Western Morning News offices. She began her television career with BBC South West in 1966, moving on to become a national news reader and popular media personality. Still active, she received an honorary doctorate from the University… Read More »Angela Rippon
Mrs Phyllis Russell (1926-2012) A leading member of the Royal Naval Auxiliary Service, noted for her voluntary sea-going service from the 1960s through to the service being disbanded in 1994. While it was her husband, Frank, who became a Skipper, she became a Chief Communications Officer, in… Read More »Phyllis Russell
Sheila Snellgrove A figure of significance in the Plymouth cultural arena, and a trained actress, she and her team founded the Barbican Theatre company in 1980, as a charity enterprise which could involve young people in ways that would let their voices be heard in ways that would… Read More »Sheila Snellgrove
Irene Wills A noted local community activist, she was awarded the BEM in 2013 for her work with the Plymouth Pisces Swimming Club, helping people with disabilities to have the opportunity to swim.