Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jan-stannard">Jan Stannard</h2>



The founder trustee and acting CEO of the national rewilding charity <a href="https://www.healrewilding.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heal</a>, which raises money to buy land in England for nature recovery, climate change action and wellbeing. The 460-acre <a href="https://www.healsomerset.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heal Somerset</a> is now open for visitors. Their immersive night time audio installation <a href="https://www.tickettailor.com/events/healrewilding/1111416" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Out Of The Darkness</a>, dates between 14 March and 27 April, sounds incredible.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-Jan-Stannard-Heal-Rewilding.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-93813" style="aspect-ratio:1.5;width:640px;height:auto" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-Jan-Stannard-Heal-Rewilding.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-Jan-Stannard-Heal-Rewilding-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-Jan-Stannard-Heal-Rewilding-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-Jan-Stannard-Heal-Rewilding-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-Jan-Stannard-Heal-Rewilding-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



&#8220;Rachel Carson (1907-1964) because her work, to make the world aware of the terrible impact of chemicals on nature, was one of things that inspired me to create Heal. She wrote Silent Spring (1962), the book credited with igniting the global environmental movement. She was multi-talented – an aquatic biologist, a writer and a conservationist – and achieved international recognition at a time when women did not easily rise to prominence. This powerful work succeeded because of her ability to write both scientifically and poetically, and this captivated and galvanised readers. A US Senator said to Carson in 1963: “Every once in a while in the history of mankind, a book has appeared which has substantially altered the course of history”. The banning of DDT in many countries across the world is her most important legacy and no book since has had the same profound influence.&#8221;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ayesha-kalaji">Ayesha Kalaji</h2>



When she&#8217;s not appearing on MasterChef:The Professionals, the chef is cooking up Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes influenced by her Jordanian heritage and Welsh upbringing at her Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant, the <a href="https://queenofcups.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen of Cups</a> in Glastonbury.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2560" height="1924" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-ayesha-queen-of-cups-photo-vicki-steward-PXL_20231124_111606690.PORTRAIT3-scaled.jpg" alt="ayesha queen of cups " class="wp-image-93810" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-ayesha-queen-of-cups-photo-vicki-steward-PXL_20231124_111606690.PORTRAIT3-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-ayesha-queen-of-cups-photo-vicki-steward-PXL_20231124_111606690.PORTRAIT3-800x601.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-ayesha-queen-of-cups-photo-vicki-steward-PXL_20231124_111606690.PORTRAIT3-1000x752.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-ayesha-queen-of-cups-photo-vicki-steward-PXL_20231124_111606690.PORTRAIT3-400x301.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-ayesha-queen-of-cups-photo-vicki-steward-PXL_20231124_111606690.PORTRAIT3-768x577.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-ayesha-queen-of-cups-photo-vicki-steward-PXL_20231124_111606690.PORTRAIT3-1536x1154.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-ayesha-queen-of-cups-photo-vicki-steward-PXL_20231124_111606690.PORTRAIT3-2048x1539.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo Vicki Steward</figcaption></figure>



&#8220;Claudia Roden, my queen of Middle Eastern food. Without her my career wouldn’t be where it is now. She paved the way for me, and many before me, by bringing Middle Eastern cuisine to the masses in the UK and US.



Her first cookbook was published in 1968 but she is still an absolute tour de force, writing for the Guardian regularly. Her recipes are reminiscent of sunshine and warmth, full of heart and history, but also the gumption and strength of a strong Arab woman. The recipes are intertwined with anecdotes, history and observations, that lend her distinct personality to all her writing. Not only is she a phenomenal cook with a huge breadth of knowledge, but in my mind an academic and a true inspiration. I would love to spend even a moment with that phenomenal mind of hers. What a treasure trove of information she is! What an honour it would be to ask her favourite recipe with figs or tahini or sumac. I would love to hear about her travels, where she garnered inspiration for her many books. Without Claudia Roden there would be no Chef Ayesha, so I will be eternally grateful.&#8221;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jessica-miles">Jessica Miles</h2>



Jessica Miles MA (Oxon), PGCE is head teacher at <a href="https://www.badmintonschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Badminton School,</a> a day and boarding school for girls aged 4-18, in Westbury-upon-Trym, Bristol.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-Jess-Head-Badminton-School-Janruary-2023-19a-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-93821" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-Jess-Head-Badminton-School-Janruary-2023-19a-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-Jess-Head-Badminton-School-Janruary-2023-19a-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-Jess-Head-Badminton-School-Janruary-2023-19a-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-Jess-Head-Badminton-School-Janruary-2023-19a-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-Jess-Head-Badminton-School-Janruary-2023-19a.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



&#8220;Mary Queen of Scots. Although she is often portrayed as a figure of pity, troubled by political and familial woes throughout her life (including three marriages, cousinly treachery, and her eventual execution), in reality, the six-foot tall royal was graceful, quick-witted and an avid golfer!&nbsp; In fact, she caused a scandal by playing golf on the now-famous links at St. Andrews, Scotland, days after her second husband’s murder. &nbsp;I’d love to ask her how she coped with the endless misfortunes that came her way, the betrayals and the deceit.&nbsp; Ideally over a glass of wine at the 19th hole.&#8221;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-viv-groskop">Viv Groskop</h2>



The author, comedian and broadcaster is writer-in-residence with the <a href="https://www.stayoriginal.co/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stay Original Company</a>, who have boutique hotels and inns throughout Somerset, Dorset and the West Country. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/10/Viv-32-Emma-Lewis-Photographer_Fotor-1000x750.jpg" alt="Viv Groskop" class="wp-image-89448" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/10/Viv-32-Emma-Lewis-Photographer_Fotor-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/10/Viv-32-Emma-Lewis-Photographer_Fotor-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/10/Viv-32-Emma-Lewis-Photographer_Fotor-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/10/Viv-32-Emma-Lewis-Photographer_Fotor-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/10/Viv-32-Emma-Lewis-Photographer_Fotor-700x525.jpg 700w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/10/Viv-32-Emma-Lewis-Photographer_Fotor.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo Emma Lewis </figcaption></figure>



&#8220;I would have to have a glass of dry rosé with Olia Hercules. A brilliant food writer and campaigner, Olia was born in Kakhovka in south Ukraine and now lives in London. Her books Mamusha, Summer Kitchens and Home Food – on Ukrainian cuisine, culture and history – are beautiful and lush. And through her activism she has raised over £2 million for Ukrainian causes. She’s a modern-day legend – generous, talented, inspiring – who cooks as wonderfully as she writes.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harriet-mansell">Harriet Mansell</h2>



The chef who wows with hyper-seasonal, wild, foraged and vegetable-focused food at her Michelin-listed restaurant and – low intervention, organic, biodynamic – wine bar <a href="https://www.lilacwine.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lilac</a> in Lyme Regis. Coming soon in June 2024, The Garden Table pop-up in the garden behind.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2250" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-harriet-mansell-RobinWild25-08-22MattAustin-47.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-93812" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-harriet-mansell-RobinWild25-08-22MattAustin-47.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-harriet-mansell-RobinWild25-08-22MattAustin-47-533x800.jpg 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-harriet-mansell-RobinWild25-08-22MattAustin-47-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-harriet-mansell-RobinWild25-08-22MattAustin-47-267x400.jpg 267w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-harriet-mansell-RobinWild25-08-22MattAustin-47-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-harriet-mansell-RobinWild25-08-22MattAustin-47-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-harriet-mansell-RobinWild25-08-22MattAustin-47-1365x2048.jpg 1365w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



&#8220;Queen Elfrida, the Devon-born lady who inherited Corfe Castle. The first crowned Queen of England, as well as the classic maligned, ruthlessly ambitious woman and evil stepmother archetype, who reportedly possibly killed her stepson amongst other &#8216;mysterious&#8217; deaths surrounding her life. Like any good medieval woman, I&#8217;d hazard a guess she used plants. I&#8217;d quite like to meet someone from that time in the world, have a chat about her about day to day life and pressing concerns! What gets her out of bed in the morning? Does she have a purpose? Or is it simply&nbsp;survival. Who would SHE most like to have a glass of wine with and why? Careful! What is her favourite&nbsp;food? What advice would she give me? Now she would be a great guest on my podcast.&#8221;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ruth-sullivan">Ruth Sullivan </h2>



Dr Ruth Sullivan is Head of <a href="https://www.sherborne.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sherborne Girls</a>, a day and boarding school for girls aged 11 to 18, in the market town of Sherborne. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2250" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-ruth-sullivan.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-93825" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-ruth-sullivan.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-ruth-sullivan-533x800.jpg 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-ruth-sullivan-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-ruth-sullivan-267x400.jpg 267w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-ruth-sullivan-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-ruth-sullivan-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-ruth-sullivan-1365x2048.jpg 1365w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



&#8220;Nellie Bly (1864 – 1922), the pioneering American investigative journalist who went undercover to write about the treatment of those with mental health issues and wrote about the Socialist movement, World War I and various issues impacting women. As an adventurer in 1889, she travelled around the world in 72 days at the age of 25 with little more than a small satchel and a single dress, producing daily reports from her travels and experiences. I don’t doubt she would be a fantastic coffee companion and inspirational conversationalist.&#8221;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-helen-isaac">Helen Isaac</h2>



A personal trainer, <a href="https://www.helenisaacfitness.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Helen</a> runs an award-wining fitness business in south Somerset. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1536" height="2048" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-helen-isaac.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-93828" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-helen-isaac.jpeg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-helen-isaac-600x800.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-helen-isaac-750x1000.jpeg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-helen-isaac-300x400.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-helen-isaac-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/00-helen-isaac-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w" sizes="(max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px" /></figure>



&#8220;Footballer Ella Toone is an incredibly inspiring individual who has made a significant impact both on and off the field. Her dedication, skill, and passion for the game of football are truly remarkable. Watching her play is not only a delight but also a source of motivation for aspiring athletes like myself and my 9 year old daughter Poppy.&nbsp;



What sets Ella apart is not just her exceptional talent, but also her determination and work ethic. She consistently pushes herself to improve and achieve new heights, setting an example for others to follow. Her commitment to her sport is truly inspiring and serves as a reminder of the importance of hard work and perseverance even in a sport that still has a long way to go for woman.&nbsp;



She&#8217;s also actively involved in various charitable initiatives, using her platform to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Her generosity and kindness are qualities that I deeply admire and aspire to emulate.&#8221;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mary-temperley">Mary Temperley</h2>



The woman behind the jewel-coloured <a href="https://www.lovefrommake.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MAKE </a>skincare and eclectic MAKE homewares. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="749" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/awards-make-mary-temperley-MS2023-199_Fotor.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-93831" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/awards-make-mary-temperley-MS2023-199_Fotor.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/awards-make-mary-temperley-MS2023-199_Fotor-800x599.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/awards-make-mary-temperley-MS2023-199_Fotor-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/03/awards-make-mary-temperley-MS2023-199_Fotor-768x575.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



&#8220;It’s tempting to say someone like Elizabeth I or Florence Nightingale but I can’t imagine them being much fun to share a glass of wine with so I would choose Marilyn Monroe. She&#8217;s fascinating for many reasons. As well as being the most objectified woman of the 20th century, she was obviously way smarter and more talented than she is often given credit for, or her legacy would not be what it is. She is so contradictory and that’s what I find so interesting. &nbsp;Also, I’m sure she would have the best stories from a pivotal time in history that is close enough to relate to on some level. She will always remain an enigma and I&#8217;d love to have glimpse of the person behind that famous face to see what really made her tick.&#8221;

Happy International Women’s Day!

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