Awards night salutes ladies
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by Juliet Parish • Campaigning trucker Ilona Richards is to host a glittering awards night to salute the industry's under-rated female drivers and transport managers.
Richards, founder of the Lady Truckers Club, says she is holding the event next March because women in haulage do not get the recognition they deserve. Other leading industry awards nights are almost a female-free zone, says Richards. She believes there are at least 2,000 female drivers and up to 100 women transport bosses in the UK
"I know women are good at transport jobs and I want them to stand up and be recognised for it," she says.
Richards hopes to find sponsorship of £100 or the equivalent in prizes for six categories: Employed lady trucker most valued by her boss; most enterprising lady trucker; most successful owner-driver; youngest female to pass her Class 1 LGV driving test; most outstanding work for charity and most outstanding woman transport manager.
However, Richards has turned down an offer from Tory MP Edwina Currie to stage the event in the House of Commons. Richards is a constituent of the former health minister, who spotted an article on her in the local press and has nominated her for next Monday's (25 Oct) Women of the Year competition. Richards told Currie that London would be too expensive for most women drivers to stay overnight. The event is due to be held in the 13ardon Hall Hotel at Coalville, Leics on the evening of Saturday 5 March partners are welcome.
For more details contact Richards at 1 Horton Avenue, Stretton, Burton upon Trent, Staffs DE13 ODP.