Sir John Talbot's School | Herstory Newsletter Issue 6

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ISSUE NO. 6

MAY 2022

SPECIAL EDITION

MAY 2022

|Sarah Appleby| “It’s not about winning and losing, it’s about winning and learning”

In the Spring Term the Herstory Team had the pleasure of interviewing the charming and enthusiastic Sarah Appleby of Appleby’s Cheese to discuss the practice of cheese-making, business and the matriarchal role of women within the dairy industry. Sarah is no stranger to interviewed, having previously been interviewed by Country Living, so we were thrilled to have the chance to speak to her!

Writer-editor Holly Gilbert kicked-off the interview, asking Sarah about her experiences with careers and learning, and whether Sarah knew that cheese-making was the career for her.

Sarah laughed and jested that she “fell into cheese” as that entering the business of cheese farming was not the original plan, but had a happy childhood on an organic dairy farm, which no doubt contributed to her interest in the work. However, she admits that she’s always been a keen learner and questioner. She thoroughly enjoys her job and alludes to the team-centred aspect of her role in the business that always keeps the work cheerful.

We then asked Sarah about the origin of Appleby’s Cheese, which lauds relative Lucy Appleby for the return of traditional Cheshire cheesemaking. Sarah notes that the cheese industry has ties to Herstory as cheese making in Europe was historically a very female-led role. Men in the dairy industry would usually tend the farm and milk the cows, leaving the important management of the milk and produce to the women. As a result the role of cheese-making is matriarchal in origin and many famous cheeses having been pioneered by women.

This greatly aligns with the foundation of Appleby’s Cheese Sarah goes on to say, which founded in 1951-2, as stated earlier, by her husband’s grandmother Lucy Appleby. Sarah admires the frugality of businesses in those days, new products coming from sustainable practices to ensure that nothing was wasted. Lucy Appleby came from a long line of cheesemaking matriarchs, which kindled eager interest in continuing the custom as Sarah says that 1

MAY 2022 she later went to college to be educated on the art of cheese-making, which was highly unusual at the time. Lucy built the business by forming relationships and connections, comparable to PR and marketing, which allowed the enterprise to develop into the artisan family business it is today.

When asked about the importance of the business’ history, Sarah replied that Appleby’s Cheeses continue to work, with reference to the heritage of the practice and the legacy of Lucy Appleby, whilst still adapting and building on the original foundations of the business.

It is clear that Sarah values and enjoys the family business, finding it highly rewarding. She admits that the origins and traditionalism of the family business is intrinsic to their production, yet she notes that it is only part of the wider story of their work. At its core, Sarah says that what she values the most is being able to learn, adapt and tailor the business to thrive despite the challenges of the farming industry. Although, she attests that the history of the business will always be relevant to the operation of the farm, looking at the old recipes and notes from the business’ founder for guidance. In summary; learning, community and heritage act as keystone values within Appleby’s Cheese.

Interviewer Betsy Holmes then asked whether there was any crossover in the ethos of running a business and the family values. To which Sarah happily responds that due to the close-knit team which comprises Appleby’s Cheese, it has a family feel. She regards communication and “It’s all about never resting community as substantial characteristics which aid in the business’ success. Being able to have meaningful on your laurels…its always conversations on how to improve what they do and ‘what can we do, how can putting in the hard work to see those improvements we do it better?’” is an entrepreneurial principle which is greatly valued.

In an interview with Culture, Sarah mentioned the planting of “pollinator patches” to improve biodiversity on the Appleby farmland, which stoked a curiosity towards the environmental and ecological implications of farming. Posing the question of whether Sarah believes that there should be a greater, nationwide initiative to protect and restore the diversity of farmland.

Sarah aptly answered, affirming that sustainable farming practices should be utilised more frequently when possible to avoid monoculture and protect biodiversity. Yet, she attests that there is great pressure on independent farmers to carry the burden of ecological issues whilst still being required to keep up with food production and assure its efficiency. There is a balancing act between these two ideals, to feed a growing population and fulfil the environmental obligations to maintain wildlife, which she says often leads to a split in yieldfocused farming and those who aim to steward their land as they produce.

Sarah says that these discussions may be at crossroads with one another, and that as the farming industry develops over the next few years, it will be interesting to see how practices progress as new environmental legislation comes into place. Appleby’s

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MAY 2022 significantly regards the importance of increasing the future environmental value of their land, and will continue to build on projects similar to that of the pollinator patches.

Zara Leary then asked if there were any influential women which inspire Sarah today. To which Sarah smiled before answering that she is motivated by numerous women both locally and in the food industry which she sees as having greatly influenced and inspired her. Bronwen Percival at Neal’s Yard Dairy is lauded by Sarah for being phenomenal in her knowledge and her ability to share and teach that knowledge. Sarah is also inspired by many female chefs, joking that she is “unfortunately very foodie”, but that she is also inspired by an artistic friend of hers, whom she admires for her tenacity.

“My favourite cheese other than our Cheshire of course - is Baron Bigod made by friends of ours Jonny and Dulcie Crickmore.

Delicious!”

Towards the end of the interview, we circled back round to education and asked if Sarah had any advice that she would like to pass on to younger students and readers of the newsletter. Enthusiastically Sarah pinpointed key guidance. The first being to have a positive mindset and to “pick yourself up, be resilient and always look for that positive and learn - it's not always about winning and losing, it's about winning and learning”. Sarah identifies herself as a positive person, who can brave new challenges and come back stronger as “there’s always a silver lining”. She also encourages students to find a mentor and ask questions and try new things and meet new people, because you’ll never know what you may learn from someone.

Concluding the interview, Sarah asked us about what our thoughts were on the future of farming and how it may develop in the next decade. We answered that in livestock farming and animal rearing there may be a decline in the production of lamb and veal from young animals due to ethical reasons. Plant-based products may also be more widely available as more people move towards vegetarianism and veganism. However, we all firmly attest that cheese-making will always remain strong, as (to us) vegan cheese will never live up to the real deal!

Written and edited by Lucy Craig

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MAY 2022

|Dina Asher-Smith|

Dina Asher-Smith, full name Geraldina Asher-Smith, is the fastest British woman in recorded history, famous for her feats in sprinting at multiple international events. She has set British records at the 2019 World Championships for the 200m sprint and 100m sprint, winning gold and silver medals “To be resilient, be respectively for these impressive achievements. She was the kind to yourself.” first British individual to win three medals at the World Championships and managed this, incredibly, at just age 24.

Recognised globally, she has earned medals from multiple events such as the 2016 Rio Olympics and 2020 Tokyo Olympics and has set and broken her own records multiple times.

Not only is Asher-Smith accomplished in the athletic field, but she also achieved 9 A*s at GCSE and 3 As at A-Level allowing her to go on to study history at King’s College London alongside her training for the Olympics. She graduated with a 2:1 a year after winning Bronze at the 2016 Olympic finals. Balancing both academics and athletics required an unimaginable amount of resilience which Asher-Smith has discussed in recent articles with regards to the pandemic. She stated, “If I was to give my advice on resilience it would be, in this particular tough time of the pandemic, be kind to yourself.” This advice is particularly pertinent at this time of slowly returning back to normal after experiencing such a worldaltering event, being kind to yourself and others.

Asher-Smith has also spoken out regarding the Black Lives Matter movement and the importance of challenging racism all over the world, but especially within sport. She wrote an article for The Telegraph entitled Think racism hasn’t affected me? It’s there almost every day articulating her experiences with racism. In an interview she stated “it was the easiest article I’ve ever written…it was just my honest truth. But the process of me actually going to

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MAY 2022 sit down at the laptop was really difficult.” She discussed feeling “exhausted”, having to relive her experiences with racism and the “heaviness” of these memories, but celebrated the conversations that were had about racism and the necessity of continuing to have these conversations and for more genuine change to occur. These important topics being discussed by such an inspirational young woman can be a catalyst for further change and important conversations to take place.

Dina Asher-Smith has experienced excellence across the board, but her main message for achieving this is ultimately being kind to yourself. A sentiment which needs to be recognised by women all around the world to recognise their own achievements and allow themselves to relax during these stressful times.

Written by Betsy Holmes, edited by Lucy Craig

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MAY 2022

|Taylor Swift|

As a global music icon with a career spanning over 19 years and four music genres, with 10 studio albums and five world tours, many have commented that Taylor Swift is the music industry. Whether you love or hate her music, it is undeniable that she has been a force for change in music. As a vocal feminist icon, Swift has fought for women’s place in the music industry and society, speaking out against toxic male privilege. Her success has made her one of the most powerful people in the music industry and she has helped lead the way in the feminist evolution of women in music.

Having been in the music industry since the age of 13, Taylor Swift has taught her fans the importance of being true to themselves and standing up for what they believe in, using her immense popularity to inspire millions. Swift sold more albums than any other artist in the 2010s and holds the record for the highest grossing stadium tour. She has won 11 Grammy awards and was named Artist of the Decade at the AMAs. Not only has Swift become one of the best-selling female artists in history, but she has also developed a dedicated fanbase whom she inspires with her hard-work and strong moral beliefs.

Having faced an abundance of media criticism and been publicly ridiculed “No matter what happens in life, be throughout her career, Swift has good to people. Being good to endured systemic misogyny and sexism.

News of Swift’s loss of the rights to the people is a wonderful legacy to songs which she wrote following Scooter leave behind.”

Braun, a man who had continuously bullied her, buying her first 6 albums without her consent has made headlines recently.

Refusing to give in, Swift’s desire to take back control of her music has seen her re-record her first 6 albums. Her re-recording of her fourth album “Red (Taylor’s Version) became the moststreamed album in a day from a female artist on Spotify, with more than 90.8 million global opening-day streams, surpassing the previous record of 80.6 million set by Swift’s own

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MAY 2022 “Folklore”. Swift’s fight to recover the rights to her music acts as an example of strength in the face of adversity and has led to discussion about the exploitation of artists by music companies and raised questions about the distribution of wealth from creative work.

Outside of music, Swift has used her position to fight for causes she is passionate about. Her hard-hitting Netflix documentary “Miss Americana” presented an insight into Swift’s struggle with eating disorders and the pressure of fame. It detailed her legal battle against a radio DJ who groped her in 2013, and then attempted to sue her for $3 million. Swift countersued for sexual assault. The jury sided with her, and she was awarded the symbolic $1, making worldwide headlines and encouraging victims of sexual assault to come forward.

Swift also denounced Republican Marsha Blackburn who voted against fair pay for women and the Violence Against Women during the 2018 Senate elections, breaking her previous pattern of political silence that she had been advised to keep by her predominantly male management team. Vote.org reported an unprecedented spike in voting registration after her Instagram endorsement of Democratic Tennessee candidate Phil Bredesen, showing the direct impact her voice has on the public and how, through using her popularity for positive change, Taylor Swift has become a hugely influential figure.

Similarly, Swift has been vocal about LGBTQIA+ visibility, raising awareness of US LGBTQIA+ rights organisation “Glaad” in her song “You Need to Calm Down” which subsequently led to an increase in donations. The song also called her fans to sign her petition in support of the Equality Act which prohibits gender and sexuality-based discriminations, an act which became a priority for President Biden.

“Focus on your idea of what’s cool, not everyone else’s, because it’s never all going to match up.”

Continuously speaking out against industry failings and the judgement of women, through her music, Taylor Swift has talked about the double standards inherent in the industry.

Speaking out about how people love to explain away women’s success, she strives to remain resolute and strong, and has taken control of the narrative surrounding her in the media. Ultimately, Swift teaches women that they don’t need to try and accommodate criticism and we can all learn from her constant striving to learn and better herself.

Written by Holly Gilbert, edited by Betsy Holmes

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MAY 2022

|Herstory Special| Thank you from the Herstory Team

Over the past year we, the Herstory Team, has had the pleasure of writing articles for this newsletter, where we have learned valuable journalistic skills and advanced our love history. It has been a fantastic experience researching and interviewing wonderful people from our community and beyond, so we wanted to celebrate this issue together by sharing a bit about ourselves!

Lucy Craig, writer and editer What is your favourite area of history?

My favourite area of history, will probably have to be a mix of social and political history from anywhere around 1750 to 1901, largely looking at Britain and Europe. Not only does that timeframe encompass many of my beloved literary classics, but It also provides context for the development of patterns in our social history over such a turbulent period, as well as how politics might develop.

Which women from history inspire you? Why? Given the reception of many historical women and how some of their philosophies may hold up to political-correctness today, it’s hard to point to women who have inspired me.

However, there are plenty of interesting women throughout history which I am fascinated

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MAY 2022 by. The impact of Anne Boleyn on Britain’s history is impressive, through the break with Rome and her daughter Elizabeth I, so she’s definitely a key person of interest for me.

Quaker social reformer Elizabeth Fry is also intriguing in her role of prison reformation and her humanitarian work raising awareness of homelessness, an issue which remains poignant today.

Which women today inspire you? Why? Today, I am inspired by teachers and staff around the school who present themselves as fantastic role models for anyone who is considering working in teaching or a school environment in the future. I’m also inspired by AOC’s political work in America, campaigning for more accessible healthcare and green energy – as well as the work of actress and academic Abigail Thorn and her ability to create engaging and thoughtful content with her YouTube channel Philosophy Tube. Once again, both AOC and Abigail Thorn show incredible skill in what they do which is incredibly encouraging for those with the same interests and aspirations. I am also, undoubtably, a huge Taylor Swift Fan. What are your plans for the future?

I’m hoping to achieve my target grades for my A levels so that I can go on to study a Master’s degree in English literature in Scotland, and as for what job I’m aiming for…next question.

What does Herstory mean to you?

Personally, working on Herstory has been a fantastic journey which has allowed me to improve my writing and research skills and broaden by general knowledge by studying so many fantastic women. Thanks to working on Herstory, I have also developed interview and journalistic tactics, both in the role of interviewer and interviewee. It has been a worthwhile endeavour that will always stick with me from my time at Sir John Talbot’s.

What do you hope to see from Herstory from future year groups?

I hope that the next cohort of Herstory journalists will make the newsletter their own and make the most of the skills and experiences it offers them. Perhaps going in more depth with the areas of focus, by looking at women further in the past. Even examining the mythology of powerful, albeit theological, women would be in interesting possibility. Whatever is next for Herstory, I hope that future year groups will keep learning and getting inspired by Herstory. They could even start a podcast!

Holly Gilbert, writer and editer What is your favourite areas of history?

I find history from below particularly fascinating and enjoy learning about experiences and perspective of ordinary people throughout history. Understanding the stories of those groups marginalised and forgotten and reanalysing the events of the past is becoming increasingly important, especially considering the current changing political climate. Social history and specifically “history from below” offers an insight into the complexity and context of human experience and, for me, discovering these forgotten stories is my favourite part of studying history.

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MAY 2022 Which women from history inspire you? Why? I am greatly inspired by Mary Wollstonecraft, whose revolutionary and radical ideas presented in “A Vindication of the Rights of Women” have made her a modern-day feminist icon. Arguably one of the most original thinkers of the enlightenment period, her convincing appeal to educate women and argument that people are not by nature one way or another ultimately paved the way for the current school system and enabled women to have political and socially significant jobs, helping to reduce the influence of the public vs private sphere divide. Often characterised as the first feminist philosopher, her work was monumental in its impact upon society, and she is therefore hugely inspirational to me.

Which women today inspire you? Why? Political figures such as Jacinda Ardern, whose world leading response to COVID-19 and kind-hearted and relatable nature have made her a global icon, and Michelle Obama, a leading advocate for health, wellbeing, and education and ultimate girlboss, demonstrate strength in the face of adversity and the power of kindness and compassion. Both greatly inspire me to be ambitious, driven and enthusiastic. Similarly, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is an empowering icon for young women, believing that femininity holds power in today’s political landscape and is not a weakness. She challenges the patriarchal order of US politics and has used her voice on social media to inspire millions of women.

Emma Watson’s work as a UN Goodwill advocate, assiduous campaigning, promotion of global education equality and focus on female empowerment also inspires me. Her constant care and dedication to the causes she fights for sets an amazing example for all women.

Finally, my biggest inspiration has to be my mum, who has taught me to fight for what I believe in, never doubt myself and always treat others with kindness and respect.

What are your plans for the future?

After A-levels, I am planning to study History at the University of Oxford, and I am looking forward to expanding the breadth and depth of my historical knowledge. Then I hope to either complete a law or business conversion course, which one I will choose I am not sure but hopefully I’ll figure that out! Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about powerful women throughout history. I also hope to travel more and am excited to take on all the opportunities that are available to me.

What doe Herstory mean to you? To me, Herstory has been a chance to learn more about my female role models whilst also developing many transferable skills. Herstory has been a chance to share the stories of those women who have been overlooked by the androcentric history curriculum, and I have loved being able to share my passion with a group of likeminded people and hope we have engaged the rest of the school in this shared passion.

What do you hope to see from Herstory from future year groups?

I hope to see Herstory continue to grow, and with the guidance of the amazing Miss Brinkworth, I’m sure future year groups will be able to increase the popularity of the newsletter and it will go on to become a prominent part of the Marches Academy Trust.

There is no limit to what can be achieved, and I hope younger years have seen what we have done over the last year and feel inspired to share the stories of women who they find empowering.

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MAY 2022 Zara Leary, writer and editer What is your favourite area of history?

I love learning about politics and ideologies throughout history, I find the structure of different systems of government very interesting to apply and compare to today’s contemporary political climate. I also find 17th century Britain particularly interesting, as the Elizabethan and Jacobean periods were fascinating, especially for literature!

Which women, from history and contemporary, inspire you? Why? History is jam-packed with the incredible achievements of inspiring and empowering women, some key historical women I am particularly inspired by are figures like Jane Austen and Eleanor Roosevelt. Additionally, I am largely inspired by female political figures paving the way for passion, excellence, and equality in positions of leadership, such as Jacinda Arden and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. I am also inspired by many incredible women in the media, such as Margaret Atwood, Emma Watson, and Cynthia Erivo.

Personally, in my life, I am very fortune to have a multitude of wonderful women who I am continually inspired by and look up to. Most prominently would be my mum, as well as a number of mentors and teachers.

What are your plans for the future?

I’m really looking forward to studying an English & Creative Writing course at the University of York, continuing to learn and working on my writing. I am also very excited to be continuing work with our local Shrewsbury NCS as a team leader over the summer.

What does Herstory mean to you?

Helping establish our Herstory newsletter has been a wonderful opportunity, and a thoroughly enjoyable experience over the last two years. SJT is a hugely community-driven school and working on this project has been a lovely way to leave my mark in my final year here.

What do you hope to see from Herstory from future year groups?

I hope the future year groups are able to make Herstory their own, and continue to shed light on and celebrate the awesome women, both throughout history, and the women making history today!

Betsy Holmes, writer and editor What is your favourite area of history?

I have a lot of different areas of history that I love to learn about but social history across a range of time periods would be my personal favourite. Especially time periods such as the Victorian era in Britain and World War 2 as both of these time periods are full of change so are especially interesting to look at. This is why I was so eager to be a part of Herstory as learning about women’s role throughout history and the changes they have made is inspiring and fascinating.

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MAY 2022 Which women from history inspire you? Why? Women throughout history are inspiring but women who have taken bold acts to further their position and for the greater good are definitely the type of women I would like to follow behind such as Emmeline Pankhurst and Emily Davison who were fierce feminists within the suffragette movement. I also find women who have been previously overlooked such as Henry VII’s wives having their full stories told rather than being cast as a side character within someone else’s narrative quite inspiring as it shows that every woman in history has an important story to be told that is worth hearing about.

Which women today inspire you? Why? Many different women today inspire me, my mum, sisters, and aunties are all very big inspirations of mine as they are all vastly different, but all show the personality traits and characteristics that I want to show within myself. In the wider world, leaders such as Jacinda Arden are very inspirational due to showing the amazing progress and revolutionary steps that can be taken when women are in power. I also unashamedly love many female artists such as Taylor Swift, despite maybe not being the most political or highbrow choice, I find the confidence they provide and their relatability to young female fanbases amazing as young women need relatable women in the media who also bring out some brilliant tunes!

What are your plans for the future?

Looking forward I’m planning to study Psychology at the University of York and hopefully go on to study a Master's in business/marketing. I’m just taking the future one step at a time to allow me to constantly assess what path is right for me at that point.

What does Herstory mean to you?

Herstory has been an amazing opportunity to explore my interests and develop closer relationships with people that I hadn’t spoken to as much before. It has allowed me space to express my interests and knowledge in an area I’m really passionate about with people who share this same passion. I have loved being a part of Herstory and all of the exciting experiences it has provided me with.

What do you hope to see from Herstory from future year groups?

I hope the next year groups make the most of Herstory and interview even more exciting women both locally and further afield. I hope they grow it even further and interview more and more exciting women! I hope they utilise the platform and expand it to explore a wider range of topics and issues while keeping a focus on the core values of Herstory.

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