The AAG (Alumnae Advisory Group) met this week to review a very strong field of applications from former pupils hoping to receive the special alumnae support grants, ranging in age from recent leavers up to students who left LEH 25 years ago. The resulting lively debate about the merits of each case was finally concluded with a unanimous verdict about the two deserving beneficiaries.

Jacki started her business, called Woolly Badger, while on her maternity leave. She designs and publishes knitting patterns and runs knitting workshops locally and online.

She says: “I’m absolutely chuffed to receive the Emerging Talent award. As a knitter I’m used to things taking time to create, but the amount of time I’ve spent trying to take half-decent photos and build a vaguely functional website has been far more than is reasonable. I’m very much looking forward to getting some help from some pros, so I can focus on the creative side!”

Jacki suffered from severe postnatal depression after the birth of her second son, exacerbated by the lockdowns, which began when he was seven months old. She was supported by a perinatal mental health charity called Bluebell Care and now donates 10% of all her sales to them.

She plans to spend the award on re-vamping her website, with professional photography and expert design. You can see her current website here: https://thewoollybadger.com/

Alexandra currently works as a Production Secretary for an All3 Media Production Company but runs Shaw Productions in her spare time. She will put her funding towards the post-production of a short film called Over Her Shoulder which stars two other LEH alumnae from her year: Anastasia Martin and Florence Guy. The film explores the theme of coercion and liberation.  She hopes to enter it into the 2023 Festival Circuit.

Alexandra says: “I was thrilled to hear that the project is receiving the Emerging Talent Award, and I so look forward to sharing this with the team. I know how much the themes of ‘Over Her Shoulder’ have resonated with people so far. The Award, facilitating post-production, will enable the film’s delivery and distribution. Thank you!”

Both Jacki and Alexandra will write up a full report of how they put their ETA to use which will be published next year.  Keep watching this space! 

Applications for the ETA 2023 will open at the end of the academic year.  For more information, please see the page here: https://www.hollesconnect.org.uk/pages/Emerging-Talent-Award