Christine nominated for Women of the Year Awards

Alderley Edge resident Christine Munro has been selected as one of this year's 'Women of the Year'.

Christine received a letter from Baroness Helena Kennedy yesterday informing her she has been selected as one of their Women of Achievement for 2011.

Christine has been invited to attend their awards lunch at the InterContinental Hotel on Park Lane, London on 17th October.

Now in its 56th year, The Women of the Year Lunch is a key event celebrating and recognising the achievements of outstanding women in society from all walks of life; from politics to business, from healthcare to the shopfloor.

Each year 400 of the most inspirational women of the year are carefully selected from an extensive list of nominees by the Women of the Year Council.

President of The Women of the Year, Helen Kennedy said "The lunch celebrates women's triumphs over adversity; their inventiveness; their humanity, their compassion and dedication in many fields; their sporting and artistic glory; their creativity and sheer genius.

"This lunch demonstrates that women are making a huge difference and that the world can be changed for the better. One woman's success may not mean the world has changed but lauding it, cheering it, gives courage and inspiration to others."

Christine Munro told me "I honestly have no idea why I have been selected. I just feel very honoured to be asked and absolutely amazed, I can't believe it is me.

"My life has changed so much over the last ten years and I just feel I am so lucky that at my advanced age I have so many opportunities and challenges put before me. I enjoy every day and can't wait for the next moment when something new might come along which will give me something exciting to think about and hopefully achieve."

Christine Munro really is a remarkable lady and I am delighted that she has been recognised for her achievements, amongst which are this year's Alderley Edge May Fair - a fantastic community event organised by Christine and Soroptimist International.

Christine, 73, has been raising funds for The Christie for over 40 years and started the Alderley Edge Farmer's Market 13 years ago to help the farmers in the area sell their produce. Christine also set up her own company, Christine's Preserves, in February 2009 with her son Hugh.

Frustrated at being unable to find a good producer of preserves for the markets she decided to make her own. It all started with a mere 17 jars of orange marmalade and now the range stands at over 30 flavours of conserves, marmalades, pickles, relishes, mustards and ketchups.

In October Christine's chilli jam, ginger marmalade and lemon marmalade were awarded gold stars at the 2010 Great Taste Awards and her products are stocked by the National Trust - proving so successful that Christine works up to 15 hours a day producing 200 jars of preserves to keep up with the demand!