Because yes, it was exciting and reassuring to observe the new businesses launching or diversifying during Covid but what about those still to emerge? Look at the potential there! Some of them come to Women’s Business Station – yes, nearly 70% of our members are over the age of 40, their kids often having flown the nest. Often dissuaded from approaching rival business support agencies, they’re attracted by the supportive community we’ve grown - a safe space at a scary time and, as we put it, ‘the first stop to the best start’. But even then, many self-employed women underpay themselves, fail to see their value and repeat the cycle. Pre-existing equalities were huge before Covid but now the gap is even wider. That’s where our new Aspiring Women programme will come in. Focusing on disadvantaged women, including BAME communities, we will work with 12 women at a time, taking their self-doubt and low esteem and gradually switching their mindset into one of ‘can do’. Within a nurturing environment, we’ll provide support, inspiration and training. And, if they decide not to pursue their business idea, the experience won’t be wasted – they’ll now be able to see the possibilities, take responsibility for their lives and shape a brighter future. With 43.4% of Dundee women working part-time compared to 12.3% of men, their roles are less secure. In Dundee, women plough on despite earning less than women in other Scottish cities and, with 43.4% of Dundee women working part-time compared to 12.3% of men, their roles are less secure. They are weighed down by what I call ‘concrete wellies’, preventing them from moving onwards and upwards, trapped in a loop of generational poverty. So they stay where they are, sacrificing their wants and needs for their families, but then their kids leave home. What will they do now?

The BBC, ITV, the Rochdale Observer and several radio stations were among many media organisations to report on the crime. Although I love the art form of pantomime and the attraction it holds for children and families, I have thought for some time that there should be an alternative offering out there over the Christmas period.This show fits the bill perfectly and the atmosphere at each venue will be so uplifting that those in attendance will definitely leave in the Christmas spirit!” Saturday’s edition (21 December) of the Observer features Jimmy’s 2013 Christmas card (above right) which has him appealing to Santa Claus to retrieve his wellies and put them under his Christmas tree on the big day (see image below). They could bin these concrete wellies, leave that low-paid job without sacrificing their income and ability to be a mother, or upskill for a more senior position. Covid has widened equality gap Clearly the big event of this year has been the London Olympics, so I thought of an idea which would feature me alongside two of arguably the biggest stars from the games, Usain Bolt and Mo Farah.” Northern Irish entertainer Jimmy is famous for wearing wellingtons, marked with the letters R and L on the wrong feet, during his acts.

So what if we could capture these women earlier in their journey? Yes, they might have to hang onto that job for a while but why not aim higher, study part-time and raise their game? Longer-term, the rewards could be monumental. They could bin these concrete wellies, leave that low-paid job without sacrificing their income and ability to be a mother, or upskill for a more senior position. They could inspire their children to follow their dreams, see their worth and not just repeat the cycle. The Osmonds group first comprised brothers Alan, Wayne, Merril and Jay Osmond. They were later joined by younger siblings Donny– the most famous of all of them – and Jimmy. Their only sister Marie, who rarely sang with her brothers at that time, launched a successful solo career in 1973. The concrete wellies, which had been given to Rochdale-based Jimmy as a 50th birthday present by fellow comedian Ken Dodd, were taken from his garden in Shawclough. A firm favourite in our household, these boots are super-comfortable for walks and everyday adventures. The soles are grippy and protective, while allowing natural foot movement, and the leather uppers are sourced from small-scale farmers with free-roaming cattle. These aren't completely waterproof, so little feet may get wet in deep puddles, but they do protect against wet grass, pavement puddles and rain. Women’s Business Station team Angie De Vos, Shonagh Kelly, Abigail Donaldson, Lauren McGurk, Marianthi Macdonald, Michelle De Almeida and Kate Mason.The Northern Irish entertainer is famous for wearing the green wellies – marked with the letters R and L – on the wrong feet during his acts. He added that an old pair of his boots were currently on display at a footwear exhibition in Nottingham. They are weighed down by what I call “concrete wellies”, preventing them from moving onwards and upwards, trapped in a loop of generational poverty. The welliesare manufactured from Dunlop Acifort with added polymers and nitrile. The sole is a PVC rubber/ Nitrile with extra traction cleats for extra grip and slip resistance. These full-height, full-grain leather and suede boots offer a lighter feel and a better fit around the foot and ankle than a traditional rubber welly. However, they're pricey, and will need regular care to keep the leather looking and performing at its best. The tread is grippy, cushioned and made from partly recycled rubber. Smart, comfortable and destined for many years of use, they're ideal for walking on wet grass, moorland and forest trails. Children's

And the specially designed card is the subject of a story in his local newspaper, the Rochdale Observer.

Women's

Since singer-songwriter, composer and pianist Sir Elton John opened the Royal Concert Hall on 27 November 1982, millions of people have come through its doors to experience live performances, from every genre of music, dance and comedy. Jimmy said: “The month of December has traditionally meant pantomime time and this tour will be quite a departure for me. When talking about Wellington boots for professional use, the requirements are diverse and the expectations are high. It is by far not enough even if the boot is waterproof, well insulated and fitting like a glove. Boots for construction and industry must, for example, provide all round protection and offer long and reliable service. Only a few traditional wellies provide adequate protection for work. Special construction wellies and wellies for occupations in industry or trade are manufactured elaborately and specifically equipped to cope with all the requirements. What are the quality features? Focusing on disadvantaged women, including BAME communities, we will work with 12 women at a time, taking their self-doubt and low esteem and gradually switching their mindset into one of ‘can do’.

An all-rubber outer means these boots are completely waterproof, while full-length lacing holds the foot securely for a good fit. The upper is comfortably padded, while underfoot the tread is grippy, with an integrated steel shank for excellent protection. Best suited to wet and muddy walking, they're also good for gardening thanks to the shank. They come up large, so you may need to go down a size. The well-known Northern Irishman comedian will be a special guest for the series of shows, called the Andy Williams Christmas Spectacular, throughout the month of December. Stylish yet practical, these full-length boots combine high-quality leather with a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane for ultimate comfort and protection. The calf width is adjustable, the footbed is secure and cushioned, and the outsole offers decent grip in most conditions. The leather will need regular care, especially if exposed to water - but if well looked after, they'll last. Ideal for pub walks, dog walks, and even horse riding.This high-top winter version of a classic trekking boot combines full-length lacing with a Gore-Tex lining and leather and synthetic upper. The design provides superior fit, grip and all-day comfort compared with a welly - but isn't as high or submersible. They're also more expensive than most, and require more care. But they're a joy to wear, and will be durable and long-lasting. Best for wet-weather walks, rather than wading. With a fun print, these ankle-height wellies are ideal for damp days in the garden, walks in wet grass, travel, and other occasions when full-length wellies seem like overkill. Made from natural rubber, they're a relaxed fit. They also have a soft lining, comfortably cushioned footbed, handy loops for pulling them on, and multidirectional lugs in the sole, for traction on slippery ground.