Tess Hart MBE, Chairman of Cumbria Women of the Year, pays tribute to remarkable and inspiring women in the county.

During 2014, many moving services have been held across the county to commemorate the centenary of the start of World War 1 and to remember the servicemen and women who left these shores, never to return.

As the towns and villages were left without a large majority of their menfolk it became the responsibility of women to undertake tasks and duties that had previously been a male preserve and roughly two million women replaced men at their jobs.

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Women were required to work extensively on the land, in industry and engineering and transport.

Women were involved in vital munitions factories and other male-dominated roles, such as loading and unloading coal and building ships.

Many women who had previously worked as domestic servants for the upper and middle classes were able to find more rewarding work in industry and alternative sources of employment.

When the war ended the expectations of many women had changed. They had been the backbone of their communities through the war years and they wished to embrace and enhance their new status.

Today, women have a significant socio economic impact within their communities and have shown through the more recent disasters of foot and mouth and the floods in this county that they have been vital to the survival of many of the region’s farms by their ability to diversify and develop new and successful businesses.

Women play an enormous role in enhancing effective networks and partnerships and collaboration across different agencies in a time when resources are finite and the need for shared best practice is essential.

The voluntary and community sectors are a vibrant part of this network and their value to our neighbourhood, alongside those who have caring responsibilities, cannot be over-stated. Many vital services would not continue without this ongoing commitment.

The Cumbria Women of the Year event, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, was established to acknowledge and honour the enormous contribution made by so many unsung heroines across the county at a prestigious lunch, which will be held in the Lake District at Storrs Hall Hotel in December.

Nominations are sought from members of the public about women across the county and from all walks of life who make a significant and meaningful difference to those around them in their families, neighbours, their workplace or communities.

The Chairman and organising committee want to hear about women who work tirelessly for good causes, volunteering to set up new services for both young and old, organising fund-raising events and maintaining, developing or expanding vital services. So many have a wonderful zest for life with a zeal to help others less fortunate.

Many are the driving force and inspiration behind important projects in their area and have developed excellent leadership and communication skills at all levels. They inspire others by the dedication they show in their work.

Others are recognised for their courage in overcoming adversity or being a listening ear and source of sound advice with empathy, intuition and generosity of spirit.

The breadth of skills and dedication is vast and the effect of these women in holding together our communities is enormous.

Each year, alongside the award for The Cumbria Woman of the Year, a trophy is also presented to a Lifetime Achievement Award winner.

In 2013 this award went to Hazel Relph, a remarkable and resilient woman from the Borrowdale Valley.

If you know of someone who deserves to be nominated for the Cumbria Women of the Year Award go to www.cumbriawomenoftheyear.co.uk where you can download a nomination form to complete or request a nomination form from 01228573244.

The closing date for nominations is September 30. We also hope to hear about those involved in the field of agriculture, sport and the environment