Women Winning Group to host one of UK’s first female prison governors who dealt with Yorkshire Ripper
One of the UK’s first female prison governors is coming to Harrogate to lift the lid on “notorious criminals” in the latest Women Winning Group talk.
The remarkable Veronica Bird OBE spent 35 years ‘inside’ as a prison governor and is well placed to give a first hand account of the inside the UK criminal justice system
With years of frontline experience managing some of the UK’s high-security prisons and most challenging inmates, the trail-blazing Veronica will share first-hand insights into the psychology behind some of the country's most high-profile offenders.
Attendees at next month’s event will discover the human stories behind the sensationalised media reports of notorious criminals, including serial rapist and child molester Rose West, the Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe, Moors Murderer Myra Hindley and many more.
Lynne Mee and Paula Stott, co-founders of Women Winning set up to shine the spotlight on Harrogate’s inspirational women past and present, say this talk is one not to be missed.
“Veronica is an elegant, energetic octogenarian and has almost total recall of her fascinating life and long career,” they said.
“Veronica was the first to speak for us when we launched the project last year and she sold out in a matter of days.
"She left guests at that event clamouring for more.
"We are delighted that she has agreed to deliver what is bound to be another spell-binding talk.”
During her career, Veronica Bird OBE turned round a basket case male prison, met many Home Secretaries, was honoured by the late Queen and was asked to improve conditions in Russian prisons.
Women Winning was launched for International Women’s Day in 2025 as a year-long project.
Such has been its success, the group decided to carry on its good work.
The Notorious Criminals talk will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2.30pm to 4.30pm at Harrogate Library on Victoria Avenue.
The event will be free to attend but donations will be welcomed for Veronica’s chosen charity the MS Society.
Booking, which opens on September 10, is essential online via North Yorkshire Libraries Eventbrite
Or book in person at Harrogate Library.