The award-winning Executive Director of Taunton’s Brewhouse Theatre enjoyed a trip to the Houses of Parliament as part of her prize – and she met up with local MP, Gideon Amos.
Vickie Robbins won the Women in Arts and Culture category in the 2024 West Country Women Awards.
She said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Parliament and the guided tour we received as winners of the West Country Women Awards.
“It was a privilege to explore some very special spaces not usually open to the public, and inspiring to learn more about the Houses of Commons and Lords and witness the long-standing traditions of our government.
“I’m grateful to Gideon and the other MPs who took time out of their busy schedules to stop by and speak with us.
“I am especially grateful to Gideon for his tremendous support to the Arts and Culture sector in our region.
“We’re incredibly fortunate at Taunton Brewhouse to have him visit both professionally and personally with his family. “Gideon recently facilitated a meeting with Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Arts Council England, who toured many cultural venues and projects in Taunton.
“It was a fantastic opportunity to share all the positive developments happening in our town and community.”
Mr Amos congratulated Vickie on her award which he described as “a fantastic achievement.”
The MP added: “We’re lucky to have so many talented people working on arts and culture in Taunton.”
Alexis Bowater, Director of the West Country Women Awards, said: “Our aim is to recognise and celebrate women all across the West Country and to give them a platform to talk about what they do and to help to facilitate positive change. “Being able to bring Vickie and the other winners to Westminster to meet and connect with MPs, such as Gideon, is essential to that outcome.
“What we do is long-term and transformational. It’s not only about the awards themselves – we are about empowerment, communication and connection.
“We are really grateful to all of the MPs for so generously giving their time and support including Rachel Gilmour MP and host Rebecca Smith MP for helping to make this happen.
“It was a truly inspirational and change-creating day.”