This Is Guernsey

By Thom Ogier

Emma Cunningham, right, pictured with, left to right, musician Cerys Matthews, former Blue Peter presenter Janet Ellis and singer-turned- gardening-expert Kim Wilde.

Former Guernsey girl Emma Cunningham has been named the ultimate Woman’s Institute member.

The 35-year-old W-Icon, who now lives in Hampshire, shot to fame last month when she was named in national newspapers as president of the UK’s sexiest WI.

She will host a series of practical learning guides, along with her co-winner Valerie Wood-Gaiger MBE, aged 67, which is due to be screened on the Sky website at www.sky.com/icon.

National Federation of Women’s Institutes’ chairwoman Fay Mansell congratulated Miss Cunningham on her achievement.

‘She is an extraordinary woman with the true spirit of the WI running through her veins,’ she said.

‘With children to spoil, businesses to run, gardens to grow, books to write, cement to mix, patios to dig and curtains to hang, the WI-Icon winner is the archetypal 21st Century superwoman.’

Miss Cunningham’s friends described her as gorgeous, organised, warm, witty, strong, determined, fun-loving, vivacious and sexy.

As well as the title, she received a £10,000 prize to donate to her cause of choice.

She plans to donate her prize towards building new premises for the Little Apples of Bramley playschool

The search for the WI Icons began in June at the National Federation of Women’s Institutes’ AGM and over a few months the entries were whittled down to a shortlist of 10.

The finalists were judged by a panel of three celebrity experts including Blue Peter Icon Janet Ellis, former singer-turned-gardening-expert Kim Wilde and musician Cerys Matthews, as well as representatives from the WI and Sky TV.

The judges marked the finalists on the strength of their attitude and insight towards the environment, sustainability, healthy living, activity within the community, artistic ability and gardening know-how.

The television programmes Miss Cunningham is filming will feature tips and solutions on a wide range of subjects from economical housekeeping to making the most of the internet and will feature a sexual health advice guide for the over-50s. She offers life advice as well.

‘Do not worry about things you can’t control. And look back in history to see how our mothers and grandmothers lived before we look forward to living more green and sustainable lives,’ she said.

Article posted on 13th October, 2008 - 11.30am