A number of prominent women have links with Worthing, and here are just some of them.
International Women’s Day (IWD) has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by more than a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere – it is not country, group or organisation-specific.
The theme for 2023 is #EmbraceEquity. The IWD website says: “For International Women's Day and beyond, let's all fully #EmbraceEquity. Equity isn't just a nice-to-have, it's a must-have. A focus on gender equity needs to be part of every society's DNA. And it's critical to understand the difference between equity and equality.
“The aim of the IWD 2023 #EmbraceEquity campaign theme is to get the world talking about why equal opportunities aren't enough. People start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action. Read more about this here. All IWD activity is valid, that's what makes IWD inclusive. So give equity a huge embrace.”
5. Nicollette Sheridan
Actress Nicollette Sheridan was born in Worthing in 1963. She emigrated to the USA when she was 10 and became a household name after starring in Desperate Housewives. Photo: Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images
6. Alexandra Bastedo
Actress, model and animal lover Alexandra Bastedo lived at Sea Place, Worthing, before moving to West Chiltington. Star of ITV’s The Champions and founder of ABC Champions Animal Sanctuary, she died of cancer in January, 2014, at the age of 67. Photo: National World
7. Leah Bracknell
Actress Leah Bracknell played Zoe Tate for 16 years in popular ITV soap opera Emmerdale before moving to Worthing. She was a yoga teacher and volunteered with Worthing Churches Homeless Projects, now Turning Tides. She died aged 55 on September 15, 2019, three years after being diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. Photo: Derek Martin/Sussex World
8. Lady Colin Campbell
Socialite and writer Lady Colin Campbell bought Castle Goring, on the outskirts of Worthing, in 2013. Through marriage and common ancestors, she is connected to all the royal families of Europe and has been a fixture in society and gossip columns on both sides of the Atlantic for the past four decades. In 2015, she took part in the ITV show I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! Photo: Eddie Mitchell