Tricia Stewart was born in Sunderland in the North East of England. She trained as a diagnostic radiographer, moving to Skipton in Yorkshire in February 1973, with her husband Ian, who worked for Ilford in the x-ray division. Tricia worked at Airedale General Hospital, leaving in 1976 to have daughter Lizzi. Her son, Micky, was born in 1978.
After living in Skipton for 10 years, they moved into a small village of Cracoe in the Yorkshire Dales. On arrival in Cracoe, a neighbour, Angela Baker invited her to join the WI, telling her that the locals would think she was funny if she didn’t join.
So Tricia joined Rylstone & District WI in 1985 and became great friends with Angela. She was an active member, entering WI competitions (sometimes gaining high marks) and serving as Treasurer for 2 years.
In February 1998 John Baker, Angela’s husband, was diagnosed with non Hodgkins Lymphoma. Sadly he died just five months later and, to raise funds in his memory, Tricia’s idea for the alternative WI calendar was born. Visit The Calendar Girls Story to find out more.
Tricia and Ian still live in the Yorkshire Dales and, as well as undertaking regular speaking engagements about her Calendar Girls experience, Tricia runs Body Control Pilates classes.