A talk exploring the pioneering influence of women in Doctor Who was held in Thirsk.
The event took place at Thirsk & Carlton Miniott WI, who hosted speaker Dr Simon Fox, author of The Official BBC Doctor Who Puzzle Book, for an evening after this year’s International Women’s Day.
Dr Fox presented a talk titled The Pioneering Role of Women in Doctor Who, highlighting the impact of female talent both on and off screen throughout the show’s 60-year history.
A WI spokeswoman said:
“The talk and slideshow included details of two amazing members of the production team: Verity Lambert and Delia Derbyshire.
“Verity was the programme’s first producer and was the youngest and only female producer at the BBC in 1963, and Delia worked for the BBC’s Radiophonic Workshop and was responsible for creating the 1963 electronic version of a score by Ron Grainer for the iconic theme tune.
“Both young women overcame prejudice and the lack of opportunity common in the 1960s, to work on Doctor Who at the beginning of the series, launching their careers.”
Dr Fox also celebrated the legacy of the Doctor’s female companions and led a discussion about memorable characters throughout the show’s run.
Attendees enjoyed a chance to identify the Doctor’s companions through a slideshow of cast photographs.
One WI member recalled watching the very first episode in 1963, while others remembered parents banning the programme as too frightening.
There was lively discussion about favourite villains, ranging from Daleks to Weeping Angels.
The talk included a hands-on element, with guests invited to try on costume items such as Tom Baker’s scarf, Matt Smith’s fez, Sylvester McCoy’s jumper, hold a sonic screwdriver, and pat K9, [next level excitement there folks!]
The WI spokeswoman said:
“So, women have always been an important part of Doctor Who, both in front and behind the camera, but it took twelve Doctors to come and go before a woman was finally allowed to have the keys to the TARDIS.”
She also noted that a violet lining was added to the insides of the thirteenth Doctor’s coat sleeves, referencing the violet and green colours of the suffragettes.
