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The United Kingdom's most iconic female
politician came face to face with one of World's biggest legends when
Margaret Thatcher met up with Tina Turner this week. The former prime
minister and the enduring pop star were both among the celebs being
honoured at the "Women Of The Year Awards" in London.
Baroness Thatcher, who turned 80 just a
few weeks ago, was presented with the lifetime achievement trophy in
recognition of her career in politics. "I am honoured and delighted to
have been chosen to receive this award," she said. "Over the course of
my lifetime the role played by women has changed beyond what was
imaginable 80 years ago."
The celebrities and VIPs gathered in the
capital's Guildhall will have been well aware of the important role the
politician herself played in inspiring social change. The Iron Lady, as
she was once known, also called on the next generation of British women
to continue pushing for greater opportunities and equality.
Turner was equally overjoyed at being
named a winner for her contribution to music. "I'm so thrilled and
honoured," enthused the still-glamorous 66-year-old. "It has been a
delight to be here in London, a city dear to my heart as it's the place
where the UK fans gave me my first break as a solo performer in 1983."
Turner received the new Women of the Year
award for her enduring contribution to music across the world. The
66-year-old singer released her greatest hits album in February, which
was one of the biggest International hits of the year.
The Women of the Year Award is a new award
to be made each year by the Women of the Year organizers to an
exceptional woman whose conduct in both her personal and her public life
has been both brave and bold, building her life on her own terms and
motivating women throughout the world to survive and to succeed with
style and character.
Fellow musician and current president of
Women of the Year, Joan Armatrading, who presented Turner with her
award, said: "She is a true superstar who has overcome so much in
her personal life to get to the top and stay there, entertaining and
inspiring women the world over."
Among the other praiseworthy women basking
in glory were the McCarthy sisters, who won an outstanding achievement
trophy for their campaign to bring their brother's killers to justice,
and nurse Claire Bertschinger, whose work in Ethiopia inspired Bob
Geldof to stage the Live Aid concerts. |
