Wellies are just the thing for the mud and endless puddles of a great British winter. But which come out on top when it comes to walking? With their slip-on design and less-than-grippy tread, wellies can rapidly become more of a chore than a pleasure to walk in. They could bin these concrete wellies, leave that low-paid job without sacrificing their income and ability to be a mother, or upskill for a more senior position. Covid has widened equality gap

Jimmy, 70, said in the Lancashire Evening Post (LEP) that he first donned them in a Manchester club in an effort to “get a laugh on my entrance by being visually funny… to help me win over some of the more hostile audiences”.Single-parent households are more likely to be under financial strain, worsened by women generally having more responsibility for home-schooling, housework and childcare. Famous entertainer Jimmy was the headline performer of a national music hall tour during 2013 and the Nottingham venue was one of the autumn dates in the show’s schedule. Stylish yet practical, these full-length boots combine high-quality leather with a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane for ultimate comfort and protection. The calf width is adjustable, the footbed is secure and cushioned, and the outsole offers decent grip in most conditions. The leather will need regular care, especially if exposed to water - but if well looked after, they'll last. Ideal for pub walks, dog walks, and even horse riding. I started Women’s Business Station because I wanted to support women setting up their own businesses and create a supportive community to help like-minded women achieve their goals. With the help of some incredibly generous local business mentors, the social enterprise has trained, advised and supported hundreds of women since we launched just 18 months ago. This high-top winter version of a classic trekking boot combines full-length lacing with a Gore-Tex lining and leather and synthetic upper. The design provides superior fit, grip and all-day comfort compared with a welly - but isn't as high or submersible. They're also more expensive than most, and require more care. But they're a joy to wear, and will be durable and long-lasting. Best for wet-weather walks, rather than wading.

And he also related the story of how recently they were the focus of a photo shoot by Andy Hollingworth, a photographer who specialises in comedy. The Big Red Seat Appeal aims to raise enough funds to replace all 2,500 seats in the Royal Concert Hall auditorium in Nottingham. The Northern Irish entertainer is famous for wearing the green wellies – marked with the letters R and L – on the wrong feet during his acts. They started their musical careers as children and achieved further success as teen-music idols, going on to produce a hit television show and also perform as solo and group artists. Good for them, you might say. You might have a business idea too, a dream ‘but it’s not going to happen’– or so you tell yourself.An all-rubber outer means these boots are completely waterproof, while full-length lacing holds the foot securely for a good fit. The upper is comfortably padded, while underfoot the tread is grippy, with an integrated steel shank for excellent protection. Best suited to wet and muddy walking, they're also good for gardening thanks to the shank. They come up large, so you may need to go down a size. Jimmy also told of the time a pair of concrete wellingtons presented to him by fellow funnyman Ken Dodd were stolen from his garden in Rochdale (they still haven’t been found). In every care home, shop and office – largely women-dominated sectors which have been most disrupted by Covid – there’s a quiet army of undervalued and low-paid women with a vision, talent and something they’d love to do instead. Women weighed down by concrete wellies Some of them come to Women’s Business Station – yes, nearly 70% of our members are over the age of 40, their kids often having flown the nest. Often dissuaded from approaching rival business support agencies, they’re attracted by the supportive community we’ve grown - a safe space at a scary time and, as we put it, ‘the first stop to the best start’. But even then, many self-employed women underpay themselves, fail to see their value and repeat the cycle. The well-known Northern Irishman comedian will be a special guest for the series of shows, called the Andy Williams Christmas Spectacular, throughout the month of December.

If Women’s Business Station came along earlier, imagine the difference we could make to their lives, their children’s futures, to our local economy. When talking about Wellington boots for professional use, the requirements are diverse and the expectations are high. It is by far not enough even if the boot is waterproof, well insulated and fitting like a glove. Boots for construction and industry must, for example, provide all round protection and offer long and reliable service. Only a few traditional wellies provide adequate protection for work. Special construction wellies and wellies for occupations in industry or trade are manufactured elaborately and specifically equipped to cope with all the requirements. What are the quality features? Nonetheless, it is an exciting prospect and I cannot wait to team up with the Osmonds, who have a global following and reputation. Jimmy said: “The month of December has traditionally meant pantomime time and this tour will be quite a departure for me. Pre-existing equalities were huge before Covid but now the gap is even wider. That’s where our new Aspiring Women programme will come in. Focusing on disadvantaged women, including BAME communities, we will work with 12 women at a time, taking their self-doubt and low esteem and gradually switching their mindset into one of ‘can do’. Within a nurturing environment, we’ll provide support, inspiration and training. And, if they decide not to pursue their business idea, the experience won’t be wasted – they’ll now be able to see the possibilities, take responsibility for their lives and shape a brighter future.

Dunlop C661343 Purofort Thermo+ Safety Wellingtons S4 Size UK10

In Dundee, women plough on despite earning less than women in other Scottish cities and, with 43.4% of Dundee women working part-time compared to 12.3% of men, their roles are less secure. They are weighed down by what I call ‘concrete wellies’, preventing them from moving onwards and upwards, trapped in a loop of generational poverty. So they stay where they are, sacrificing their wants and needs for their families, but then their kids leave home. What will they do now? Each Christmas card design has usually involved a big news event of the preceding year, with me pictured in the middle and passing the odd comedy quip or two! A firm favourite in our household, these boots are super-comfortable for walks and everyday adventures. The soles are grippy and protective, while allowing natural foot movement, and the leather uppers are sourced from small-scale farmers with free-roaming cattle. These aren't completely waterproof, so little feet may get wet in deep puddles, but they do protect against wet grass, pavement puddles and rain.

They could inspire their children to follow their dreams, see their worth and not just repeat the cycle. Do you work in construction and industry? Then you face many dangers and challenges every day. Heavy falling or sharp objects, protruding nails on the ground, strong chemicals … Not to mention the cold outside temperatures that you sometimes spend the whole day in. The welliesare manufactured from Dunlop Acifort with added polymers and nitrile. The sole is a PVC rubber/ Nitrile with extra traction cleats for extra grip and slip resistance. With a fun print, these ankle-height wellies are ideal for damp days in the garden, walks in wet grass, travel, and other occasions when full-length wellies seem like overkill. Made from natural rubber, they're a relaxed fit. They also have a soft lining, comfortably cushioned footbed, handy loops for pulling them on, and multidirectional lugs in the sole, for traction on slippery ground. In every care home, shop and office – largely women-dominated sectors which have been most disrupted by Covid - there’s a quiet army of undervalued and low-paid women with a vision, talent and something they’d love to do instead.Andy wanted to capture an image of Jimmy’s wellies for an exciting project, which involves him photographing iconic artefacts linked to famous comedians – either from mainstream or alternative comedy. Northern Irish entertainer Jimmy is famous for wearing wellingtons, marked with the letters R and L on the wrong feet, during his acts. The BBC, ITV, the Rochdale Observer and several radio stations were among many media organisations to report on the crime.