Womens Action Network Dorset

This year’s Woman’s Day will take place on Saturday March 9^th 2013 from 10AM – 4PM Dorford Centre Dorchester.  The event celebrates International Woman’s Day this year being celebrated on 8^th March.

Admission to this event is free and is open to women of all ages and backgrounds.  Free crèche facilities will be available together with the opportunity to purchase delicious home-made cakes and refreshments lovingly prepared by WAND volunteers.

There will be something for everyone from a host of stallholders promoting everything relating to womanhood as well as a varied and exciting range of workshops.  These will include:-

• The Poetry of Divorce – by WAND patron Tracey West – Poet, author and broadcaster
• Jewellery making – with long-time WAND supporter Cath Coffin –  local artist and instructor
• Singing Workshop – with WAND member Hilary Foggo
• House of Colour – presented by Vicky Gray – a welcome return to a WAND favourite!
• Basket weaving – with Cath Prately: £10.00 (please book in advance)

New this year will be THE RUMMAGE ROOM – an opportunity for people to donate any unwanted woman’s clothes, accessorises and books (all clean and in good condition) and pick up something new to you – GOK WAN style comes to Dorchester!  Proceeds will go to WAND to support other events.

Click here to see the Final Programme DWD 2013 (4 March) (subject to minor changes).

Further information can be obtained from Emma on 01305 252204 or Toni on 01305 848689

If you would like to have a stall at this event or simply like to learn more about WAND, please get in touch.

E-mail fantasticdorsetwomen@yahoo.co.uk

Reclaim 2012

Here is a photo from the Reclaim the Night event on Saturday to highlight the International end Violence Against Women day and campaign that was held by the Women’s Action Network Dorset (WAND) at Dorchester Town Hall on Saturday night.The event began with a drumming workshop with the excellent ‘Organic Rhythm’.  Once we were warmed up and had learnt some samba rhythms, we took to the streets, despite the rain, with our drums beating out a shared song to ‘reclaim the streets’.  We had a great response form those brave locals who were also out in the rain and had people joining in and dancing as well as waving us on.

Then we went back to the Town hall where we had a shared supper and held an auction to raise money for children living in the West Dorset Refuge this Christmas.

The auction prizes were donated by local business, who despite difficult times were extremely generous and helped WAND to raise over £200 which will be used for the children living in the refuge this Christmas to go to the pantomime and give them a bit of money to buy a present for their mum.

Despite the terrible weather conditions we had a good turnout for this event which helps to remind people of the very serious and devastating harm caused by living with domestic violence and abuse.  You can see an article from Dorset Echo at:

http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/localnews/10070484.Women_march_in_Dorchester_to_combat_domestic__violence/

If there are any women out there who are suffering in this way there are places that they can go for help. They can call the West Dorset Refuge helpline which is staffed 24 hours a day on 01305 262444 or contact the countywide outreach service – Youfirst on 0800 0325204.

We’ve decided to postpone Craft Bitch at least until the new year – more details to follow in 2013.

WAND was awarded by the Dorset Volunteer Centre Awards at a ceremony on 25 October 2012 for our work on raising awareness of dometic violence and abuse.  Thank you for our nomination.

Sorry for the late notice but due to illness we are having to cancel this months Crafty Bitch Session.

We will be running our next session on Saturday 6^th October and would be very happy to see you.