The aim of the conference is to challenge attitudes and behaviors that give rise to sexual violence and perpetrates myths around rape.  There will be a focus on the rights of victims, and ways to access support for those expereincing domestic violence and abuse.

The full programme will be circulated shortly , so make sure you are on our mailing list to receive an invite email : fantasticdorsetwomen@yahoo.co.uk

Bring your latest project and lunch – we’ll do the drinks – we are charging £2.50 to cover the venue hire- 11.00-3.00 at Doret Youth Association Headquarters, Lubbecke Way , Dorchester ( plenty of parking )

FIRST SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH FROM MAY 5TH

Meet in the Swannery car park ( charges apply) at about 10-45 for an 11.00am start – let us know if your are coming fantasticdorsetwomen@yahoo.co.uk

We raised £300 towards WAND funds which help to fund DWD and other activities.

If you would like to run a New to You Clothes Sale in yoru area, we are able to help. If it is to raise funds for WAND, we can carry out the admin, lend the rails and hangers and send a helper, if you want to fundraise for a different cause, we can hire out the rails and hangers for a fee of £50 – please note these are strong retail type rails, not the cheap ones for domestic use !

A huge vote of thanks must go to Linda and he rteam at Vintage Dorset ( www.vintagedorset.co.uk) who laid on a stunning lunchtime buffet , and kept everyones spirits high with gorgeous cakes and scones. Please visit their website – and we can reccomend them for that extra special catering.

Our new patron , Tracy Smith ( pictured left ) was delighted at the response – saying ‘The 2011 Women’s Day was spectacular! I was so proud to open it as the new Patron of WAND and it was heartwarming to see so many ladies queueing at the door before the event had officially opened.

Once they’d picked up their fab-free cotton bags for their goodies, they all made a bee-line to the registration desk to book places on the workshops, which were also free, leaving all their hard-earned cash in their pockets to spend on the goodies in the main hall and on the mouthwatering food provided by Vintage Dorset.

As well as drawing attention to fun and frivolity, the Women’s Day also managed to raise awareness of immensely important topics like domestic violence, alcohol and drug abuse and mental health issues; many of which manage to touch our lives in so many ways, yet still remain hidden under self-imposed guilty carpets. Amongst other great reasons, WAND ‘exists’ to help women ditch their negative and suppressed feelings by connecting them to local organisations and to people who can and do help.

I look forward to helping WAND elevate their profile even further within Dorset and in the wider community, so the outstanding WAND model may serve as a template to help more women in other counties too’

Believe it or not , planning for next years event has already started, so if you would like to get involved, please do get in touch

We are looking for;

Workshops

Help with publicity

Stands and Exhibitions

Caterers

Helpers

fantasticdorsetwomen@yahoo.co.uk