Dorset Women’s Day

Dorset Women’s Day, ALL DAY, 5th March

This free and fun day unites women from across Dorset by sharing activities and topics of interest common to women in our area and across the world.

Led by the Women’s Action Network Dorset (WAND), this year’s celebration is based at the Dorford Centre in Dorchester and has a packed programme of activities including a free creche, workshops, information and traders together with refreshments to buy from our pop-up Vintage Cafe.

Previous events have attracted more than 500 participants and this year’s Women’s Day links to the centenary International Women’s Day celebrations involving millions of women across the world.

Activities and workshops include:

Jewellery making – Jezebel Jewels Learn how to make gorgeous sparkly Swarovski crystal and seed bead memory wire bracelets. The workshop is suitable for all abilities including complete beginners. All tools and materials are provided.

Laughter Workshop Join Hilary to find out why laughter really is the best medicine. Enjoy anecdotes and examples of what makes us laugh. A great stress buster

First Aid Demonstration Sara from the British Red Cross will be giving a practical demonstration in the main hall at 2.30

Oxfam Catherine will be giving a talk on the variety of women’s projects around the globe that Oxfam fund , as part of their ‘bit of a do ‘campaign. There will be a collection at this talk to help with these international projects.

Introduction to Yoga Katy Murrell will be running this session to introduce you to yoga. It is advisable not to take any food one or two hours before Yoga sessions, please wear loose, comfortable clothing is advisable, with no belts or other restrictive items (jeans, for example, are most uncomfortable). Yoga mats wil be provided. Katy will also be offering mini massages next to her stall in the main hall.

Organic Rythym – Drumming After her wonderful session at Reclaim the Night we have invited Sharon Stone to run a Samba Drumming Workshop to wake us all up.

Knitting Workshop – Suzy Compton a fun workshop aimed at beginners or people who have not knitted for ages to have a go in a relaxed and informal setting.

Textile Jewellery – no time to knit big items? Use your skills to knit jewellery. Use all sorts of thread, wire and beads and create wearable art with your knitting skills. Only basic knowledge of cast-on/off and knit stitch required, plus imagination!

Bowen Massage Joy Weafer will offer mini Bowen massage in the main hall next to her stall.

Introduction to Scrapbooking Liz Morris will be holding a practical workshop to how you how to capture your memories in an eye catching and creative manner.

The Healing Power of Foods In this workshop with Claire Whiles Nutritional Therapist, discover how foods affect us and why. What you can put into your diet and what would be good to take out to help you feel full of vitality. This is a fun and interactive workshop with lots of making of healthy foods and tastings included.

Introduction to sewing Laura reminds us how easy it is to sew. This demonstration on how to make a simple and easy cushion cover – starts from the basics such as how to thread the machine!

Skincare and make up master class Kerry from Virgin Vie gives a demo fo skincare tips and make up secrets to round the day off!

Creative Creatures Journaling workshop – making your writing interesting and creative

Growing up in a fairground family Local author Kay Townsend provides an illustrated talk on her experience growing up in a an unconventional environment.

Singing Workshop Su Lewis will be running this fun workshop helping us all to sing out loud

Dance Doctors The Dance Doctors will be teaching traditional dances from around the world in recognition fo international women’s day.

Hedgerow baskets Petra shares how to make best creative use of the materials we find all around us growing wild.

Bourne Reiki Workshop Receiving Reiki begins by lying down on a treatment couch fully clothed, closing your eyes and listening to gentle soothing music, which helps to induce a state of deep relaxation. Karen Johnson will gently lay her hands on a volunteer, non-intrusively, in a series of positions.

Assertiveness Workshop Our chairman Carol Lewis will be running a workshop on assertiveness.

Rubbish Ideas Tracey Smith, author, WAND Patron and soon to be TV presenter will be running a workshop on reducing our rubbish and recycling.

Bagatelle will be providing entertainment over lunch.

From Vintage Dorset In addition to tea, cakes and savory bites to buy, Vintage Dorset will also have loads of information about hiring vintage crockery and

“Make Time For Tea” with heart-shaped broaches available from the Eve Appeal – the charity that researches and supports less well-known women’s cancers.

Free cupcake and tea for anyone who has a fund raising tea party with their friends in aid of the Eve Appeal.

International Women’s Day has its centenary on 8th March this year so the Dorset Women’s Day is part of these global celebrations that involve millions of women worldwide.