1st December 2011

DORCHESTER: Christmas bargains and more at frock market

By Anita Harries

THE Womens Action Network Dorset (WAND) held a Winter Frock Market and Christmas Fayre in the Corn Exchange, Dorchester, to help fund next year’s Dorset Women’s Day.

Rummaging through their wardrobes, the ladies of the county town brought along all those winter clothes they didn’t wear last year, those they bought on impulse and then wished they hadn’t, and those that no longer fit.

Those who were selling filled rack after rack and those who were buying had plenty to choose from. There was evening wear, jumpers, trousers, skirts, dresses, tops, coats, and shoes to help replenish the wardrobe, with everyone keen to purchase some “new-to-you” additions to their personal fashion collections. And WAND retained 30 per cent commission on each sale to help support Dorset Women’s Day.

To accompany the Frock Market, WAND had also organised a Christmas fayre for those extra special stocking fillers and Christmas gifts.

Molly Rennie was on hand with some clever marketing to raise money for West Dorset Women’s Refuge. Delicate china cups and saucers were sold as ideal presents for anyone taking part in a “Secret Santa”, with Molly herself giving excellent advice as to how you could fill the cups.

Everywhere you looked there were handmade cards, gift tags, Christmas decorations, and stocking fillers. Toys, gifts, jewellery, handbags, quilts, beautiful silk and cashmere scarves, and fabric covered notebooks were all there to tempt the shopper.

Cath Coffin Creative Jewellery, Happy Pink, Little Spinney hand-crafted cards, and wonderful t-shirts from Compassionate Dorset all created a lovely Christmas shopping experience. And Santa’s Secrets were there with their amazing handmade stockings and gift bags, delightful gift boxes and bottle bags, and tempting assortment of decorations.

For those who are unfamiliar with WAND, this is an organisation open to any women aged 16 plus who live or work anywhere in Dorset. They foster a sense of community amongst the women of the county, and engage in social events such as cinema and shopping trips.

They campaign on women’s issues such as sexual and mental health, breastfeeding and maternity services, and act as a consultative body helping public bodies to fulfill their legal duties under the Equality Act 2010.

They offer support for women on a whole range of special issues, and use the knowledge and experience of members to signpost useful organisations and services of benefit to women. And finally, they host debates and conferences on women’s issues. Now five years old, they have more than 500 members.

If you would like to become involved, or learn more about WAND, please visit their website www.wandwomen.org.uk or phone Emma or Sue on 01305 252314, daytime only.

PICTURE 1: Fiona Kent-Ledger, WAND member and representative from partner organisation POPP, and WAND member Noella Green, with some of the frock sale items

DORCHESTER: Christmas bargains and more at frock market

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