AN EVENT in Wokingham brought together residents from across the community to hear inspiring stories, share experiences and celebrate the achievements of women locally.
Town Mayor Cllr Lou Timlin hosted a special gathering to mark International Women’s Day in the Town Hall.
Guest speakers at the event were founder and CEO of Kaleidoscopic UK Vickie Robertson; Annette Medhurst, manager of Wokingham Foodbank; and Debs Morrison, CEO of CLASP Wokingham.
Vickie Robertson shared her powerful journey from surviving to thriving, explaining how helping others heal has become her greatest passion.
Annette Medhurst spoke about her move from a career in science into community work, balancing family life and advocating for change in Wokingham.
And Debs Morrison reflected on the crossroads that shaped her career, her many years working in male-dominated industries, and why her current role supporting people with learning disabilities has been the most rewarding of all.
Local poet Fiona Dignan also performed a poem written especially for the event.
The Town Hall was decorated by the Barkham Hookers and a raffle featured prizes including a crocheted Greta Thunberg doll donated by Gaynor from the Barkham Hookers, signed copies of Fiona Dignan’s poem, and vouchers donated by local businesses Fiona Parry and Feather and Sole.
Lou Timlin said: “It was incredible to see so many women from our community in the beautiful Town Hall to celebrate International Women’s Day.
“I must give a huge thanks to our speakers, Vickie Robertson, Annette Medhurst and Debs Morrison, who showed such bravery in sharing their personal journeys with us.
“With part of the evening set aside for a panel discussion and informal conversation, we fielded questions such as which policies would help women in the workplace and which women we admire on the world stage.
“It was also lovely to hear that many audience members said they would return next year and even bring husbands and sons with them.
“I’d like to thank everyone who attended and supported our International Women’s Day event this year, and I’m already thinking about what we can do next time.”
The event raised almost £650 through ticket sales, the raffle and bar takings.
The funds will be shared between the speakers’ organisations.
For information, visit: kaleidoscopic.uk, wokingham.foodbank.org.uk, and claspwokingham.org
