Apex Action Supports Motherwell Cheshire’s Crewe Women’s Day!
On Saturday 29th February 2020 Apex Action was delighted to support Motherwell Cheshire’s Crewe Women’s Day celebrations. Now in its 5th year, over 300 visitors attended the event held at Cheshire College South & West in Crewe.
This year’s theme was #BeFree, centred around being free from stigma, violence, prejudice, exploitation & discrimination. The occasion empowered women to take care of their mental & physical health, celebrated their contribution to the community, and raised funds for Motherwell Cheshire registered charity.
Apex’s Commercial Manager, Debbie Snelson was pleased to volunteer and helped on the Motherwell Cheshire stall, selling raffle tickets for the tombola. She also took part in a practical flower arranging workshop. She discovered its therapeutic benefits and made a flower decorated hat!
The event was officially opened by Kate Blakemore, Founder & CEO of Motherwell Cheshire, who raised the Motherwell Cheshire Fly High Flag. Certificates were presented to 12 inspirational Women of Crewe. They had been voted for in Motherwell Cheshire’s recent #seeitbeit campaign, this year run in memory of Councillor Dorothy Flude.
Throughout the day there were inspirational speakers including Sammy Woodhouse, campaigner, fundraiser & author of “Just a Child”. Sammy told her chilling true story about how she survived the Rotherham abuse ring. Karen Radcliffe also shared her story of how writing has helped her as a domestic abuse survivor.
The Live Lounge boasted concerts from Motherwell Cheshire, Mid Cheshire Hospitals, Crewe Lyceum and McWire choirs, as well as singing and ukulele from Kathryn Steele.
A place for quiet contemplation was provided in the Faith Room. In contrast the lively Kids Zone, sponsored by Kids Planet, Crewe offered storytime, playdough and other crafting activities.
A marketplace to showcase local small businesses and charities was set up in the main area. Students of Cheshire College South & West offered free manicures, and the hall also made space for an Irish Dance troup display that starred first-time dancers as young as age 4.
Another highlight of the day was a thrilling performance of “Ada” by Platform Theatre. In 1894 Ada worked as a ‘finisher’ in a clothing factory in Crewe. Her actions formed part of the early suffrage movement.
To top the day off, the event finished with “This is Me” – a catwalk with a surprising twist, sponsored by Foundations, Nantwich.
Debbie Snelson, Apex’s Commercial Manager commented;
“This is the first time I’ve attended this event & I absolutely loved it. I’ve come away feeling invigorated and empowered. The stories I heard, particularly Sammy Woodhouse’s will stick with me forever. I’m still digesting what she said.
It’s also given me the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. In this instance flower arranging! I’m trying to do more creative activities this year, so it was perfect. And, I surprised myself. I thought my hat with flowers looked pretty good. I just need sunshine and a picnic to go with it now!”.
The events are FREE to attend, and there are still 2 more that you can go to:
- Winsford Women’s Day, 7th March 2020, 10-4 at Warrington and Vale Royal College, Winsford
- Ellesmere Port Women’s Day – 14th March 2020, 10-4 at Cheshire College South and West, Ellesmere Port
For more information visit www.motherwellcheshirecio.com/our-services/international-womens-day/
Motherwell Cheshire is a service provided for women by women, promoting positive health and wellbeing, by offering a range of educational services, holistic therapies and mental health support. Visit www.motherwercheshirecio.com #womensupportingwomen
“Apex Action” is Apex’s volunteering & funding initiative for school & community projects. They are always up for a challenge & doing something a bit different! If you’d like to see whether they can support your project contact Debbie on debbie.snelson@apexconnected.com or call 01948 302066 to discuss further. Visit www.apexconnected.com #ApexAction
