ACTRESS Dame Harriet Walter will be in Dorchester next weekend helping to celebrate Dorset Women’s Day.

She will be attending the event as patron of Women’s Action Network Dorset (WAND).

The group’s other patron, author and performance poet Tracey West, will also be attending.

WAND’s annual Dorset Women’s Day will be taking place at the Dorford Centre in Dorchester on Saturday, March 1 from 10am to 3.30pm. The event celebrates Intern-ational Woman’s Day on March 8.

Admission is free and is open to all women. Free crèche facilities will be available.

Dame Harriet, pictured left, said: “It is great that WAND are focusing on women on March 1, but let’s make sure women all over the world are listened to and noticed on all of the remaining 364 days of the year as well.”

Tracey West, pictured right, said: “This is a celebration of what we busy Dorset women can achieve. Today is a great day for revelling in sisterhood.”

WAND say there will be something for everyone at the event from stallholders promoting everything relating to womanhood as well as workshops, including crochet, scrapbooking, publishing, jewellery making, pottery and cookery.

The Rummage Room is back, an opportunity for people to donate any unwanted woman’s clothes, accessorises and books and pick up something new to you.

Proceeds will go to WAND.

New this year is the pamper room.

Come along and treat yourself to a massage or a new hair-do.

Chairman of WAND, Susan Bickle, said: “This is going to be another fantastic day. Both our amazing patrons will be attending, Harriet Walter, actor and writer, and Tracey West, author, broadcaster and poet. So come along and join us.”

The programme for the day, including the cost of workshops and the pamper room, is available at the WAND website wandwoman.org.uk and also in libraries and tourist information offices.

Further information can be obtained from Emma on 01305 252204 or email wand woman@gmail.com