Together as sisters '“ women from many cultures, nations and religions

The participants travelled from London, Northampton, Portsmouth, Crawley and Brighton to provide a delightful mix for the occasion.

Music, dance, arts and crafts, empowering workshops, health-enhancing therapies, good fun and fantastic food made the event a success.

It was held in the Laburnum Centre to celebrate International Women's Day.

Cleo Matthews, one of the organisers, said: "It was a wonderful day with women from many nations, cultures and religions coming together as sisters to enjoy a day of celebration and learning together. The children had a great time too."

The festivities were the 14th to be held by the Arun International Women's Day Group. They began with accordion music by Mary Knight as the centre took on a distinctly continental feel.

The theme of women in activism was represented in the decorations around the venue of pictures of women who had made a difference in the world.

A lively lunchtime session saw women share their experiences of working in different ways in the community.

This ranged from working in The Gambia to helping Girlguiding in Bognor and from working with migrant women to making headgear for those who have lost their hair because of cancer treatment.

The whole day was a powerful show of the wide range of talents and skills of local women.

There was drumming, story telling, circle dancing and African dance.

Author Sue Walker gave an introduction to crime writing, while Hery Dyer told how to tackle depression.

Feminist charades provided some laughter and Sarah Owen introduced a group to yoga while Linda Mills did pilates. In the arts and crafts room, children and adults enjoyed painting peace mandalas and jewellery making.

Taster sessions of a wide range of therapies were on offer along with information from some 20 groups. More details from the www.aiwd.org.uk website.

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