REDDITCH Labour Women held an afternoon tea at the Redi Centre to mark International Women’s Day on Saturday, March 12.
The group heard from local musician Carol-Ann Hartells as she told her story of endometriosis to raise awareness of the condition, and also from Laney Walsh who spoke about the realities of domestic abuse, and her work at Ahead of Well-Being and the Freedom Project.
The day was the perfect opportunity for Redditch Labour Party to celebrate and honour one of its most inspiring members – former Mayor and Councillor Pat Witherspoon.
Members, friends and supporters were invited to cake and scones before Pat was presented with a bouquet and a certificate recognising her long commitment and invaluable contribution to supporting women in the community.
A coal miner’s daughter, Pat initially worked with West Bromwich Council going on the open the town’s first Rape Crisis Centre.
In later life she worked at chief education welfare officer with Solihull Council and last year she celebrated her grand daughter being elected to Sandwell Council.
Pat said: “I am feeling extremely humbled to have received such an honour today but really it’s not about me.
“All I am is a tool of the women who went before me, the women of today having to still fight for equality, and the women to come. We will always be more than equal . I am me, you are you, I am you, you are me.
“Together we are awesome.
“Thank you all for your love and friendship.”
Women’s officer Juliet Barker Smith said: “It was a privilege to be part of not only the hard working team of women that pulled this event together, but also to stand and celebrate International Women’s Day with such amazing pillars of the town.
“Women who have supported the vulnerable, women who have overcome or are fighting illness with incredible grace, musicians, political figures, medical professionals and educators amongst many others… it was an honour to be with them.”
Redditch Labour Women divided the proceeds from the event to Endometriosis UK, Ahead of Well-Being and the Redi Centre.
