A special event is being held in Peasedown St John on Thursday, 8th March to mark International Women’s Day.

Organised by B&NES Councillor Karen Walker (Independent, Peasedown St John), the occasion will celebrate the contributions that local women have made to life in the community.

Cllr Karen Walker said: “This year, above all others, marks a huge milestone in the development of women’s rights here in the UK.

It is 100 years since the first women were given the opportunity to vote in British elections, with events planned throughout the country to commemorate the centenary.

“Our event in Peasedown, called ‘An Evening of Voices’ will hear from local women who have made a difference to our village and have inspiring stories to tell others.”

The commemorative event starts at 7 p.m. on Thursday, 8th March at St John’s Community Hall, St John’s Close BA2 8JE. Any women who would like to attend can telephone Cllr Karen Walker on: 07968 401447.

This centenary year also marks achievements for Peasedown St John’s councillors. Cllr Karen Walker is due to become the 24th Chairperson of Bath and North East Somerset Council at a special ceremony at the Guildhall in May, only the eighth woman to hold the position! And her ward colleague, Cllr Sarah Bevan, will become Peasedown St John’s longest-serving Unitary Authority councillor this year, having clocked-up fifteen years in office.

Cllr Sarah Bevan added: “This is a great year to celebrate the role of women here in Peasedown St John. For at least the last 100 years, women have worked tirelessly behind the scenes and led continuously from the front to make our community a better place.

“Cllr Walker and I certainly feel indebted to the women in Peasedown that have gone before us.”

The funding to host the International Women’s Day event in Peasedown has been provided by Cllr Karen Walker through her Initiative Fund. She’ll be dedicating much of her year in office when she becomes Chairperson to women’s rights.