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She Who Dares - Outdoor Pursuits Women-only group based in Essex/Hertfordshire

Women outdoor & adventure group seeks new members

Calling ALL daring women!

Photographs by Adriana Potts

Following a key funding by the Grassroots Grants, She Who Dares (SWD), an outdoor pursuits women-only group based in the Essex/Hertfordshire border, is now looking for new members..

She Who Dares (formerly known as The Women’s Group) was formed over 20 years ago and now women of all ages and abilities meet each week to take part in new and exciting challenges they may not have considered before. Activities include canoeing, kayaking, climbing, abseiling, mountain biking, problem solving, orienteering, archery, dragon boating, high ropes, rambles, dinghy sailing, windsurfing, rowing and more.

The group meets most Wednesday mornings (9.30 to 12.00) throughout the year (during Essex school term time) and some activities take place at specific venues such as Harlow outdoor Pursuits Centre or the Enfield Scout Sailing Association (ESSA), although sometimes members travel to other venues for different events.

Grassroots Grant

The recruitment drive for new members was made easier by the group achieving £4,500 of grant money from the Grassroots Grants, which is funded by the Office of the Third Sector.

“The Office of the Third Sector is committed to support thousands of voluntary and community groups throughout England. This grant is important to us as we want to encourage more local women to participate in activities that are good for their mental and physical well-being., says Julie Abrams-Humphries, SWD’s chairperson. Julie continues: “Thanks to this grant, we were able not only to acquire new equipment and training, which is important for the future of the group, but also to organise an open morning where women had the opportunity to experience some of the activities first hand. No previous experience was required and instructors and long-standing members were on hand to give support. Ultimately, it was a good opportunity to do something different and meet new, friendly, people.”

Open Day Success

SWD’s open morning took place on Wednesday 11^th March and was a fantastic success. There were 24 new faces, some of whom had reappeared from the past! Everyone had a great morning, met friends old and new, enjoyed the activities and ate a tasty lunch. Many have already booked to come again.

Harlow Outdoor Pursuits Centre

The open morning was held at Harlow Outdoor Pursuits Centre in Burnt Mill Lane, Harlow. After nearly a year of closure and redevelopment, the centre is now open to the public featuring new facilities such as an outdoor climbing wall with 1,000 m2 of climbing surface for all levels and abilities. This is said to be the largest climbing wall in the south east of England.

Plans for The Future

SWD already has a programme of activities for the first part of 2009 including climbing, cycling, gliding, badminton and sailing. Thanks to the grant, the group will now be able to purchase special equipment (an open canoe), take on special training (power boat course and aquatic first aid) and establish a stand-alone website, amongst other things.

“This grant is a great help but it is important that our group is still self-financed. Most sessions are only £8.00 and if we have more members, we should be able to keep it that way. Sometimes we organise fundraising sessions for only £5.00 per person,” says Julie, adding that every May the group gets away for an action packed 3-day break to experience real rock climbing, kayaking or new outdoor activities.

Julie says: “Many women join the group once their children have started nursery or school. Some once they have retired. But most join to experience a real buzz from the great sense of achievement, exhilaration and team spirit the sessions can bring.”

Women interested in joining She Who Dares should go to the website

http://www.shewhodares.info

Julie Abrams-Humphries

Chairperson She Who Dares 07917 676 540