Span Arts, a community arts charity based in Pembrokeshire, has been awarded £13,000 to work with communities in and around Narberth on projects celebrating women.

The money, which comes from the Big Lottery, Artichoke and the Women’s Equality Network, will fund an exciting spring/summer programme of events entitled ‘Wonder Women’, linked to the 100th anniversary of UK women gaining the right to vote. The project will see women from West Wales represented at ‘Processions’, a national event in Cardiff this June; and will culminate in a fantastic spectacle at the head of Narberth Carnival on July 28.

The project kicks off with a special launch event on Sunday, March 18, in Narberth where people will have a chance to ‘Sew your Slogan’ and contribute to an embroidered graffiti wall. This will be followed by an evening screening of the award-winning film ‘Suffragette’, starring Meryl Streep, shown in partnership with WOW Wales One World Film Festival.

Kathryn Lambert, Span Arts’ manager said: “We are delighted to receive this money for Wonder Women to create something beautiful alongside the community in Narberth and publicly celebrate the wonderful women that have changed our world at a local, national and international level!”

In 1918, the Representation of the People Act was passed giving certain women over the age of 30 the right to vote. Although it still excluded many and only represented 40 per cent of the total population of women, it was a ground-breaking piece of legislation which was fought for by ordinary and extraordinary women (and men) the length and breadth of the country.

Span Arts plan to celebrate the amazing women who have furthered the struggle for equality whilst creating a space to consider what more needs to be done. They want to recognise women like Gwellian, the amazing warrior princess who died leading her army into battle near Kidwelly Castle, and Emmeline Pankhurst, leader of the Suffragettes, who visited Haverfordwest and Narberth in 1908 to gain support for the cause.

The launch event on March 18 will be taking place in two accessible venues in Narberth and is for everyone, irrespective of gender. The events are free, but please book your place through the Span Arts website or call their box office.

‘Sew Your Slogan’ workshop is drop-in at the Span Arts Gallery, 11 am - 3 pm.

‘Suffragette’ will show at the Queen’s Hall, 5:30 pm for tea and cake, 6 pm start (Certificate 12A)

For more information on ‘Wonder Women’ and other projects, check out the Span Arts website span-arts.org.uk, follow them on Facebook facebook/spanarts, or pick up the phone and get in touch on 01834 869323.