A CRAFT-based theme brought together more than 30 women on Women’s Enterprise Day.

The evening, organised by the Penrith Rural Women’s Network at Abbott Lodge Jersey Ice Cream Farm looked at three local businesses.

Speakers included Clare Farley of Pinfold Pottery, Dorthe Pratt of the Sedbergh Soap Company and Pam Hall of The Wool Clip, who all spoke briefly about how their businesses had started and grown and their hopes for future developments.

Sally Seed of Stoneleigh Communications, who organised the meeting said: “Each speaker had a completely different background and different reasons for setting up their businesses.

“It was fascinating to hear their stories, see their products and also get an insight into what they have learned as their businesses have changed and developed.”

Tracey Errington of Market Sense who leads the Penrith RWN group said: “We had lots of new faces along to the meeting,” said “It turned out to be a great combination of interesting business stories, useful networking and a chance to do a bit of Christmas shopping as well.”

The next meeting of the Penrith RWN will be on Wednesday 21 January at Eden Conference Barn when local IT consultant, Ross McDonald, will be leading a session on IT problem solving. New members are always welcome – please contact Tracey on 01768 895964 for further details.