Taunton Women's Refuge book launch (From Somerset County Gazette)

Taunton Women's Refuge book launch

12:10pm Wednesday 18th November 2009

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AROUND 70 people attended the launch of Taunton Women’s Aid publication of the history of the first 30 years of its Women’s Refuge.

The charity was formed by three groups of women – politicians, feminists and churchgoers – to provide a safe place for abused women and their children.

It opened the first refuge in 1977 and the organisation has grown considerably since then.

The idea for the book grew from preparations to celebrate the event in landmark in 2007.

Founder members, former staff and trustees gave their recollections, while current staff also contributed their thoughts.

Jean Hole, one of the founder members, wrote the book using interview material and students from The Castle School produced the illustrations.

The book is published by The Memoir Club and is available from the refuge on 01823-352948 price £7.50, with postage and packing £2.

HERE are some quotes in the book from women who have passed through the Taunton refuge.

*“He never let me work, just kept me in the house all the time. I had to sign a book with the times in if I had to go out and he put alarms on all the doors. I was a prisoner and I lost all my confidence.”

*“He cut off all contact with my family. He went through the phone bills to see if I phoned them. He’d always say I wasn’t in when they called.”

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