Chairman of Wilmslow Wells honoured as Cheshire Woman of the Year 2005 The 2005 Cheshire Woman of the Year title, sponsored by Cheshire Life, was awarded to Joanna Southgate, Chairman of Wilmslow Wells for Africa. Joanna received the award, and a cheque for The lunch was preceded by a reception with the Lady Mayoress of Chester for the nominees and distinguished guests. The guest speaker was Joanna Jepson, Curate of St Michael's Church, Chester, who had taken Hereford Police to the High Court because of their failure to prosecute doctors who had performed a late abortion on a foetus with a cleft lip and palate. Proceeds from the event were donated to NSPCC.rn rnThe award recognised that Joanna had 'worked tirelessly' over the last twelve years as a Trustee and fund raising organiser for this Cheshire based charity. During that time she has overseen significant growth in the turnover of the charity while ensuring that over 98% of monies raised are spent effectively in Africa. The nomination noted that the fund raising events are important to the community in Wilmslow, and that the funds raised are committed to improving life in impoverished African communities. Not only does the provision of clean water bring immediate health improvements but it saves the village women from spending many hours collecting water and allows them to spend time more productively, helping to grow food and make things to sell. The children are able to attend school. rn rnJoanna was inspired to get involved in Wilmslow Wells for Africa in 1993 after hearing a talk from its founder, Brenda Mottershead. Brenda had witnessed the problems created by lack of a clean water supply while she was working as a teacher in Soweto, South Africa. From her initial attempt to sponsor a single well the charity has grown to support 75 projects across Africa.