News 2024

It is now 40 years since Brenda Mottershead returned to Wilmslow after 3 years in South Africa determined to do something about the appalling hardships she had witnessed in the townships there and set up this charity. Whilst on one level it is disappointing that in 2024, we (and a number of other charities) are still needed to do the same thing, it is true that living standards for many African people have undoubtedly improved. This applies particularly to those living in newly established urban communities, although certainly not all of them. However, for many millions and particularly those in remote rural areas, little has changed for the better. Indeed, in many cases things have got worse due to factors such as global warming or wars. These are the places we aim to help, not only by bringing in a supply of fresh water but also by improving sanitation and hygiene.

We are so very fortunate here in Britain as most of us take fresh water and good hygiene standards for granted but the world is unequal and over the last few years in particular, it seems to have become increasingly more so. As the dreadful events in the Middle East become more widespread and the war in Ukraine drags on, the problems of Africa slip below the radar. That is why in this anniversary year, the trustees thought it particularly important to raise our game and do more to help, even if only in a small way.

Since Wilmslow Wells began, over £1.65 million has been raised, almost all of which has gone directly into funding projects because as we are totally volunteer run with a minimal overhead. There are now over 375 of these in 22 different African countries – at a conservative estimate, bringing fresh water to over 650,000 people. We have now also built up an extensive list of tried and tested partner organisations with whom we collaborate meaning that going forward, there is the capability to do more if the money can be raised.

So, what’s happened during this anniversary year? Firstly, we produced a book to tell the charity’s fascinating story. It’s a very interesting read and has received some great feedback. We launched it at a celebration event in June followed by a water-themed concert given by the Barnby Choir, altogether a delightful evening. The book costs £10, every penny of which goes directly into projects because production costs were generously covered by an anonymous donor.

From the end of April until June, the Wilmslow Wells Challenge took place which involved getting from Wilmslow to Wells (in Somerset) and raising sponsorship in the process. In the end, seven of us made the journey by bicycle and one had the wonderful idea of making the entire trip using his bus pass! The event seemed to capture peoples’ imagination and attracted over 300 sponsors, many of whom not only gave money but also left wonderfully supportive messages about the charity’s work.

If you were at the Celebration in June, you may have met Brenda Mottershead’s family members who were invited back. Whilst there, her niece Elizabeth read about the Aid Africa project we were planning to fund to provide 100 toilets in a part of Malawi devastated by Cyclone Freddie – she decided she would like to fund it herself – a really generous gesture.  Then her granddaughter Carys got in touch to say that she had decided to do her own WW Challenge and persuaded her mother Catherine to join her. They each resolved to walk 5 kilometres a day for 40 consecutive days, one in Leeds and the other in Cambridge. Like the other challengers, they also exceeded the target they set on their ‘Just Giving’ page.

Another piece of encouraging news was the decision made by ‘Churches Together in Wilmslow’ to nominate Wilmslow Wells as the chosen charity for this year’s Harvest Festival Appeal. Right from its inception within which they played a major part, the local churches have been tremendous supporters of Wilmslow Wells. We are grateful for the way they have allowed us to use their facilities for our various events over the years – either at no charge or a reduced rate.

A further new event took place in December. Entitled ‘9 Lectures and Carols for Curious People’, it was held at Wilmslow Guild and comprised comprise 9 short talks on a variety of topics including art, architecture, stand-up comedy, music and theatre all with a Christmas theme and interspersed with carols with mulled wine and a mince pie served in the interval. It was well supported and a really fun and unusual evening which got us in the mood for Christmas.

Alongside these extra activities, our regular events also happened. At the end of June Gardens Day was a great success in spite of the fact that we woke up to rain that morning and also had a minor crisis with our Sum-up machines the day before which meant all transactions on the day had to be in cash. We held a Spring and Autumn Souperdays again, both of which went well but the General Committee has decided that going forward, we will now only have one Souperday each year in the Spring. Then in November, the Bridge Drive took place again at Morley Green Club with  a delicious tea provided as ever!

The design for our Christmas card was once again provided by Rosemary Stubbs and printed by James Townsley with Pam Townsley putting the packs together and pricing them up. It was a lovely design and all 2,000 were sold out. It’s the last one which Rosemary is doing for us – we really appreciate how much she and James have contributed in this and other ways over many years.

A great deal of effort has gone into fundraising activities by a large number of people. The Trustees would like to thank everyone who has contributed in whatever way and say that, judging by the response we receive from Africa, the value of what you do really is appreciated.

Finally, we are pleased to report that this year we have completed and signed off 25 projects. This compares to 21 last year and 18 in 2022 so it’s good to see a steady increase. The Trustees aim to commit money to projects as soon as it is available rather than have sums sitting in the bank. Those 25 projects are distributed across 9 different countries – Uganda, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia, Mozambique, Ghana, Sierra Leone (our first there), and Rwanda.