History of the Group
The Village Ladies was established in 1988 when our children left Papplewick Playgroup and moved on to several different schools. We wanted to keep in touch with the friends we had made on the playgroup committee and felt we would be more successful if we had a ‘purpose’. We continued meeting monthly with the intention of raising money for different charities, whilst enjoying ourselves and providing entertainment for others within the villages.
Structure
Since our first meeting twenty years ago we have lost five members and gained 4 new ones, and the group has remained unchanged for over ten years. We meet monthly to share a box of wine and plan our next event.
Our AGM is held every September when the officers are decided and, the hardest part of the year – we vote which charities to support for the next twelve months.
Charities
Our constitution (yes! we do have one) says that our charities have to benefit children or local causes. If you know a charity that would benefit from our support please let us know and we will take it forward to our next AGM
In addition to our nominated charities each year, we have also held ‘one off’ events to support worthwhile such as a children’s ward at the QMC. where funds have been required immediately.
The Village Ladies sponsored Zione’s education since 2001- 2012. Zione is a young girl living in Malawi who is now 18 years old and has now left school. Through translators, we were also able to exchange letters with her 4-5 times a year. We now sponsor Wendel, a young boy who lives in Brazil.
We also support Vision Aid, an international charity dedicated to fighting poverty by transforming access to eye care in developing countries. If you have any old prescription spectacles you would like to donate, please let us know and we will arrange collection.
Fund Raising History
One thing we try to do is think up different ways of fundraising that will also appeal to the many different sectors of the community. We have held many different types of events over the years.
Many of the functions we hold are themed and fancy dress is encouraged so if you have seen tramps, cowboys or even SS Officers walking round the villages they were probably on their way to a Village Ladies ‘Do’.
Initially we split the money raised each year between two charities, but now raise £1,000 for each charity and are always looking for new causes to support as well as new fund raising ideas.
For more information contact
Carol Spencer 0115 963 5455 carolspencer2@btinternet.com
Margaret Allan 0115 963 3271 margaret.pass@virgin.net