HAVE you heard the saying “There is no such thing as a free lunch” our speakers Eugene and Margaret Schellenberg found this out when they visited their son in Ifakara, Tanzania.
They were invited to lunch by Sister Josepha who, it turned out, was the local electrician. Eugene and Margaret were asked to help build a bakery, because the nuns felt that with bread to eat the people wouldn’t starve. After some discussion about costs and affordability for the people Eugene and Margaret came home to fund raise for the project. They also left a list of requirements for the people of Ifakara to prepare a bakery eg tile walls ,get clean running water to name but a few. It would cost £30,000 to fund and build the bakery. It was an achievement to raise the money without the help from the major charities but in 2001 the equipment was bought and sent out ready to be installed. They visited again and taught the Sisters the art of making bread. This bakery is now self sufficient producing 400- 900 loaves each day ,employing local people. The container used for the transport of the equipment has been converted and is now used as a shop, nothing gets wasted. Eugene and Margaret continue to fund raise to support a Leprosy Centre , several wards in the district hospital, nursery and primary schools and a Centre for children with learning disabilities to ensure that they to can have bread each day. The cost of administration and travelling is borne by Eugene and Margaret so that all money raised goes to the project. if any other group would like an excellent speaker I will be happy to pass on details they certainly kept our members enthralled.
Our next meeting on November 4 at the Civic Centre will be Catherine Jones talking about Isle of Man.
The skittles group continue to meet on the second Tuesday of the month at the Sports Centre, Defford Road at 10am. and for coffee at 11am. they will be happy to welcome new members
We are a friendly group, who would like to welcome new members to join us, for further information please contact me on 01386550177
MARIAN COULTON
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