Well, did you ever?

10 things you might not know about Wilmslow Wells for Africa

1. Wilmslow Wells for Africa was founded in 1983 by Brenda Mottershead, a teacher from Wilmslow, Cheshire, who recognised the need for a clean water source within African communities after she lived and worked in South Africa for several years.

2. The charity - No 328330, registered with the UK Charity Commissioners - is run by a small group of local people, supported by Churches Together in Wilmslow. They give freely of their time and expertise and expenses are kept to a minimum. The Trustees include a qualified water engineer, who is able to check technical aspects of project proposals.

3. More than 97% of all money raised is spent on water-related projects in Africa.

4. Over the last three years, an average of £33,000 a year has been raised through donations and fund-raising events.

5. Proposals for projects come through friends and trusted contacts in Britain and Africa. In many cases we work with Christian organisations so that the practical application of the Gospel, through the provision of clean water, might be witnessed by those concerned.

6. Upon completion of a project, the organisation is encouraged to send a report and photographs.

7. Wilmslow Wells for Africa has funded projects in Ghana, the Gambia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

8. The cost of supported projects varies enormously, depending on local conditions. In recent years, we sent £1,000 to Ghana to finance five hand-dug wells and £7,900 to Zambia to cover the cost of the mechanical digging of a deep borehole, plus piping and a storage tank.

9. Fund-raising events include Souperdays, Garden Tours, Concerts, Sponsored Runs, Dances and Auctions. Donations have been made by individuals, companies and varied organisations.

10. Progress of projects and forthcoming events will be posted on this website - and supporters also receive regular newsletters.

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