Julie Harris, of Ugandaid, illuminated members of the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Inner Wheel about ‘Knickers to Uganda’ at their September meeting.

Too poor to buy knickers, the young girls of Uganda’s Masese township were suffering from sexual abuse, lack of dignity and self worth. Until Julie arrived, armed with with knickers and set about teaching them how to make pantie liners and sanitary pads to fit in them.

It has transformed their lives, and, alongside the vision of local Pastor, Alfred, and his daugther, Christine, to build schools and provide education, their futures have been turned around.

Last year, nearly 2,000 knickers were donated to the project, and now the local community has its own sanitary wear production line.

With Macedona Vision Africa, Julie, her husband and other volunteers, regularly visit Jinja and Masese, where there is an ongoing building and refurbishment programme of community, health and education buildings.

“We go to enable, not to impose,” said Julie, who urged listeners to join a visit and see for themselves. She was thanked by Linda Tanner and given a donation towards MVA, plus lots of knickers that members had collected.

The club is now looking forward to a visit from District Chairman, Lynn Evans, and to its 60th Anniversary Charter night at the Swan Hotel in Wells on October 28th.

New members are always welcome.

Sue Meadows