Last Tuesday five lovely ladies, Andrena, Diana, Gill, Maggie and Val – three Winchester Rotarians together with two club members’ wives, experienced the rare pleasure of a day’s pampering. This was organised by another lovely Rotarian, Deborah Macartney.
The purpose of the day was to raise funds for a project called “Skills to Empower Women”, in this instance, women in Kasese, Uganda. The funds being raised are to match the District Grant recently awarded to Winchester Rotary for the purchase of advanced sewing machines for women in Kasese. These will vastly increase the scope of the garments these ladies will be able to produce, raising their financial income and increasing their independence.
Our “Spa Centre” for the day was generously given by two gentlemen, one of whom is a Winchester Rotarian. Just for the record, they volunteered to have an “away day!” In relaxing surroundings we experienced a sauna where much interesting conversation took place within the heat and steam, until several of us fell out of the door, completely cooked! There was a hot tub with beautiful garden views in addition to a sunlit garden room where we enjoyed coffee, tea and biscuits, followed by a light lunch wth Prosecco, the accent being on the Prosecco!
During the day we each in turn experienced a professional massage delivered by a delightful, calm and gentle lady called Naa who is setting up her own small business.
This was a fun, lots of laughter and friendship “girlie day.”
In Deborah’s words, “We have also raised £450 to support the women in Kasese, also raising the profile for a local, small, independent business – wonderful Naa. We will promote her in the hope of helping her to grow and succeed. Overall, in a few hours of fun and relaxation we have supported women both internationally and locally. A great achievement.”
Our thanks and appreciation to Nick and Graham for the hospitality of their home.
We look forward to our next adventure.
Diana Brooks
