TFSR, a charity founded in 1980 from modest beginnings, today equips people across sub-Saharan Africa with vocational training, start-up support and refurbished toolkits to enable them to build sustainable livelihoods.
Winchester Rotary has been supporting TFSR for over 34 years. On Friday, 10th October we were invited to attend two 45th birthday anniversary events.
In the morning Rotarians David Farthing and Ian White enjoyed a fascinating visit to their headquarters at Marsh. A warm welcome by CEO Sarah Ingleby to approximately 70 volunteers was followed by a most interesting presentation by Ben who described how the charity has grown and continues to flourish. He emphasised that TFSR is a charity which ticks all the boxes. Donors of tools, especially the sewing machines, are always pleased to know that their much loved tools will have a worthwhile second life. Collectors enjoy meeting the donors and workshop volunteers thoroughly enjoy themselves carrying out a variety of refurbishment tasks in the workshops.
Pictured are Ian and David enjoying a quiz – ‘Guess the tool’, also the plaque awarded to Winchester Rotary in 2021, celebrating 30 years of our support for TFSR.
In the evening Nick Bell and Thomas Bwambale attended the 45th birthday celebrations, held in the grand surroundings of Minstead Lodge. We were given a glass of bubbles on arrival, then treated for an hour or so of presentations outlining the history and development of TFSR, including some details of their present projects in Africa. It was clear that they have come a long way since their humble beginnings in 1980. They continue to make progress due to their twinning with ‘Building with Heroes’ – a service for retired military personnel. The highlight, however, was a spectacular presentation by Thomas describing his time with TFSR; illustrated with some great slides and peppered with his wry jokes and humour.
It was clear throughout the evening that Thomas was well thought of by the staff and volunteers at TFSR. All in all, a very fitting celebration of Winchester Rotary’s close association with TFSR over many years.
For photos click here.
David Farthing and Nick Bell
