Our March meeting took us round the globe to Africa, with Eugene and Margaret Schellenberg talking to us about Ifakara Bakery project and The Free Bread Funds in Tanzania.

Eugene started off by teaching us a few words of Swahili and went on to explain how a holiday in Tanzania visiting family had turned into a mission to improve lives in an area where starvation was a constant threat. The staple diet in Ifakara was maize, which was subject to failure in adverse weather conditions and a food was needed which could be relied on all year round.

Working with the Sisters of St Francis, Eugene unfolded the story of how he and Margaret raised £30,000 to buy the necessary equipment to install a bakery including building a well to ensure the water supply. As well as commissioning the bakery, they taught the Sisters the art of making bread and set the bakery up as a thriving business now producing between 400 and 900 loaves daily.

The project continues to develop, in order to raise funds to supply free bread, particularly for children and those who are sick. It was truly inspirational to hear how this idea has turned into a lifeline that has benefitted the community in such a positive way.

The competition for the best home baked loaf of bread was won by Pat Bell . Members were updated on a number of forthcoming events including a Gardener’s Question Time taking place at Pebworth Village Hall at 3pm on March 16.

The next meeting will be at 7.30 m on Wednesday April 2 at Pebworth Village Hall, when we will hear from a volunteer at Westonbirt Arboretum and enjoy a Big Book Bonanza. Visitors will be made most welcome.

Pam Reay (Press officer)