WINCHESTER Soroptimists raised hundreds of pounds for an international charity's lighting project, to help communities without electricity.

Soroptimist International (SI) Winchester and District’s harvest supper and quiz proved a popular success.

The evening at Littleton Memorial Hall on Saturday, September 30, saw 35 people take part in the quiz and enjoy the bar and raffle, raising £400 for Solar Aid.

Many guests also brought donations for Winnall Community Pantry.

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Quizzers were treated to a ‘posh ploughman’s’ halfway through, with members supplying cold meats, cheeses, salads, bread and desserts.

Hampshire Chronicle: The harvest supper spreadThe harvest supper spread (Image: Julie Blackwell)

Richard Turner, from Solar Aid, provided an update on the charity’s lighting progress. Starting off with individual solar lamps, which are given to low-income families in sub-Saharan Africa at a nominal cost, the plan is to develop the lights to illuminate whole villages and communities.

This will enable residents to continue to work, study and provide medical services where electricity is difficult to install. Solar Aid has the mission aim: “Together, we can make sure that no home, no school, no clinic in Africa is left in the dark by 2030.”

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Julie Blackwell, treasurer of Winchester Soroptimists, said: “People’s generosity knows no bounds, especially when enjoying a community event together. This will help Solar Aid with their ongoing development.”

SI Winchester is part of an organisation aiming to transform the lives of females through education, empowerment and opportunities.

The quiz and harvest supper is one of many events the club holds to support its different chosen charities.

For more information email winchestersoroptimists@gmail.com.