A LEADING women's charity is taking steps to provide lighting for villages in Africa.

Soroptimist International Winchester put on a "solar tea party" to raise funds for two charities which are bringing solar power to African communities.

Soroptimist International supports Solar Aid and Little Sun, both of which use solar light products to light up those countries in Africa as the sun disappears in the early evening.

This gives students the opportunity to continue study at home by naturally powered light rather than kerosene lamps which can be dangerous and costly.

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Martha helped the charity out for her Duke of Edinburgh Award (Image: Soroptomist International Winchester)

As technology improves, this can be taken to a wider community to provide lighting for houses, clinics and businesses.

Funds are important to keep the facility going and the club organised a Solar Tea in a member’s garden to commit to our annual donations. 30 guests sat down to a sumptuous tea with help from the solar project group, diverse sandwiches, many home-baked cakes, a selection of teas and with the sun shining, it was an enjoyable afternoon.

Further funds were raised through a raffle and local produce, home made items. The total raised was over £600.

Martha, a student working on her Duke of Edinburgh Award, helped out as part of her community work she helped with the set up of the event, looked after the drinks table, served at the table, helped with the breakdown and took an interest in the Solar lamps.

She also baked cakes for the stand and contributed a washing up bowl with cleaning items, ready to give to one of the women who the charity supports.

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 Gina Bird, membership officer, said: "We like to give youngsters the opportunity for volunteer work which in turn gives them the chance to meet different people and experience other working environments."

Soroptimist International of Winchester & District supports the women’s Refuge in Winchester and also the Trinity Centre.

The group also lobbies the government for women’s rights and many other projects in the UK and overseas with the aim of transforming the lives of women and girls.

It is a global women’s organisation and celebrated 100 years since its creation in October 2021. The Winchester club celebrated 60 years in 2022.

There will be an informal open morning at Turtle Bay Restaurant in Winchester on August 25 from 11am to 1pm and members of the public are invited for a drink and a chat.