Village Ladies Group

History of the Group

The Village Ladies was established in 1988 when our children left Papplewick Playgroup and moved on to several different schools.  We wanted to keep in touch with the friends we had made on the playgroup committee and felt we would be more successful if we had a ‘purpose’.  We continued meeting monthly with the intention of raising money for different charities, whilst enjoying ourselves and providing entertainment for others within the villages.

Structure

Since our first meeting twenty years ago we have lost five members and gained 4 new ones, and the group has remained unchanged for over ten years.  We meet monthly to share a box of wine and plan our next event.

Our AGM is held every September when the officers are decided and, the hardest part of the year – we vote which charities to support for the next twelve months.

Charities

Our constitution (yes! we do have one) says that our charities have to benefit children or local causes.  If you know a charity that would benefit from our support please let us know and we will take it forward to our next AGM

In addition to our nominated charities each year, we have also held ‘one off’ events to support worthwhile causes such as a children’s ward at the QMC. where funds have been required immediately.

The Village Ladies sponsored  Zione’s education since 2001-2012. Zione is a young girl living in Malawi who is now 18 years old and has left school. Through translators, we are also able to exchange letters with her 4-5 times a year. We now sponsor Wendel, a little boy who lives in Brazil.

We also support Vision Aid, an international charity dedicated to fighting poverty by transforming access to eye care in developing countries.  If you have any old prescription spectacles you would like to donate, please let us know and we will arrange collection

Fund Raising History

One thing we try to do is think up different ways of fundraising that will also appeal to the many different sectors of the community.  We have held many different types of events over the years..  Below is a glimpse of the events that have helped us raise almost £65,000 (see final paragraph)

As you can see from the list below, many of the popular ones are repeated frequently, but we would welcome any new ideas.  Raffle prizes are always gratefully received.

Many of the functions are themed and fancy dress is encouraged so if you have seen tramps, cowboys or even SS Officers walking round the villages they were probably on their way to a Village Ladies ‘Do’.

Themed meals with discos:
St. Trinian’s                                       Sixties
Gyspy Night                                       Wild West
World War II                                      Tramps’ Supper
Hallowe’en                                          Valentines
Mediaeval                                           Robin Hood
Salsa Night                                        Thanksgiving
Curry Night                                        Burns’ Night

Bus Trips to :
London
Harrogate
York
Chester
Stratford upon Avon
Leeds

Events:
Old Time Music Hall                              Barn Dances
Car Rallies                                          Coffee Evenings
Sponsored Scavenger Hunt                  Millionaires Evening
Auction of Promises                             Trivia Quizes
Quiz Sheets                                        Fashion Shows
Home Dining Nights                             Walks & Barbeques
Wine Tasting                                      Race Night (horses)
Car Boot Sale                                     Bring & Buy
Coast to Coast Walk                           Nearly New Sales
Carol Singing                                      Hay Ride
Outside catering                                 Flat Cap & Ferret Night
Table Top Sale

Members

Stephanie Haigh (Chairman)
Carol Spencer (Secretary)
Stephanie Roberts (Treasurer)
Linda Westwood
Sue Lord
Margaret Passey
Angela Brown
Sue Wilkinson
Barbara Smith
Teresa Shaw
Margaret Geer
Brenda Harvey

 

For more information contactCarol Spencer     0115 963 5455  carolspencer2@btinternet.com

Margaret Passey 0115 963 3271  margaret.pass@virgin.net