A small locally based charity run entirely by volunteers. Chipwa and Miyamba are two isolated villages on the shore of Lake Tanganyika in Zambia which have no road access due to the Great Rift escarpment. The nearest town (Mpulungu) is 20 kms across the often treacherous waters of the lake. The villages have no formal schooling or health clinic. Average life expectancy is just 34.

Bemba Villages has been set up with the aim of raising funds to provide the materials so the villagers themselves can construct a school with seven classrooms and a health clinic. The Zambian Government have given written confirmation that once the buildings are in place the State will provide the teachers and basic educational aids. Claire Powell, a Zambian based national and friend of the founding Trustee of Bemba Villages, liaises with the Zambian Board of Education and the Village Committee to establish priorities, purchase materials and control all expenditure.

Events for 2010

• 24 April - Raddington Antiques Quiz. Waterrow Church Hall. 7.00 for 7.30pm Tickets from Becky. 01398 361537
• 22 May - Plant Sale. Huish Champflower Village Hall. 2.00 - 5.00pm. Free entrance. Outdoor and indoor plants, seedlings and herbs. Tea, cakes and raffle.
• 3 June - Ben and Alfie. Waterrow Church Hall. Details to follow. Ticket. Penny. 01984 629070 or Anne. 01984 624277
• 12 June - Wivey Way Day walk. Why not join Anne and get yourself sponsored in aid of Bemba Villages?
• 25 September - Reg Meuross Charity Concert. Oake Village Hall. Details to follow. Tickets from Liz. 01984 624834
• 19 October - Charles Dowding lecture at Wyevale Garden Centre. Details to follow.
• 13 November - EVENT POSTPONED.