Women's Fellowship Events at
St Peter's Church Farnborough, Hampshire
Church of England, Diocese of Guildford

Return to Madagascar - Diane Patridge

Our original speaker Gerald Howarth had been booked since last year, but since the General Election he has been made a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the MOD. He sent his apologies that he was unable to come as he was required to attend the House of Commons for the debate on the Queens Speech, at the State Opening of Parliament, on defence. We hope that he will be able to visit us at a future date with his wife Lizzie

We were therefore very grateful for Diane Partridge, Jill Balcombe’s sister, for stepping in with just a few days notice to come and speak to us on “Return to Madagascar”. Some of the ladies knew Diane from when she came and spoke at Holiday at Home two years ago.

Before the talk Chris welcomed all the ladies, our speaker and Heather Hughes, children’s minister, who was assisting with the technical side of showing a DVD and slides. After worship, including a hymn and a bible reading and prayer led by Jill Balcombe, Diane showed us a DVD on the orphanage  Akony Avoko (pron: A-ka-nee A-voo-koo) "The home of the Avoko flower" ) where she sponsors one of the boys, Victor. Diane heard about the place when she was the First Secretary to the British Ambassador in Madagascar and continues to support its work.

The home was set up as a refuge for young girls who would otherwise been in prison awaiting trial to prove their innocence against allegations of petty crime. The door has been open for over 40 years and they are offered shelter, care and the opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge to all those in need. The children look so happy, they are well looked after and well educated.

After the DVD Diane showed us a few photographs she took of the area when she last visited, giving us a glimpse of life and the very resourceful people, and spoke of some of the changes she had observed, including the contrast between the smart new buildings and poverty.

Diane bought a few items that had been made in the orphanage or in the area, which she displayed on a table. See photograph below.

It was a very interesting talk and DVD and we shared a very happy and interesting afternoon together finishing with questions and tea and biscuits.

To learn more about the orphanage and to receive a newsletter or support a child please go to their website:- http://www.akanyavoko.com/index.html

Photos:

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