A CHARITY which has helped more than a million poverty-stricken people in Africa will mark its 25th year with a theatre performance.
Send a Cow started operating from a Lapford farmhouse and as it grew it helped even more people work their way out of poverty.
As part of its milestone celebrations professional touring opera company, Opera Anywhere will perform Pirates of Penzance in the hangar at Eggesford Airfield, near Chulmleigh, to boost proceeds in order for the charity to continue its vital work.
David Bragg, one of the farmers who founded the charity, said: "We hope very much to see as many as possible at what is sure to be a very enjoyable event which will raise money to help the charity go on growing and developing.
"We are set to transform another million lives and, after 25 years, we can prove the charity works."
Since its formation, the charity has taught families the skills they need to build new lives free from poverty and hunger by providing training, livestock and seeds to grow their own food.
In turn, these families then pass on young livestock, seeds or and the skills they have learned on to others to help build stronger communities, confidence and self-respect.
Mr Bragg said: "We don't offer a quick-fix solution to poverty and rural development – we're in for the long haul.
"We typically work with groups of farmers for five years to effect substantial and sustainable change. We also acknowledge from the outset that issues such as gender equality, health and family harmony are just as vital to the success of development programmes in Africa as simple livestock provision."
The performance, on Saturday, August 31, will begin at 7.30pm. and show-goers are invited to bring a picnic from 5.30pm so they can enjoy the views of the Devon countryside from the airfield.
A bar will feature and ice cream and other refreshments will be available.
Organisers hope for a warm summer evening but the performance will be under cover.
Tickets cost £15 for adults and £7.50 for children up to 12 and are available from Eggesford Gardens, any branch of North Park Vets, by calling 01363 83245 or online at www.operaanywhere.com.
