Who are we?
Committee:
From left to right:
Andrew Billington – Chairman
Andrew is Chair of Mengo Friends UK. He was born in Mengo Hospital in 1949 and spent most of his early years in Uganda.
His father Roy Billington was a doctor, later Medical Superintendent, at Mengo Hospital from 1937 to 1970. Andrew is now Director of a large grant making trust called The Jack Petchey Foundation. Andrew and his wife Penney visit the hospital every two years.
Gwen Oliver – Secretary
Gwen is Secretary to Mengo Friends UK, and Editor of Mengo Notes. Gwen, Dr husband Hugh , and two very small children went out to Mengo Hospital in March 1960, where she kept house, entertained visitors, filled in with other necessary Hospital jobs, and supported Hugh in his obstetrics work.
The family returned and settled in Cambridgeshire in 1976, now with six children (most of whom have since been back to visit the Hospital). Hugh was Chair of Mengo Friends UK for years.
John Whitlock – Treasurer
John Whitlock has been Treasurer of the Friends of Mengo Hospital for a number of years. He arrived at Mengo Hospital in 1957, and was associated with the work and witness there until 1973.
He assisted as Pharmacist and Radiographer, and for a year he acted as the Hospital Administrator. He was also Treasurer of the Uganda Protestant Medical Bureau for part of that period. He has visited the Hospital twice in the last ten years.
Also: Matt Agnes, John Billinghurst, Sheck Matsiko, Christine McNally, Richard Oliver, Ruth Whitlock, Jennie Williams, and Sam Wills.
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream” – C.S. Lewis
Size of Charity:
Committee of 11 volunteers (including 1 part-time administrator)
Approximately 750 supporters in the UK - mostly individuals and church groups.
Annual Income: - £20,000-£25,000 (excluding occasional legacies/larger donations)
In the last year we have been seeking to substantially increase our support for Mengo Hospital - now facing many challenges as a result of ageing buildings, ageing and inadequate infrastructure and old/obsolete equipment. Mengo Hospital has also been faced with significant problems caused by drought (seriously affecting water and electricity supplies to the hospital).
Background
The UK Friends of Mengo Hospital began in 1959 when the first issue of Mengo Notes was printed and circulated to 1000 friends, supporters, employees and ex-employees. The “Friends” became all those who responded to this initial mailing. Mengo Notes is free, published twice a year, and sent to any who are interested in Mengo Hospital (receive Mengo Notes).
Aims
UK Friends of Mengo gained official charitable status in 1983 with the following aims:
- to advance the Christian religion in Uganda, and particularly Mengo Hospital
- to provide medical and surgical advice, and aid
- to provide training for nurses, midwives, and other medical workers in the prevention and cure of disease
“Safeguarding the rights of others is the most noble and beautiful end of a human being” – Kahlil Gibran
In 1983 Friends of Mengo UK became an ‘official group’ with charitable status.