ASSOCIATION OF INNER WHEEL CLUBS
IN GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND
21
TODAY
IIW Theme 2015/16
Unique and United
The Objects of Inner Wheel
To promote true friendship
To encourage the ideals of personal service
To foster International understanding
Winter Edition 2015
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Dates for your Diary:
The Association Conference for 2016 is to be held in Glasgow at
the SECC
Monday April 11th, Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13th 2016
If you would like to attend Conference you must register on the Association Website. For
details of how to register. Cost of registration is £55 which allows you to attend all the
conference sessions during the two days and also the evening entertainments. If you would
like to attend Conference for the AGM only as a voting delegate or as a member of an Inner
Wheel Club then you may do so at no cost. The AGM is held on the morning of Wednesday
13th April. There has also been an option of a one day pass which will allow you to attend
one of the day sessions and the evening entertainment on that day.
Conference speakers will be Luke Simon from School in a Bag, Olivia Giles – 500 Miles. Lady
Claire Macdonald will be collecting a cheque on behalf of Marie Curie and Dr Paul Whittaker
OBE will perform instead of speaking and Sheila North will be accepting a cheque on behalf
of Parkinson’s UK. Tricia Hewitt from Calendar Girls will also be speaking.
RIBI Conference
Bournemouth 1st/2nd/3rd April 2016
Join our 2015/16 Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland President Peter Davey in
Bournemouth, April 1st – 3rd 2016, for a fantastic Rotary Conference full of fun, friendship and
inspirational speakers.
The conference is a great way to meet new people from across the isles, as well as hear from
supported projects and gain a better understanding of this incredible organisation. With amazing
guest speakers and fabulous evening entertainment, there is plenty for everyone.
The Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) are once again opening their doors as the venue for the
conference. The centre is ideally situated close to the beach and pier, gardens and town centre and
boasts a 650-space pay and display car park. The BIC is a perfect venue with excellent facilities to
provide ultimate comfort to delegates.
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IIW Convention
MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA
INTERNATIONAL INNER WHEEL CONVENTION 2018
We look forward to welcoming you to Melbourne, Australia in May 2018!
Message from Chairman Terrie
What a pleasure it is to be serving as the Chairman of District 21 this year. I have
already enjoyed the friendly welcome at the club visits and fellowships I have attended.
Thank you for your friendship and hospitality and for that of my drivers and companions
from Whitchurch. I am finding out a lot about your clubs and I am keen to share ideas
about your fun activities. I want to include some in the next magazine so please let me
have lots more we can share. Email me at terrie@terrie.org or tell me when we meet.
To encourage everyone to chat and make the September District meeting a bit less
formal you kindly got into the spirit and decorated the larger voting cards. They show
the pride you have in parts of your town as well as in Inner Wheel and all of the art
work was better than mine! We will be using the same method of voting in December.
Please be willing to second reports and proposals without being asked in advance if
you agree with the proposal. Get your club’s name on the minutes!
I attended the Rotary 1210 conference in September. It was a great chance to highlight
to Rotarians and their guests what a wonderful job we do while we are having fun.
Thank you very much to Newport, Ironbridge and Whitchurch for some of the pictures
I used in the presentation and to members who came up to speak after. I also
highlighted my charity, Look Good Feel Better. The teenager who was recovering from
cancer treatment, whose father spoke, came up to me and explained that Look Good
Feel Better had helped during her treatment.
The International Rally was a great success. The speakers were interesting and
inspiring. The amount of items donated was fantastic and we raised over £1.600 to
date. Thank you so much to Sally, our District International Officer, her committee and
club stall holders for all your hard work. And very importantly thank you for attending
and spending so freely.
I hope all Glasgow conference goers have details of the identifying sashes for the
Wednesday night Ceilidh. If not please speak to your Club Secretary.
In the lead up to Christmas I hope you and your fellow members are having lots of
Inner Wheel fun. I look forward to seeing you again soon.
Terrie – District Chairman
Message from Rotary District 2010 Governor
After two and a half years of training and preparation that grew in intensity, my District
Governor's year finally got under way. It's proving to be very demanding and busy but
I have to say I'm enjoying every minute of it. That enjoyment comes from the unfailing
goodwill, fellowship, hospitality and wonderful welcome I'm experiencing wherever I
go to clubs and events throughout our District.
The year started with the great news that the whole continent of Africa, including
Nigeria and Somalia, previous hotbeds of polio, has gone a whole year without a single
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new case. We are very close to getting the job of worldwide polio elimination done,
with just a few new cases in Afghanistan and Pakistan only, and at the International
Convention we heard Doctor Hamid Jafari, the World Health Organisation's Director
of the Elimination Campaign say 'we could now be talking about months, rather than
years.'
My visits to projects have included the Ludlow Dog Day – a stunning success, being
only the second time the club has run the event, at Stokesay Court. It was attended
by over 3000 members of the public and their dogs, and the club says they will have
cleared more than £20,000 for their charity funds.
My many visits to clubs included the Presidents Night at Whitchurch when I was able
to present Past President Roly Watts with a sapphire Paul Harris Fellowship pin to
mark 60 years of Rotary Service. During those years, in addition to serving as club
President, Roly has held District posts and most notably developed the club's
flourishing emergency telephone service.
It's pleasing to be able to report that since the start of the new Rotary year. I’ve been
able to write 28 letters of welcome to new Rotarians throughout the District. Worldwide
in Rotary last year, there was a net increase of 43000 members and it's wonderful to
be a part of that growth.
In September, we had the pleasure of welcoming our national President Peter Davey
and Sandra to our District. Peter is proving to be an extremely capable and likeable
leader of Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland. He was very impressed with the many
projects and clubs he visited.
These included the 'Fresh Hair' salon at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire,
hugely supported by all the Rotary clubs in the area. This salon, in an extremely
welcoming and relaxing atmosphere provides stylish wigs for ladies undergoing
chemotherapy and the positive effect on their morale is wonderful to see – in a very
similar way to your Chairman's chosen charity 'Look Good Feel Better.'
Another visit was to the 'Chatback' project, supported by the Dudley club. This project
aims to raise awareness among young people of the dangers of grooming for sexual
exploitation. Peter was so impressed that he has invited the ‘Chatback’ organisers and
the club to make a presentation at our National Conference in Bournemouth in April
2016.
It was a great pleasure to welcome your Chairman Terrie, accompanied by David, to
our District Conference in Llandudno. This was a terrific success with a range of
speakers providing the delegates with a whole range of emotional experiences. These
included the gallant Zigi Shipper who held the audience spellbound with his recounting
of his experience as a holocaust survivor in Auschwitz. Probably the most moving
presentation was by a father on behalf of the Teenage Cancer Trust, who told the story
of his young daughter's cancer. The audience rose to its feet when his daughter
Imogen, of whom we had expected a very sad end to the story, came on stage, having
survived to make a full recovery. The Conference ended in laughter, however, as we
listened to raconteur Derek Poulson, a great favourite with Inner Wheel, as he took us
on a hilarious tour around the accents of the British Isles.
I am looking forward to continuing my year by joining the many Inner Wheel events to
which you have so kindly invited me, and to continuing to strengthen the already close
relationship that exists between our two organisations which are so similar in our
objectives.
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Richard Green, District Governor,
Rotary International District 1210.
Report on District 21 International Rally
On October 8th over 220 members, guests and speakers descended on Lilleshall Ford
Hall for the Annual Overseas rally – now termed International!
The hall looked very inviting with pale blue chairs and tables with crisp white cloths. A
little juggling round and nearly everyone ended up with exactly the number of tables
they wanted. By ten o’clock chairs had been re-arranged, goods sorted into categories,
signing in was going on, raffle tickets were being bought, and a goodly number were
already wandering round the stalls.
At 11.20 prompt the meeting began with Health and Safety before District Chairman
Terrie lit the candle of friendship – no mean feat as the matches didn’t work! Rotary
District 2010 Governor Richard and Rotary District International Committee member
Mike Evans were acknowledged before our first speaker took the podium.
This was a couple from Intercare who briefly told us about their work to give clinics in
Africa the medical aids and basic medicines that they needed. These were distributed
directly to the clinics with no intermediary. Medicines now had to be bought – patient
medicines could no longer be re-cycled – and they used donated goods to raise the
monies required.
This was followed by Luke Simons from School in a Bag. He explained that the whole
charity had been conceived when he was with his brother on a little island off Phuket
when the Boxing Day Tsunami occurred. He was fine but his brother drowned. The
islanders were so wonderful that he wanted to give something back. A post funeral
collection raised £10,500 which he took out to the island personally. From there he
realised that in disaster areas the children suffered by having their education totally
disrupted by loss of family, schools, equipment etc. Thus School in a Bag was born
and packs distributed in remote areas to disaster stricken areas.
Lunch followed with more shopping, questioning of speakers and organisations
collecting their goods. The International Aid lorry departed bulging at the seams full
of the bags from Clubs.
At 2pm prompt everyone settled down to listen to a talk from Carole and David Gregory
who told us all about Retrak. This is a Christian organisation based in Cheadle Hulme
UK. It works with Street Children in parts of East Africa. The aim is to return children
– mostly boys - forced to live on the streets to loving family homes. Their work also
involves trying to prevent children from coming onto the streets in the first place by
supporting families in a number of ways and addressing the root causes of why
children are on the streets.
Michael Cardy from International Aid thanked us for all the goods and said he hoped
that everyone had seen the stand with pictures of Shoe Boxes and their recipients.
The raffle was drawn in record time and cheques presented. £500 each to School in
a Bag and Retrak but because everyone had been so generous on the day we were
able to give £150 each to Intercare and International Aid.
International Committee members Jenny and Anne were thanked as were Newport,
Market Drayton, Leek, Church Stretton, Wednesfield and Stafford for their stalls as
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well as the District Sales stall. The Host Club, Uttoxeter, had worked hard all day filling
in where needed.
Finally District Chairman Terrie extinguished the candle of friendship and everyone
departed around 3.30pm after a very busy but productive day. Sally Herbert – District
International Committee Chairman
Some interesting signs seen on my travels!
Toilet out of order. Please use the floor below.
In a laundromat, automatic washing machines. Please remove all your
clothes when the light goes out.
In a London department store. Bargain basement upstairs.
In an office. Would the person who took the step ladder yesterday please
bring it back, or further steps will be taken!!!!
New Members – Welcome to you all
Angela Jones – Brewood & District
Diane Weston and Pauline Adams - Dudley
Marlene Sturdy – Newport
Margo Bloor - Stone
Linda Scriven - Stone
Karis Haworth – Tettenhall
Jane Taylor - Tettenhall
Rev. Elizabeth Brown – Walsall Arboretum
Mary Fox – Wednesbury
Karen Jerrison – Wednesbury
Brenda Timmins – Wednesbury
Wedding
Christine Gamble from Ironbridge married Stephen
McIntoch on 31st October 2015 – many
congratulations to you both.
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Anniversaries – congratulations on your very special anniversary
Jean and Robert Hunter – Golden wedding – Brewood & District
Jean and Peter Wakeham – Diamond Anniversary – Brewood & District
Marie and George Kitchen – Golden Wedding on 27th June – Newport
Janet and John Griffiths – Ruby on 31st March - Stone
Jane and John Lockley – Ruby on 12th July - Stone
Barbara and George Steele from Stafford celebrate their Golden wedding on 21st
December
June and Les Bouts celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on 10th
September 2015 – Tettenhall
Elaine and Peter Leedham and Gaynor and Tony Morris from Shrewsbury celebrated
their Golden Weddings and
Joan and Ken Lunt and Joan and Peter Bevan celebrated their Diamond anniversaries.
Helen and Frank Hepton from Stafford Castle are celebrating their Ruby Anniversary
on November 7th.
Doreen and Graham Cooper celebrate their Golden Wedding on 23 rd April 2016 and
Jeanette and Malcolm Johnson celebrate their Silver Anniversary on 15 th June 2016
– both couples from Wednesbury.
Margaret and Peter Seaward celebrated their Golden wedding in October - Wellington
Caroline and Michael Osborn celebrated their Ruby anniversary in November –
Wellington
First Time Grandparents - congratulations
Margaret and Jeremy Eatough on August 17th
First Time Great Grandparents - congratulations
Joan Booth from Penkridge Club became a very proud
first time great grandmother on 23rd August when her
great grandson Jack Edward Booth was born.
Obituaries – sadly missed and fondly remembered Martin
Harwood, husband of Delize from Brewood & District.
Marjorie Clarke died on 4th July 2015. Member of Dudley Club.
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Roy, husband of Olive Ellison, from Newport
Dr Barbara March, Club Secretary and Past President in 2013/14 died in February
2015
Roy Ellison husband of Olive, PP of Newport Club
Marjorie Bassett died on 14th July. Long standing member and Past President of Stone
Inner Wheel.
John Litherland husband of Doreen Litherland - Stone
Mrs Janet Margaret Crofts (Treasurer) Wednesfield Club – 29th May 2015
Margaret Bridgman founder member and Past President of Tettenhall Club died on
23rd October 2015 – resigned in 1992.
Dorothy Oakes, Past President of Stafford Club.
Mrs Vera Ferrie, a member of Stone Inner Wheel for 42 years, serving as Treasurer
and Club correspondent.
Jean Dukes died on September 9th wife of Dr Fraser Dukes. Jean held several offices
and was President of Wolverhampton Club in 1984/85.
George Evans, husband of PDC Sheila Evans, died on 20 August 2015. Sheila was
the last President of Bilson IW before combining with Wolverhampton.
Harvey Taylor, husband of Carole Taylor, died on 28th October. Harvey was a founder
member and first President of Wrekin Rotary Club.
Transfers
Dr Saroj Shah transferred from Blackfriars to Stoke on Trent Club
Dr Meena Poarikh transferred from Blackfriars to Stoke on Trent Club
The following members have transferred from the Cheadle Club to Stoke-on-Trent
Club:
Jillian Johnson (Past District Chairman), Ann Woolridge, Kathryn Kent, Ruby Moult
and Maureen Dodd
Retirements and resignations
Muriel Taylor from Church Stretton
Diane Weston from Dudley
Sue Chalker resigned from Ironbridge in September
Pauline Downs from Market Drayton
Lynne Ewan from Market Drayton
Margaret Griffiths and Betti Martin resigned from Newport
Rosaleen Williams from Stone Club
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Irene O’Malley from Walsall
Joy Kinnings, Meirion Woolford and Lesley Martin retired from Wellington
Sue Pullinger and Chris King both from Wellington resigned in June
Beryl Hart and Angela Brittan, who was PP in 2013/13, resigned from Wolverhampton
Reports from the Clubs:
BREWOOD
Another busy 6 months for Brewood and District. President Janet handed over a
cheque for £2,000 to Carol Trigg for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Carol and her guide
dog Flora have both been inspirational. President Pat Reeve took over and her first
event was a Summer Salad lunch for Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline. We have had
speakers about Alternative Therapies and Boots No. 7 demonstrated Facial
Therapies.
We had a wonderful trip to Ginger Millinery near Powys and most had an interesting
journey there with Sat Navs with a mind of their own! We sat out in the sunshine for
lunch with red Kites gliding overhead. Pat from Ginger blocked a hat for us which she
gave as a raffle prize with the winner finishing the hat off! We then had tea and cake
before going into her studio to try on the most beautiful and elegant hats.
We supported the International Rally at Lilleshall and look forward to our October
meeting with an old friend, Marion Beagley, talking about “The Village Shop” with a
Faith Supper provided by our members.
Linda Porteous
DUDLEY
Our new President Lucy Summerfield was installed on Thursday 2 nd July in the
presence of the Mayoress of Dudley Mrs Jane Waltho and the Rev. Michael Braine.
On the 7th September Lucy invited members to her home for lunch to celebrate her
special birthday. It was a glorious day and we were able to sit outside to enjoy our
lunch. Lucy’s husband Mike, who is this year’s President of Rotary, along with two of
their daughters waited on us and provided a cake to follow the lunch.
On the 16th September 8 members attended a Spa Day at a local leisure centre. We
were able to make use of the facilities and also indulge ourselves with two treatments
of our choice. A very relaxed and pampered group went home that afternoon.
An outing to Adams Farm (of the tv programme fame) took place on Wednesday 7 th
October. Although the weather was cold members enjoyed their tour and refreshments
were available in the café but, apparently several of the party found refuge in the local
pub.
Five members attended the International Rally at Lilleshall on 8 th October.
Speakers at club meetings have included a spokesperson from the Leukaemia Appeal
Fund (Lucy’s chosen charity) and our District Chairman Terrie who gave us a potted
history of her time in Inner Wheel.
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There are many more events planned between now and Christmas which should keep
us busy.
Kate Emery
IRONBRIDGE
The Ironbridge Club held a fundraising concert in June with local musical
entertainment provided by Severn Harmony and Hadley Orpheus Male Voice Choir.
As well as being a lovely evening, a good sum of money was raised for Medic Malawi.
The club wishes massive congratulations to Christine Gamble who will be getting
married on 31st October!
In a membership drive, the club will be hosting a “Bring a Friend” evening at their
November meeting; maybe this is something your club would like to do to?
It’s that time of year again when the Christmas Wrapping timetable comes round, a
joint venture with Ironbridge Rotary, so if you’re in Telford Town Centre just before
Christmas, make sure to say hello and come and get your presents wrapped! The club
are also being kept busy planning for their “Diamond Anniversary” fellowship next May,
so keep an eye out for details.
Robyn Silcock
LEEK
On 15th April a very successful ‘Bridge Luncheon’ was held at the home of Susan Hine,
Past President. A delicious Afternoon Tea was held at President Ann’s home to
celebrate our Club’s birthday. A happy year has been completed with President Ann.
We now look forward to a good year with President Christine Tomlinson. Money has
been raised for numerous charities including Children’s Society, ‘Fresh Hair’
(University Hospital of North Staffs), Norton House Development; Leek Samaritans;
Guide Dogs; Love for Leah; HomeStart and Re-think Mental Illness; MS Therapy
Centre, Newbridge, Wolverhampton as well as the Nepal Earthquake Appeal and
Medic Malawi.
Pamela Hewson
NEWPORT
To start her year Ruth organised an enjoyable “photo fun” event of who’s who in the
club.
In September Sandra Fraser gave a talk on Dog A.I.D. (Assistance in Disability). This
is Ruth’s chosen charity so we learnt how pet dogs are trained to enable adults with
physical disabilities become more independent.
Margaret Snell returned safely from her adventures to Romania, Moldova and
Transnistria. We look forward to her presentation in the next year.
Members indulged in zero calorie cakes and retail therapy at our successful
International coffee morning.
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A church service at Forton church was followed by the President’s lunch which
included excellent food, fine wines and good fellowship.
Members attended the International Rally and later met to wrap and pack Christmas
Shoe boxes with lovely gifts.
In November Brian Hatton from
Greenfields Africa gave a fascinating
talk on “Jiggers”, sand fleas which
burrow into the skin and lay eggs. They
cause swelling and infection which can
lead to amputation. A cheque and
collection of suitable footwear were
presented to the charity. A new event
this year was a “Spuds and Puds” evening with an after dinner quiz to complete the
evening.
Margaret Snell travelled to WYCE in the Gambia for the first time, closely followed by
Sue Askin and Jane Chadwick for their third visit. Honor Cartwright and Anne Beckwith
look forward to their visit in 2016.
December includes a special outing to Trentham Gardens and a festive evening at
Ruth’s home.
The Annual Lean lunch is Friday 15th January at Cosy Hall, Newport and all are
welcome to join us.
Anne Beckwith
Inner Club of Penkridge
In August, under the leadership of our new president, Sue Calvert, we started the year
with a very pleasant afternoon canal trip, starting at Stone, cruising to Aston Marina
and back to Stone. The weather was beautiful and members, along with partners and
friends, enjoyed a very tasty three course meal on route, a great way to spend a sunny,
summer’s afternoon and a memorable start to the year.
In November we have planned an Afternoon Tea and a Pampering Demonstration at
President Sue’s house. This is to raise money for Look Good Feel Good a charity that
provides free Skincare and make-up workshops in hospitals and cancer centres
throughout the UK.
One lucky person will receive a makeover.
Also in November we have an open evening planned. Speaker, Derek Poulson, has
been an actor. His talk, entitled “It’s not what you say”, is about accents and dialects.
Another activity to keep us busy throughout October and November will be preparing
shoe boxes.
Margaret Thomas
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SEDGLEY AND WOMBOURNE
We began our year with another ‘recycled’ President and we are grateful to Jan for
doing this. Our first event was Wombourne Carnival with our Finding Nemo Stall, well
attended by the villagers.
This was followed by a Blooming Great Tea Party for
Marie Curie Nurses held at a local church hall with
delicious “Calorie free cakes !!”. At our July meeting we
welcomed a lady who spoke to us about “Mary Quant “
and brought a fantastic range of her clothes bringing
back many memories. Once again we held a church
service at the
Methodist
church
followed by lunch at our meeting venue.
Incorporated into the service was a talk by Sheila
Baker from “High Flyers” who told us about the
wonderful work they do for young adults with
learning disabilities. On a glorious September day
several members and husbands did a sponsored
walk for Air Ambulance raising a substantial sum for
this worthy cause, the cheque was presented at our October meeting. For the
September meeting we welcomed the Reverend Jean Spragg who spoke to us about
“Harvest” and she went away with a large amount of food for the local Food Bank.
The book group continues to meet once a month in the Library but we decamp to a
local coffee shop afterwards for our refreshments. Nine members and friends attended
the International Rally together with our items for International Aid. A successful Table
Top Sale was held in October swelling our charity fund. We
held our 45th Birthday Celebration at the lovely venue,
Himley Hall and we and our guests enjoyed a delicious
afternoon tea. The photo shows President Jan hiding
behind the flowers presented by Rotary President Ken
Thomas. For Remembrance Sunday this year President
Jan will be laying a poppy wreath at Wombourne Parish
Church. We now look forward to our Christmas
Celebrations shared with our Rotary partners and the
Rotary Family Lunch, enjoying the festive season with
children and grandchildren.
Doreen Pike
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SHREWSBURY
In spite of the rather poor weather this summer it did not dampen our spirits and on a
beautiful day in July members enjoyed a tea
in President Susan Wilding’s garden and in
August our annual outing was to the stunning
Upton Cressett Hall which really is an
‘Elizabethan gem.’ The afternoon tea and
cake was also delicious!
We have continued to enjoy our regular
dinner meetings and speakers with a most
inspiring talk in September from Lynn Siveter,
who is the wife of the current Shrewsbury
Rotary President, on her challenge to walk
Offa’s Dyke this year.
Vanessa Hawkins
STAFFORD
For our AGM we had a change of venue this year and went to the Arthur Findlay
Centre, where the chain of office was handed over from retiring President Brenda to
incoming President Beryl Metcalf.
A joint church service followed by lunch was held in June welcoming new Presidents
of both Rotary and Inner Wheel, Mike Winkle and Beryl Metcalf, a most enjoyable
occasion as always.
Following in past President’s footsteps President Beryl
held a summer lunch at her home, the sun shone and
everyone sat outside. President Beryl and husband
Michael celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary
in August, and held a party at Stafford Rangers Club,
a very enjoyable evening. District Chairman Terrie
joined us at our October Meeting along with a
representative from her charity Look Good Feel Better,
a very interesting evening. We now look forward to our
usual Quiz and Chips in November, always a good,
fun, evening.
Jean Finlay
STAFFORD CASTLE
Irene Young and myself thoroughly enjoyed the IIW Convention and wished that other
members of district could have joined us. We provided a presentation and Danish food
to 25 members and raised £60 for Joy’s charities.
Joy entertained members and their partners to a delicious BBQ. It was a beautiful day
and enjoyed by all.
16 members had a very enjoyable fund raising lunch at the home of Beryl Kimber
raising £150 for charity.
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We had a very interesting visit to the Jewellery Centre Museum by train. The guides
made it extremely enjoyable. This was followed by lunch in the nearby cafes.
The club celebrated its 26th Birthday on Oct 7th with a superb meal at the Moat House
and a caricature artist for entertainment. We spent a few minutes joining in the fun and
using her ideas for sketches. The evening was well attended by members, Rotarians
and their guests and members from other clubs, in particular, Penkridge.
President Joy raised £319 at her Macmillan Coffee Morning. This is a splendid social
opportunity where everyone has a good chance to ‘natter’.
We had more members attending the International Rally and as usual it met out high
expectations.
We were very pleased to welcome Sheila Holt from the Guernsey Club and I am sure
that she will be a fully participative member.
Joy Bristow
STOKE ON TRENT
Past President Jeanette made and sold cake stands raising £3,000 for kidney
research. We are linked to an organisation called Ty Hapus on Anglesey. We send
materials and they make up knitted goods for Inner Wheel Charities.
We are pleased to live in the 21st century when we heard about deadly beauty secrets
from the past. Our speaker on “Making Do in the 2nd World War” revived the memories
of those of a certain age! In the tradition of Inner Wheel we held a successful afternoon
tea at the Upper House, Barlaston in aid of local charities.
Celia Stewart
STOKE ON TRENT SOUTH
In June President Rhiannon hosted an afternoon tea and bring and buy party at her
home. The weather was ideal and the event was very well attended which resulted in
a very successful fund raising afternoon.
At the end of June the President's Chain was handed to Marie Brough, this is Marie's
fifth term as President!
On August 13th five members of the Club plus Hazel Haines from Thornaby & Yarm
club spent a most enjoyable day at the Dorothy Clive Gardens.
Members will again be busy supporting Rotary with bag packing events at a local
supermarket and carol singing at a home for the elderly.
In November members will meet to pack shoe boxes and enjoy a home cooked lunch
and then in December President Marie will be hosting the annual Christmas Dinner.
Barbara Bickley
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STONE
We heard a very informative and heart rending talk in July by Andrea Newman from
“DEBRA” an organisation that supports children who are unfortunate to have “skin that
doesn’t work”.
In September some of our members plus husbands spent an enjoyable evening in the
grounds of Sandon Hall listening to music from the musicals performed by “Beyond
the Barricade”. This was a very well attended and raised funds for the Oak Tree Farm
Project, a local project with a plant nursery and small restaurant that provides
employment for young people who cannot be employed in the wider workplace. Also
in September Sarah, the daughter of one of our members, gave a presentation about
her experiences working with exotic creatures and her expeditions into the rainforests
to find undiscovered species. October will bring Margaret Cross who will tell the “Story
of the Gurkha’s” and in November we look forward to welcoming our District President.
As usual we will be helping Rotary with their “Santa Sleigh”, Christmas collections for
local charities. Members are looking forward to March 2016 when we celebrate our
70th Birthday.
Sheila Smith
Inner Wheel Club of Tettenhall
Our year started with the induction of Club President Alison Kraushar, assisted by Jo
Hill. The first event was our bric-a-brac stall at Tetfest on Tettenhall Green on a bright
and sunny morning on Sunday 5th July. We
started early and gathered a lot of stock as the
day went on and made lots of sales and then
the rain came……….. our sales came to a
very abrupt end as the gazebo roof filled with
water and we all got very wet. However, we
did raise over £481 and had a really enjoyable
day despite the sudden downpour.
In June our International Officer Mary
Lochhead arranged for the Aldi supermarket to donate £50 worth of pasta and rice
for International Aid. A group of us duly arrived and loaded a trolley with lots of bags
of pasta, rice etc and this was loaded onto an International Aid lorry and would be
dispatched accordingly.
In July we enjoyed a summer concert at
Tettenhall College which was very successful
and we are looking forward to a Christmas
concert at the same venue.
Inner Wheel Day of Peace was celebrated with
a lovely service taken by Tim Mullings the
Minister at the United Reformed Church.
Several of our members enjoyed a guided
walk around the historic town of Bridgnorth
followed by lunch. A trip on the Severn Valley
Railway with afternoon tea was enjoyed in
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October. At our September meeting we had a makeup demonstration by Elizabeth
Arden.
At our October meeting we had a talk about Mary Quant and the 60’s with some
interesting fashion pieces to view and in November we will be enjoying our Birthday
Fellowship.
Linda Francis
WALSALL
Another year of Inner Wheel begins and once again we are so pleased to find Mollie
at the helm of the good ship Walsall Inner Wheel.
July was a quiet month, but in August we were well under way with a delightful visit
and a very good tea to David Austen Roses to celebrate the 90th birthdays of Edna
Heappey and Mary Edwards, a very enjoyable visit was had by all.
We had a most interesting talk by a beautician from the House of Fraser who works
for the charity Look Good, Feel Good. She told us of the importance and benefits of
makeup for all and especially for ladies on cancer treatment and who have other
illnesses. One of our members volunteered to be a model and her good looks and
elegance were certainly accentuated and I hope her husband took her out to dinner.
Rotary Annual Fun Run took place in September and again our services were called
upon to help, but this year none of us took part in the actual run. We were pleased to
attend the service at our local church to celebrate the long reign of the Queen and
show the high regard and admiration in which she is held by all of us.
Swan Lake came next at Birmingham Hippodrome, what a superb performance the
dancers gave us and the scenery in some parts looked as though it had come from
paintings it was so beautiful. A good meal after the show rounded off our visit and was
enjoyed by all.
Our stimulating discussion group had as its topic ‘Immigration’ which proved to be too
big an issue for us but we had a good chat and a nice cup of tea.
What interesting things people do find what animals are capable of doing. We had
another interesting talk by a man from Canine Partners who told us how dogs can be
trained to perform various services for people who can no longer do things for
themselves in and around the home – truly
amazing.
On Halloween our president, Mollie, again
invited us to become ghoulies and ghosties
and celebrate at a Halloween lunch at her
house – purely white magic.
The good ship Walsall Inner Wheel sails on
into the future for us to enjoy an annual
coffee morning at a member’s home, which
is always a very good and enjoyable
occasion and a good harbour before we sail off to our next interesting event in the
calm water around Walsall.
Elizabeth Vodden
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WALSALL ARBORETUM
In May we had an international meeting and we were joined by friends from Walsall,
Wednesbury and Brewood Clubs and proceeds went to Traidcraft. In June we held
our annual Beetle Drive joined by partners and friends which was a really enjoyable
night. In July we welcomed Rev. Elizabeth Brown to our Club as a new Honorary
Member. On a lovely summer afternoon during August Pam Jones held her annual
garden party when lots of lovely cakes were consumed and everyone had a great time.
Linda Stockall
WEDNESBURY
In July, President Ann took the reins for a second time. Husband Frank gave a talk on
Sandwell Young Carers. Two of our members unexpectedly entertained us with a
most amusing sketch which kept us all chuckling for days.
We had another beautiful day for our yearly highlight, the Wednesbury Carnival. The
very warm weather certainly brought the crowds out and once again the homemade
cakes and strawberries and cream proved very popular.
We enjoyed a wonderful Presidents at Home in August, entertained by a local ukulele
band. There was plenty of delicious food and the all-important free bar provided by
Rotary President Stuart and our own President Ann.
September’s meeting included a talk on Sandwell Community Caring Trust, and in
October we had a local historian, Ian Bott, a firm favourite, who provided a slide show
and talk entitled ’75 Turns of the Wednesbury Wheel.
Jeanette Johnson
Inner Wheel Club of Wednesfield
This is the year we celebrated our 50th Birthday. We welcomed other Club members
and friends to our fellowship at the Lindens on 4th June 2015. This event was sadly
marred by the sudden death of our member Margaret Crofts a few days before the
event. Margaret had designed the place settings and welcoming signs herself as she
was a very good artist. She was also going to do the table flowers etc herself. We all
had to suddenly become flower arrangers! Our member Edna’s friend Vi came to the
rescue and taught us all to make flower arrangements and did a wonderful display for
our plinth. We were all very grateful for this help. We all missed Margaret but did
manage to make the event a success.
Margaret held most offices over her many years in Inner Wheel. She was at the time
of her death, Treasurer and had often done this job for us. She will be very much
missed. We are taking it in turns this year to be President 2 months at a time.
Pat Kenyon
WELLINGTON
Our new President Hayley’s year began in July with members supporting the Gateway
Club barbecue. We also enjoyed a day out at Weston Park where we attended a
cookery demonstration followed by an excellent lunch.
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Carol Quin hosted an afternoon tea party in her beautiful garden in August when we
also celebrated our club secretary Paula’s 70th birthday together. Another tea party the
following month at Linda Davies’ house saw members enjoying delicious fare as they
celebrated the 90th birthday of Linda’s mother; a lovely lady who often supports our
fund raising events.
Our International Service officer Virginia has worked hard to encourage members to
fill packs for needy children and provide items for the International Rally and she
hosted an excellent and successful Porridge Morning in aid of Mary’s Meals in
October.
Hayley’s chosen charity supports those with Alzheimer’s disease and she completed
a sponsored memory walk to raise funds in September and PDC Margaret Williams
held a coffee morning for members and friends in November to support this good
cause too.
As ever we have enjoyed listening to some interesting speakers at club meetings and
we have combined with our Rotary partners to serve, to worship and dine out in style.
Margaret Eatough
WHITCHURCH
We began our Inner Wheel year by celebrating the induction of Mrs Terrie Hewitt as
District Chairman – we are very proud that Terrie is our third D.C. in our Club’s history.
Mrs Ann Watson started her second year as District Treasurer and President Glen
was presented with the silver rose bowl at the District Meeting.
President Glen hosted a delightful tea party in August as a social get together.
Mr Stephen Drew of Medic Malawi came to speak at our September meeting on his
schools project and his amazing achievements in Malawi.
October was a light hearted scarf tying meeting and in November we are having
another afternoon tea when we hope some of our retired members will feel able to join
us.
The DC will not have far to travel to our December meeting as we join with Tangent
and Ladies Circle to enjoy our Christmas celebratory meal and entertainment of carol
singing by Rotary.
Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year to you all from Whitchurch Inner Wheel
Club.
Cynthia Williams
WOLVERHAMPTON
Our year started in August when Sheila Carver hosted an excellent “Summer Lunch”
at her lovely home in Kingslow Shropshire. Although raising monies for our charities
was not the initial reason for this event, the amount of £266.50p was raised, due to
ladies donating the cost of the food.
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Mr Steve Law was our speaker at our September meeting,
he gave an interesting and informative talk on Ornithology.
Mr Law who is a member of the British Trust of Ornithology
told us that over 15,000 people are involved monitoring
various species of birds in their gardens. He suggested that
perhaps that some of us ladies may be interested to join the
bird watch.
Our October speaker, Mr Malcolm Wanklyn, gave a
fascinating talk all about the origins of Much Wenlock.
Five of our members attended the “International Rally” at
Lilleshall on October 8th. They found the “School in a bag”
talk of particular interest. The scheme is designed to help
disadvantaged children back to school.
In November our District Chairman Terrie Hewitt will be our
speaker. Our Christmas “Coffee Morning” will be held at the
home of Val Williams. Val takes over the Chair of
Wolverhampton in November being one of our three ladies who have agreed to share
the Presidency of the club for this year.
Our Christmas lunch will be held at Linden House on December 8th.
Barbara Isles
THE WREKIN
In early May, we spent a very pleasant morning at the Rotary “Big Breakfast” event.
After a hearty meal there were various stalls selling sweets, plants and cakes. Also in
May we went to the Riverside restaurant for lunch.
In July we were off to the White Horse Inn for lunch. Afterwards, on a lovely summer
afternoon, we went to the Avocet garden and finished the day with tea and cake! Also
in July members were invited by Rotary to a fish and chip supper.
August saw us visiting the Dorothy Clive garden for lunch followed by a walk around
the garden.
In September, Rotary asked us once again to join them for a meal at an Indian
restaurant.
October was the month Anne reached her 80th birthday and we were invited to Anne’s
to celebrate with a lovely lunch, puds and cake. Husband Arthur served the wine and
a lovely time was had by all.
Elsie Jefferson
Some days I just wish I had the wisdom of a ninety year old, the body of the twenty
year old and the energy of a three year old
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Queen’s Birthday Honours
I am sure you will want to join with me and congratulate Edna Heappey (Walsall
Club) who was awarded the MBE for services to charity and to the RNLI and to the
community in Sutton Coldfield. Wonderful News! The photo shows L to R Local Sea
Cadet, (Wife of Deputy Lieutenant), PDC Edna, Deputy Lieutenant West Midlands and
Andrew Mitchell MP.
Edna with Members of Walsall
Inner Wheel
Happy Birthday to the following members
Jackie Sharp from Brewood & District – 70
Special birthdays in Dudley Inner Wheel:
Gill Archer – 75
Julie Rowen – 75
Jennifer Rumney – 80
Lucy Summerfield - 75
Brenda Moore – from Ironbridge was 90
Newport Member’s special birthdays:
Marie Clancy was 75 in May
Margaret Jones and Judy Roberts were both 80 in June and
Rosemary Bryant was 85 in October.
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Sue Askin will be 70 in December
Di Perry will be 80 in February and Irene Castle will also be 80 in April
Mary Rowley Past President of Sedgley & Wombourne Club was 80 on
September 9th and Joan Hawkes – 22nd July 2015 age 80 years
Miranda Poole from Stafford celebrated her 70th Birthday on 9th October
together with Margaret Hassall who was 85 on 20th January and Pat
Lawrence celebrated her 85th birthday on 27th February.
Edna Heappey and Mary Edwards both celebrated their 90th birthday Walsall
Margaret Emery celebrated her 80th Birthday – Walsall Arboretum.
Dorothy Hubbard celebrated her 95th birthday in September – Whitchurch
Anne Proudlove also from Whitchurch celebrated her 75th birthday in
August
Wallean Boller celebrated her 80th Birthday - Wolverhampton
Anne Plimmer from Wrekin celebrated her 80th Birthday
I wish there was a way to donate Fat like you can donate Blood
The Secret to happiness is a good sense of humour and a bad
memory!!!
They are NOT grey hairs! They are my Wisdom
Highlights!
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I told you that I do not have Alzheimer’s I have
“Some-Timers”!
Sometimes I remember and sometimes I
don’t!!
International Rally held at Lilleshall and hosted by
Inner Wheel Club of Uttoxeter on 8th October 2015
Rotary District International
Committee Member Mike
Chairman Terrie lights the
Candle of Friendship
Luke Simon from School in a
Bag with Wolverhampton
President Jane Barnett and
Jean Hand
Carole and David Gregory
from Retrak
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The Tombola Ladies from Market Drayton Club
Look what Sandra won!!!
School bags being filled
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I hope you have enjoyed reading this magazine and may I take this opportunity
to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful and Healthy New Year.
Front Cover – District Chairman Terrie Hewitt together with Rotary District
Chairman Richard Greene sharing a fun moment at the Rotary District
Conference!
’21 Today’ is published by District 21 of the Association of Inner wheel Clubs in GB & I
Editor – Linda Francis – Inner Wheel Club of Tettenhall
Printed by Prontaprint, 34 Chapel Ash, Wolverhampton, WV3 0TN. Tel: 01902 771177
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