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NUMBER TEN
TELEGRAPH
Association of Inner Wheel Clubs in
Great Britain and Ireland
To promote true friendship To encourage the ideals of personal service
To foster international understanding
Edition No 115
www.innerwheeldistrict10.co.uk
Summer 2016
i
INDEX
Page
Index i
Executive Committee 2016-17 ii
Letter from District Chairman 1
Letter from Chairman of District 1 2
Letter from Rotary District Governor 2
Letter from Immediate Past District Chairman 3
Letter from Member of Council 4
New members of the Executive 4
Letter from International Service Organiser 6
District International Rally 2016 7
Letter from Membership Officer 7
Letter from Editor 8
Association Conference 2016 – Glasgow 10
Fashion Show 13
2016-17 Presidents’ Profiles 15
Club News 31
The Tale of Georgia the Dolls’ House 47
Pershore Clu ’s Con ert 48
Membership Changes 49
Dates and Information for Diaries 50
Congratulations 51
The copy deadline for the Winter issue is FRIDAY 13 JANUARY, 2017
Please make sure that all contributions are free of copyright
Editor: Sarah Crumpton
mailto:[email protected]
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DISTRICT 10 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2016-17 District Chairman: Christine Ellson (Gloucester)
mailto:[email protected]
Secretary & Webmaster: Wendy Fowles (Stroud) mailto:[email protected]
1st Vice Chairman: Pat Dazeley (Royal Forest of Dean) mailto:[email protected]
Treasurer: Pat Rawlings (Thornbury) mailto:[email protected]
2nd Vice Chairman: Gill Scott (Clevedon) mailto:[email protected]
Member of Council: Sue Allen (Dursley) mailto:[email protected]
Immediate Past Chairman: Eileen Hammond (Hereford Wye Valley) mailto:[email protected]
Editor: Sarah Crumpton (Dursley) mailto:[email protected]
International Service Organiser: Pat Maslen (Dursley) mailto:[email protected]
Membership Officer: Eileen Hammond (Hereford Wye Valley) mailto:[email protected]
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LETTER FROM DISTRICT CHAIRMAN CHRISTINE
Hello Members,
I have lived in Gloucestershire for nearly 40 years with my
husband Derek (a retired electrical engineer and member of
Rotary @ Kingsholm Club) and our three children. I have
e jo ed a pat h o k a ee . I sta ted o ki g life i the British Civil Service and then in the Guernsey Civil
Service, before moving back to the UK in 1968 to train and
then work as a probation officer. I married in 1972 and
raising our growing family meant a break from probation in
the late 70s.
On returning to work, I started afresh in the charity sector
and later spent many years working for a large Gloucestershire-based charity, the
Barnwood Trust, until I retired in 2005.
I have always done voluntary work in my local community and Gloucestershire in the
fields of arts and crafts, criminal justice and also as a school governor, and continue to be
active in the charity sector and have been a trustee of several local charities.
After retiring I was pleased to be invited to join Gloucester Inner Wheel Club, where I
was made to feel very welcome. I am a Past President of the Club, where I had the
support of a great committee, and was the Secretary last year.
M ea i aiti g as st Vice Chairman is now over. That role has few formal functions
(unless I got it completely wrong!) – it is more a time of looking, listening and learning
about what to expect as District Chairman. I have had some excellent advice and help
from both IPDC Eileen and PDC Jackie Matthews, both of whom will be hard acts to
follow - many thanks to them both.
I am looking forward to what will be a busy and very interesting year, and to meeting
Club members at your various events: and, of course, I hope to see many of you at our
District Summer Rally on 13 July.
Christine
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Message from Rose-Ellen MacGregor, Chairman of District 1 Dear District 10 Members,
I was born in Edinburgh, the only girl among five brothers. We lived in Midlothian and
travelled into Edinburgh for all our education.
After working in North Wales and then Shetland, I returned to Edinburgh where I met my
husband. We moved to Skye over 44 years ago with 2 sons and another on the way and,
once they were all in school, I started working for the Highland Council. I retired in 2006
and the following year was invited to join the Inner Wheel Club of Portree and District,
now known as The Isle of Skye. Being a member of a small Club means that one is soon
persuaded to hold office - I became Club Secretary, then President, followed by Club
Correspondent. You learn a lot through taking office, and soon appreciate just how
marvellous this Association is.
Joining Inner Wheel has brought me wonderful new friends in Skye and in many other
parts of the country. I have enjoyed the fun and friendship that comes along with being
i ol ed i se i e to the ide o u it , aki g a diffe e e to othe people s li es. I look forward to the new challenge of being District Chairman this year.
It is a great privilege to be part of Inner Wheel.
Yours in Friendship,
Rose-Ellen MacGregor, District 1 Chairman
Letter from Rotary District 1100 Governor, Richard Purdon I am a member of the Rotary Club of Cheltenham
North, and bring greetings from all D1100 Rotarians
to the District 10 Inner Wheel members, and I wish
you a wonderful year under the guidance of
Chairman Christine.
I would like to give a little update on your Rotary
partner. We now have 67 Clubs, with around 1,950
members. We have to change radically, to adapt to
the current lifestyle of busy people in the 21st
century. We have around 300 female Rotarians, and
know that we have to attract more to protect the
legacy of Rotary in our counties and islands of Great Britain and Ireland.
Nevertheless, I know that Inner Wheel has its own identity and does a great job
in its own right. The 19 Clubs you currently have work very closely with their
Rotary counterparts, and I am sure this will continue.
We thoroughly enjoyed hearing District Chairman Eileen Hammond talking about
her life and career at our District Conference in Weymouth this year. Our
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Conference next year will be held in Torquay, between 17 and 19 March 2017,
and we sincerely hope that some of you will be able to join Christine at the
seaside.
The big difference in 2016-17 will be the celebration of 100 years of the Rotary
Foundation – our own international charity. I am sure you will be asked to assist
the Clubs on this major anniversary.
But, above all, enjoy the fun and fellowship of Inner Wheel.
Richard
Letter from Past District Chairman Eileen Just about twelve months ago, a past District Chairman
advised me to be sure to enjoy my year as it would be over
before I knew it - how right she was!
And despite a few challenges along the way, that is just
hat I e do e – enjoyed an amazing year – a d o it s over, leaving a legacy of very happy memories and with
many new friends made during the year.
Thank you to every Club in District 10 – ou e all ade e so very welcome when I have visited your Business
Meetings. Thank you to all our Club Presidents for the
ag ifi e t jo ou e do e th oughout the ea - now you can enjoy the fellowship of
your Club without the responsibility of this past year.
Thank you to everyone who organised such wonderful Interclub lunches – what an
eclectic list of speakers, each one either entertaining, or informative, and all of them
enjoyable. It has been my pleasure to attend them as your Chairman.
I e also e jo ed ep ese ti g Dist i t at the ‘allies of Dist i ts , , , a d as ell as at the Rotary District Conference in Weymouth. And what a fun time we all had at our
Annual Conference in Glasgow.
There has also been time to attend the 25th
Charter Lunch of my original Inner Wheel
Club in Ripon; as well as being the guest at the Charter Dinner of my former Club of
Bookham & East Horsley. Meeting up with friends all across the UK - this is at the heart
of Inner Wheel and informs all we do.
Finally, a massive thank you to the District Executive Committee who have kept me on
track this year - and to the members of my own Club of Hereford Wye Valley for their
support in so many ways.
Being District Chairman has indeed been an honour and a privilege, and I send my very
best wishes to our new Chairman, Christine. Enjoy your year in office, it will be over
before you know it.
Eileen
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Member of Council Sue Allen Hi Fellow Members,
It seems very strange that, by the time you read this report,
I will have completed my first year as Member of Council
for District 10. The year has just flown by. I am preparing
this week to attend the last Council Meeting of this Inner
Wheel year – and the first one since the wonderful
Conference we had in Glasgow. The planning is well under
a fo e t ea s Co fe e e i Notti gha . If ou have t ee to a Co fe e e efo e, ou ha e issed so much, it is hard to describe the atmosphere, the amazing and inspiring speakers, but
above all the wonderful time we all have meeting up with old friends and making new
ones.
It has been an amazing year of many ups and downs. Very daunting, sitting around a
table with 36 members of the Governing Body of the Association of Inner Wheel Clubs in
Great Britain & Ireland, being part of making decisions that will affect the organisation.
It has been wonderful making new friends and learning so much about what other
Districts do and achieve. It has been a real learning curve, a great responsibility to make
sure that at both District and Club level I fully inform all our members of all the exciting
news that comes from the Council Meetings.
It is an exciting time for Inner Wheel with the opening up of our membership. Many
Clubs have had their doubts, which is understandable - especially the Clubs that still have
amazing links with Rotary - but what a perfect opportunity we have, being able to invite
our friends to enjoy membership of our wonderful organisation.
I have a challenge to you all: If every member of D10 invited just one of their friends to
join us, we could double the size of this District. Think what we could achieve, with
those new members helping us to help all the less fortunate people here and abroad -
but also think of all the new friends we would have.
I would like to thank you all for giving me the opportunity to do a second year as your
Member of Council.
I hope you all have a very enjoyable Inner Wheel year and I hope to see many of you at
the District Meetings and around the District at the Interclubs.
Sue
Joining the District Executive for 2016-17
We have one familiar face and two new ones joining the Executive this year. Pat
Rawlings (Thornbury) is returning as Treasurer, Gill Scott (Clevedon) comes in as our 2nd
Vi e Chai a a d “a ah C u pto Du sle takes o the Edito s a tle. Enjoy yourselves, ladies!
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Gill Scott: 2nd
Vice Chairman
I live in Portishead, North Somerset. I am a widow, and
have a daughter, Emma, who lives nearby with her partner
Andrew.
I was made redundant in 2013 from my senior
management post in Health and Social Care with Bristol
City Council, after ea s se i e. I worked with people
with learning disabilities for many years, and also
managed services for older people and those with
dementia, and domiciliary care and residential and day
services.
I served as a magistrate in Bristol for 10 years, and was
also a parent governor at a number of schools. I am
currently Chair of the Management Committee of the
Voyage Learning Campus in North Somerset. I was a founder member of the Rotaract
Club of Bristol North West (a very long time ago) and have very much enjoyed being a
member of Inner Wheel since 2013.
My hobbies are travelling with my friend Hazel, and seeing as much of the world as I can.
I enjoy going to the cinema and theatre and, of course, Social Tuesdays with my Inner
Wheel friends.
I am looking forward to the year ahead, even if my election did come as a bit of a
surprise! I am committed to working on membership issues, and have been a member of
the District Membership Committee for a while. My intention was to volunteer to work
further on this issue - then, suddenly, it seemed I was 2nd
Vice District Chairman! I firmly
believe that commitment and 'putting what you can into things' reaps the best returns -
so, I will undertake the role to the best of my ability, and take the opportunity to learn
lots more along the way. Bring it on!!!
Pat Rawlings: District Treasurer
After moving around the South West since my marriage in
9 , due to hus a d Bo s a ee o es – Somerset,
Devon and Cornwall, - we moved to Thornbury from
Plymouth in 1987 and I joined Inner Wheel almost
immediately. I have served on the Club Committee and
held the position of President (three times) and Secretary
(three times) and also Treasurer. I have also served on the
Executive as International Service Organiser.
I have 2 sons and 4 grandchildren and my hobbies include gardening, reading and
crosswords.
I enjoy the friendship of Inner Wheel and I look forward to this new challenge and to
serving on the District Executive once again. I will endeavour to continue to look after
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the finances as efficiently as my predecessor, Pat Dazeley.
Sarah Crumpton: District Editor
I was born and brought up in Dursley, attending the local
primary and grammar schools, before leaving at the age of
19 for pastures new!
I married my second husband, Mike, in 1994 and, when he
was invited to join the Rotary Club of Dursley in 2009, I
joined the Inner Wheel Club of Dursley, although we were
living in Stroud at the time. Unfortunately, shortly
afterwards I was diagnosed with a type of lymphatic
cancer and was unable to take an active role in the Club
whilst undergoing treatment.
Then in 2012, with me in remission, and with the majority
of our friends living locally, we decided to move back to
Dursley, spending the past few years reviving a somewhat
dilapidated house and garden - very enjoyable for me,
decorating and gardening being my favourite hobbies.
With three sons, one daughter and 10 amazing grandchildren between us, Mike and I
also enjoy a very busy family life.
When I first joined Inner Wheel, I was given an introductory leaflet with the words,
'FRIENDSHIP, FELLOWSHIP, FUN' on the front. I have been fortunate to find all three
within Inner Wheel and, since moving back to Dursley, have been able to take a more
active role within our Club.
I set up and still manage our website. I have produced our monthly Newsround for the
past four years, and served as Treasurer for the past three.
Having taken on the role of District Editor, I am very much looking forward to the new
challenge. With the support of members (Club Correspondents in particular), I will do
my best to maintain the very high standards set by my predecessors.
International Service Officer Pat Maslen Here we are, at the turning of another Inner Wheel
year. How quickly the time seems to have gone. It
has been a privilege for me to lead my extremely hard
working team of International Club Officers - my
sincere thanks to each of you, and to the Club officers
for their warm welcome when I have visited to talk
about International Service.
The highlight of the year has to be that dry, crisp
October morning when ladies from the four corners of the District came to
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Stinchcombe Village Hall to enjoy fellowship and an excellent lunch at the 2015
District 10 International Service Rally. Our guest speaker, Luke Simon, expanded
on the work undertaken by the School in a Bag charity – the initiative was born
to help address the 75 million children who are deprived of an opportunity to
learn. School in the Bag delivers rucksacks simply filled with stationery, learning
resources and eating utensils to poor, orphaned and disaster-affected children
around the world and, to date, the charity has delivered over 55,000 schoolbags
to children in 27 countries – and this number continues to grow. Some 72 Teddy
Bears found adopted homes, enabling ongoing fundraising throughout the year,
the result of hi h I ill tell ou soo . The Hot Needles K itte s ha e p odu ed an abundance of knitted wear which has been delivered to Hope Carriers Trust
based in Hereford – while vast numbers of knitted teddies have been delivered
to School in the Bag in Somerset.
I hope that, as you have served the needs of others, you have received through
the unique opportunity our membership of Inner Wheel affords us.
With sincere thanks and kind regards,
Pat
DISTRICT INTERNATIONAL SERVICE RALLY 2016
Our 2016 District Rally and Lunch will be held on Friday 14 October in Stinchcombe
Village Hall, near Dursley, from 11 am, when I would ask you to support the charity 500
Miles. Olivia Giles, the founder of this charity to get people moving, has agreed to be our
guest speaker, and we will also be joined by Ann Acaster, Association International
Service Chairman.
500 Miles is a Scottish charity registered in 2008 and run by Olivia. It helps people in
Africa who have impaired mobility or restricted body function as a result of amputation,
congenital deformity, illness or accident by supplying and subsidising the supply of
prostheses (artificial limbs) and orthoses (braces) for the poor. The main focus of the
work of 5OO Miles is to support the development and delivery of sustainable prosthetic
and orthotic services in Malawi and Zambia, so that this work will continue to assist
future generations as well as the people helped today. Oli ia sa s, I e ee given a
second chance to enjoy life – e e o e else dese es that too.
Those of us ho atte ded this ea s Association Conference in Glasgow will know of
Oli ia s passio a d o it e t to the work of 5OO Miles.
Pat Maslen, DISO
Outgoing Membership Officer Jackie Matthews
This is my last report as a District Officer. I joined the District Executive as the Minute
Secretary, before progressing to become District Secretary, serving 3 years.
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I was District Chairman in 2014-15 and am now, in June 2016, finishing as Membership
Officer.
My year on membership started with the continuation of the arrangements made by
Sherry Phillips in trying to start a new Club in Monmouth. Members were asked to
donate hild e s lothes a d to s and the Membership Committee tried its hardest to
locate a shop in Monmouth, near to Christmas, where we could sell these items, donate
the proceeds to a local charity, and bring awareness of Inner Wheel to the public. We
were unable to source a shop in the town centre.
Thoughts were turned to another area in District 10 and Tewkesbury, which had an IW
Club years ago, was suggested. Unfortunately the Tewkesbury Rotary President could
not be reached for help.
With two let-downs, the Committee decided the only option was to concentrate on
increasing membership in our existing Clubs, which has resulted in 23 new members this
IW year. The new members are the result of existing members in our Clubs bringing
along friends and relatives, and also ladies with Rotary connections.
It is very sad to lose members due to death or ill health, and we said goodbye to Past
District Chairmen Penny Perkin and Jennifer Veale. We will remember all our friends
whom we have lost.
Past District Chairman Nicky Clark transferred out of District when she moved home - a
loss to us, but a huge gain to her new Club.
The District has a big District 10 banner which, if it can be displayed, will help in
advertising wherever your Club is helping out at an event. Do borrow and use it - it could
entice a new member to join.
I have enjoyed my 6 years on the District Executive, and would encourage members to
consider a role at District level, to bring new ideas and new faces.
Jackie
Outgoing Editor Liz Hodgkinson
Well hi – me, again!!
After a very hard task ith last “u e s agazi e i sad a d difficult circumstances, things have since then gone more
smoothly. Home Service Reports were dealt with and the
D10 form submitted on time - and this is the third Number
Ten Telegraph I e edited i 9 o ths!
I want to thank the Executive, and IPDC Eileen in particular,
fo the help a d suppo t the e gi e e o u pla ed and unexpected return to this job. Being involved on the
District Executive is great, and more of you should give it a
try. We must have new people coming forward with fresh
ideas, and I can assure you that you will get so much more out of what you do than you
will ever put in – a d it s fu , ost of the ti e!!
The Club Correspondents have without exception been very supportive and I want to
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thank them sincerely for all their help and kindness to me, and for all the work they do –
much of it unseen and often unknown even by their fellow members – to keep the lines
of communication open and to let the local community hear of all the amazing work
done by IW in D10.
Without your CCs there would be no magazine. But please, do t lea e all the o k to the . Tell the if the e s a spe ial i thda o a i e sa o i g up, and offer to tell
your members about any IW Interclubs and events ou e been to. I e Wheel does t stop at YOUR Club – there are so many like-minded members, in the District and beyond,
ho ll al a s offe ou that ha d of f ie dship so e spe ial to IW. Bill has been a constant source of help and support to me throughout all my time as a
member of IW – and I taking this opportunity to thank him now, with all my heart.
Yours in Friendship,
Liz
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ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE, GLASGOW - APRIL, 2016
T o Co fere e Virgi s ki dl rote a ou ts of their first i pressio s of Conference,
a d Glou ester s CC also pro ided a ite . So Liz s o tri utio , re ei ed first, is produced in full, with the reports from Helen and Hilary amended to avoid too much
duplication.
Seeing the Conference through fresh eyes gives one much food for thought. Many thanks
to you all – Ed.
After several years of hearing how good IW Conferences are I found myself actually in
Glasgow, in the auditorium with about 2,000 other members for Conference 2016. The
proceedings started with an Act of Dedication, with the Association President, Trish
Douglas, being piped in. The service was well put together and inclusive - hymns from
Wales, Ireland, England and Scotland plus readings from the Koran, the Hindu Scriptures,
the Torah and the Bible plus some secular ones, all on the theme of living a good life and
giving service to others. The Rev. Dr. Laurence Whitley, who led the service and gave the
add ess, took his the e as The I e Wheel does t do s all!
The arrangements were very professional - two large screens on stage, one to show the
speaker, the other for any photos or presentations they needed. It was a pity that the
words of the hymns were in yellow and difficult to read against a fussy background, but
overall it was well presented.
After the service there were opening remarks from President Trish, then greetings from
the representative of the City of Glasgow, from Charlotte de Vos, IIW President, and
Peter Davey, President of Rotary International in GB and I. The first guest speaker was
Luke Simon, founder of School in a Bag who spoke very movingly about the loss of his
brother in the Boxing Day tsu a i a d his fa il s effo ts to aise o e fo those ho had helped him in the aftermath of that terrible event. We had already been to the Hall
of Friendship, where charity and fund-raising stalls mingled with retail outlets, and had
each bought Bags to support this charity - I also added my knitted teddy to the hundreds
on the stall. The queues to donate after his talk were very long, not surprisingly.
During the break there was a sandwich lunch for members of District 10 and District 1,
our link District. I think the idea was for us to mingle and get to know some other
e e s, ut it did t eall happe . This as the ost disappointing event for me. I
think one problem was the venue - the Conference Centre is well away from other pubs,
restaurants, etc. so the get-together had to be held within the Centre itself at a Bistro
which, I suspect, had charged quite a lot of money considering what we were asked to
pay. The sandwiches were not very good - rather dry - tea and instant coffee were the
only drinks on offer - not even cold water was available - and nobody much tried to
network. We found the group from Aberdeen St. Fittick, which is one of our link Clubs,
and they were very pleasant and chatted and took photos, but there was no sign of
Aberfeldy, our other link, and no-one else seemed to be circulating much - not what I
had expected.
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A moment catching our breath in the Hall of Friendship!
The afternoon session started with Olivia Giles, from the charity 500 Miles, and she was
inspirational. She was a sparkly and attractive young woman who had lost both arms
and legs due to meningitis and had set up the charity to provide prostheses for children
in Malawi and Zambia.
She was followed by Lady Claire MacDonald, who is an ambassador for Scottish food and
has run a hotel in her castle on Skye. She was presented with the cheque for Marie Curie
from the collection at the service which amounted to over £9,000 - very impressive.
Finally we were treated to a performance from Dr. Paul Whittaker, a profoundly deaf
musician, who played the piano and signed two songs, We a e ki d a d Lo e ha ges e e thi g . Really very moving.
I the e e i g the e as a e te tai e t o sisti g of “o gs f o the “ho s . The next morning was the AGM. This was well organised and I was particularly
impressed with the Treasurer, Liz Thomas. It is impossible to make a balance sheet sexy,
but she was very clear, explaining notes to the accounts and why there were differences
from the previous year. There were two proposals, which engendered what seemed, to
me, an unnecessary amount of debating. However, as one of the proposals was that any
non-voting delegate may speak in all Conference discussions (something which I regard
as so i po ta t as ot to eed a de ate! I should t o plai . Of course, the problem
comes when the speakers just repeat what others have said, which some of them did,
but the strict time limit was useful here. I found the mode of address of the proposers
and seconders quaint and old-fashioned. Is it really necessary to preface everything
ith, Mada P eside t, Cou il Me e s, Voti g Delegates a d Me e s et . et . before going on to propose or discuss a motion?
The afternoon session produced other excellent speakers. There was Sheila North, who
spoke ith ou age a d hu ou a out li i g ith Pa ki so s - not very amusing
when you have to do it, - and Katherine Crawford, who described the work of Parki so s UK. They were overwhelmed by the presentation of a cheque for £50,000.
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We the had a talk f o T i ia “te a t, o e of the o igi al WI Cale da Gi ls, ho as very amusing. The session was wound up with an address from Trish Douglas (who
changed her clothes for each session!) with votes of thanks from the Vice President Zena
Coles and Immediate Past President Thelma Pacsoo. There were thanks to the
Conference Chairman, who had indeed done a terrific job, and the Association Officers
and the session closed with a demonstration of Scottish dancing by lots of very able
children, some of whom were very young. There was a Ceilidh in the evening, which was
fun, and I enjoyed dancing the Dashing White Sergeant for the first time in goodness
knows how many years.
D10 members, duly sashed and identifiable, at the Ceilidh – photo courtesy of Keith Curtis
Overall impression: A very well-run Conference with enthusiastic delegates - several
were disabled or had mobility problems but had made the effort to come. Inner Wheel
members are extremely loyal and generous and work hard for their charities. It was
amazing that £1,300,000 had been raised in the year for good causes. I found it a curious
mixture of the new - efficient, using modern technology etc.- and the old-fashioned - a
golf tournament, the emphasis on positions, chains of office and the long-drawn out
introductions of Officers and self-congratulatory speeches. The problem of falling
membership was raised more than once. My suggestions are to reduce some of the
ceremonial and perhaps to streamline things - a three day Conference, however well-run
(and this was), digs deep into members po kets and excludes working women.
However, I really enjoyed the excellent speakers and was impressed by the commitment
of members and the large sums of money raised. Well done, Inner Wheel.
Liz Gardner, Pershore
*********************
I was so inspired by my first Conference that I hope to encourage others who, like me,
have not been before. Firstly, get ready for fun – ou ll ha e ple t of that. O the a up to Glasgow a fellow travelle said to e, If ou e aki g the effo t to go, the go to as u h as ou a to ake the ost out of it . “o I did. Association President Trish did not disappoint - a colourful lady in many respects, she
ga e a a g eeti g. The speake s e e e elle t, ut I ould t take e es off D .
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Paul Whittaker. I never knew a man could sign an entire song to music which he could t hear, and nearly have me in tears. If you ever get the chance to see him, please do.
At the AGM we heard all the reports, then came the voting on the proposals. My
goodness, this gets very exciting and, at times, very heated. I was glad that we are all
able to have our say.
I came away from Glasgow inspired to go on and do more - together we can achieve so
much. Thank you to District 1 for a wonderful welcome and Conference. The closing
Ceilidh, with over 2,000 women coming together in friendship, adorned in their different
tartan sashes, was something to see!
Helen Freeman, Royal Forest of Dean
*********************
Gloucester Club was well represented at Conference this year with 11 of our members
making the long trip to Glasgow! Our hotel was adjacent to the Conference Centre –
there was even a connecting corridor, a great bonus on wet days!
We enjoyed the walk around the City the next morning, impressed by the leafy parks and
Regency architecture. Registration followed and we were set to go.
On Monday evening, together with other IW members, 2 lucky ladies from our Club
attended the Civic Reception at the City Chambers, to be welcomed by the Lady Provost.
We loved the opening Service of Faith and the Scottish Fellowship Band provided the
beautiful music. Then Association President Trish set the tone for the Conference with a
warm and friendly welcome to our guests and to us.
We enjoyed the guest speakers, especially Dr. Paul Whittaker, OBE, whose talent and
sense of humour defy his handicap and left us thrilled with his music.
It was good to meet up with our link Club, Dundee, to renew friendships and to meet
many new members.
We e jo ed the Ti ket to the Theatre and sang along with gusto. The last evening
ended with hysterical laughter as we attempted to do The Military Two Step , ausi g chaos in our set!
Our enduring memories of the Conference will be of a relaxed, fun, sometimes
emotional time, with great fellowship. Roll on 2017 and Nottingham!
Hilary Cass, Gloucester
FASHION SHOW in aid of The Cinnamon Trust – IPDC Eileen’s chosen charity
With the help of my loyal Hereford Wye Valley Club members, and the staff of
Bonmarché at Labels, we were able to put on a hastily arranged Fashion Show in Weston
under Penyard Village Hall in June, as a final fundraising event for my chosen charity –
The Cinnamon Trust.
Eight of our intrepid members had journeyed to the store outside Ross-on-Wye the
previous week to select the outfits they were to model – one for informal occasions and
one more formal for weddings or Interclub Lunches! There was much competition to
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choose certain outfits which we all wanted to wear, but eventually the selections were
made.
Nearly 50 members from across the District, plus a few friends from the village, were
able to enjoy Afternoon Tea, served in vintage china, as well as scrumptious homemade
cakes – generously provided by Club members.
The Village Hall was transformed into a 50s style tearoom, with the china provided (free
of charge for charity events) from The Vintage China Company based at Newnham on
Severn - well worth considering for future events.
And then the main event – The Fashion Show itself. Struggling into two outfits in a
changing room usually occupied by the local football team, and now fitted with wall-to-
wall clothes rails, was something of a challenge. But one by one our valiant ladies
pa aded the at alk a d e e u h applauded – not sure if this was for the
ensembles or the models – but it helped us to recover from our initial embarrassment as
we strutted our stuff!
With the addition of a raffle and the sale of the excess cakes, the event raised a fantastic
sum for The Cinnamon Trust – a successful outcome from a most enjoyable afternoon.
And all arranged within a few weeks, following a chance remark by the manageress of
the store when I was there purchasing a top for another Inner Wheel occasion.
Opportunities are always out there - we just need to grab them when we can.
IPDC Eileen Hammond, Hereford Wye Valley
15
PRESIDENTS’ PROFILES for 2016-17
Bristol Severnside: Pam Mays, Tegwen Evans and Ruth Bolgar
We have three ladies sharing the Presidency for the coming year, Pam Mays, Tegwen
Evans and Ruth Bolgar. All three have taken office as President before - Pam in 1996-7
and 2003-4, Tegwen in 2011-12 and Ruth in 2010-11. “o, ith this e pe tise ehi d them, I su e e shall ha e a e us , e jo a le a d happ ea ahead.
Chipping Sodbury: Marilyn Heffer
I am Bristolian born and bred, and met my husband Peter
at Birmingham University where we both read Physics.
We have two children. Our daughter now lives in Australia
with her husband and three children and our son and his
wife are expecting their first child in November -
fortunately they live a little closer, in Chippenham!
I started my career in the Inland Revenue, but took a part-
time job as Registrar, registering births, deaths and
marriages, whilst the children were small. Following the
retirement of my boss I was fortunate to take over as
Superintendent Registrar, later becoming full-time SR for
South Gloucestershire, a role I enjoyed until my
retirement three years ago. Now I am kept busy spending
time with my elderly mother, travelling to visit the grandchildren, and trying to get a
little fitter before it is too late.
I joined IW in 2007 and have done several jobs including Correspondent and Secretary,
which have hopefully given me a good grounding to take over as President in 2016-17. I
am looking forward to sharing the year with Christine and her team of Presidents as well
as with my own Club members.
Serenity
Reporters interviewing a lady aged 104 asked: A d hat do ou thi k is the est thi g about being 104 ?
“he si pl eplied, No pee p essu e . Sally Young, Worcester Severn
16
Cirencester: Nicola Hewlett
My name is Nicola Hewlett - Nic. I was born in Cirencester,
but grew up in Bodmin, Cornwall. For the past 19 years I
have worked in Swindon in the accounts department of a
newspaper distribution company. I have been married to
Mal for 34 years; we have 2 dogs, 2 cats and keep Koi Carp.
At work I am on the Social Committee. I am also the
National Employee Forum Chair, with 30 staff assisting me
in supporting the 4,000 staff with any issues they have, and
the Company with any staff consultations which by law they
have to comply with. This is all voluntary, on top of our day
jobs.
I joined Cirencester IW 7 years ago, first as an honorary
member. Since then I have been on the committee for 5 years, as Treasurer for the last
3 and VP last year.
My other main interest is Scouting, I was a Brownie, Guide and Ranger and then
transferred to Scouts to do my DoE. I have been an Adult Leader for 40 years, holding
many roles, and at the moment I am a County Leader Trainer.
Since joining IW, I have become a Bingham Hall Trustee and I am a Leader with
Ci e este Deaf Child e s Clu , hi h is li ked ith the GDA. For the past 2 years my
company has been sponsoring me to learn British Sign Language, to help with my work
with the Deaf Club.
I am looking forward to the next year as President of Cirencester Club.
Clevedon: Gill Scott
I live in Portishead, North Somerset. I am a widow, and
have a daughter, Emma, who is currently taking the
exciting first step on the housing ladder with her partner.
I was made redundant from my senior management post
in Health and Social Care in Bristol City Council, after 36
years service, where I worked with people with learning
disabilities for many years, and also managed services for
older people and people with dementia, domiciliary care
and residential and day services.
I served as a magistrate in Bristol for 10 years, and was
also a parent Governor at a number of schools.
I was a founder member of the Rotaract Club of Bristol
North West (a very long time ago) and have enjoyed very
much being a member of Inner Wheel since 2013.
My hobbies are travelling with my friend Hazel and seeing as much of the world as I can.
I enjoy going to the cinema and theatre and, of course, Social Tuesdays with my Inner
17
Wheel friends.
I am looking forward to the year ahead, and hope that my Presidential year will be
remembered for fund raising, friendship and lots of fun!
Clifton: Hazel Perry will hold the Presidency with 2 other members for whom no
information is available
Hazel has been a member of the Clifton Club for 30 years,
and was President 12 years ago. Originally a social worker,
that career seems a long time away.
A move to Bristol with Steve and 4 children meant a fresh
start, and she has valued enormously the friends she has
made in the Club and enjoyed the variety of roles, chiefly
overseas work.
For the past 10 years Hazel has not been so involved, due to
caring for her elderly parents and helping at times to look
after three lovely grandchildren. It will be interesting to be
more involved with Inner Wheel again.
Dursley: Jenny Chappell and Midie Macdonald
Jenny Chappell: The
prospect of retirement and
plenty of time on my hands
encouraged me to decide to
take on a second term as
President of our lovely Club.
However, on this occasion, I
am sharing all responsibility
with my very good friend
Midie, and we are both
looking forward to a fun-
filled and friendly year
ahead.
I joined Inner Wheel almost
immediately after my
husband Stan joined Rotary in 1992 and I have enjoyed every moment of it, especially
making many new friends. We both retired last December and, whilst I thought retired
folk had plenty of time to spare, I realise now that between our seven grandchildren, a
large garden and, of course, essential holidays, we seem to fill every waking hour!
Hopefully there will be a little time left for Inner Wheel responsibility during the next
year.
Midie, left, and Jenny
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Midie Macdonald: I was born in Warwickshire, completed my nursing training in
Birmingham and eventually settled in Gloucestershire when my husband Hugh was
offered a job with the CEGB at Berkeley. Unlike Jenny, I retired many years ago but life
has never been busier and this of course involves my family - two daughters, two sons,
five grandchildren and, of course, Inner Wheel!
When I do have some time to relax I enjoy singing with Cotswold Chorus, going to the
theatre and, last but by no means least, spending some time in the garden.
I never intended to become President for a second time. However, overheard by one or
t o of ou e e s he hatti g to Je a out possi l sha i g the P eside ,
suddenly we found we were joint Junior Vice Presidents! We plan to have a fun year
with, of course, some serious moments, shared and supported by our fabulous Club.
Gloucester: Jane Peak
I was born in Penzance, Cornwall and moved to Gloucester
nearly 40 years ago.
I am married to Chris, a member of the Rotary Club of
Gloucester. We have three grown-up children and 4
grandchildren ranging from 13 years old to 7.
This is the third time I have been President, the last time
in 2007-8.
Whe I a ot doi g I e Wheel thi gs, I ha e a ious other fingers in various other charity pies. I am a trustee
of the Willow Trust where I also crew, and am involved in
the training of accredited volunteers which is a County
Council run scheme to assist in Civil Emergencies (both as
a olu tee . I a hai a of the fu d aisi g g oup at “t Catha i e s Chu h, Glou este and on the branch committee of NSPCC.
I as e lu k to e a a ded a BEM i this ea s Ne Yea s ho ou s list hi h the Lord Lieutenant presented to me in June. I have just received an invitation to attend a
garden party at Buckingham Palace.
I a e u h looki g fo a d to ea . The sa it gets easie ea h ti e ut I ot sure I have been persuaded that this is true. It will be different this time around as the
Dist i t Chai a is f o ou Clu a d I su e she ill keep us o ou toes.
Treat everyone with politeness, even those who are rude to you - not because they are
nice, but because you are.
Never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up.
Lorna Bradley, IW Club of Waterfront, Cape Town, RSA
19
Hereford Wye Valley: Sue Basden
I moved to Hereford from Tonbridge, Kent in August 2011.
In Tonbridge I was a member of Ladies Circle and Tangent - I
had been a Circler for 23 years and a member of Tangent for
4 years. I was Chairman of Ladies Circle twice, and was the
President of my Tangent Club at the time of our house
move.
I have been a member of the Hereford Wye Valley Club for
nearly five years, and also belong to Almeley WI.
I am married to Kevin, who was a keen Round Tabler in Kent
and is now a Rotarian in the City of Hereford Club.
We were both members of Rotaract in Kent, but in different
clubs.
I have two children, Richard and Cathryn. My son has
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. I am the very proud mother of both my children, who
have had to cope with having a disability in the family.
I also work full time in a fabric store in Hereford which is my dream job and I love it, but
means I have a busy life!
I enjoy walking with our golden retriever, Bailey, and all forms of craft.
Leominster: Kaye Fletcher
I was born in South Shields, attended the local grammar
school and graduated from Kenton Lodge Teacher Training
College in Gosforth, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, where I met
Robin who was at Newcastle University. When we
married we moved to Long Eaton in Derbyshire, where I
taught in a local primary school and worked for and gained
a Diplo a i tea hi g edu atio all ha di apped hild e at Matlo k College. This ga e e a lifelo g
interest in working with children with special needs.
Four years later, in 1971, Robin was lucky to be given a job in Portugal and we moved to
live in Cascais and had a wonderful 6 years there. Our daughter Sally was 11 months old
when we went to Portugal and our son Paul was born there. I taught in a
British/International school in Carcavelos and also became the Girl Guide Leader at the
school.
On returning to UK we moved to Formby and I taught in a school for children with
physical disabilities, where I remained for 17 very happy years.
In 1995 we were very lucky to move to Kenya. There I worked on a voluntary basis with
st eet hild e , tea hi g i a a azi g p oje t alled “t eet ise . On retirement in 1998 we returned to UK and settled in Kingsland, Leominster, where
Robin joined Rotary and I became a member of Leominster Inner Wheel.
20
I love silk painting, drawing and painting and a variety of craft activities. I enjoy
gardening, reading and travel and spending time with my family - I have four
grandchildren who keep me fit.
I am looking forward to my presidential year among all my supportive friends in the Inner
Wheel Club of Leominster.
Malvern: Ruth Cook
I have been a member of Inner Wheel for a number of years
but this is the first time that I will become President. This is
mainly because I have been in business with my husband for
a number of years and therefore did not have the time to
take on this position. Also, I was able to join Inner Wheel
when the Club changed to an evening meeting.
I am now retired and so able to have time to take on the
Presidency. I have helped with different functions over the
years, and am now looking forward to a happy year with our Club.
Nailsea: Sue Wilkins
I grew up in Bristol and moved to Nailsea when I got
married, 47 years ago.
I have been fortunate to have led a very interesting life. In
1979 my husband Gary and I with our son, who was 3 at
the time, lived in Florida for two years, where Gary worked
at Cape Canaveral.
We made some wonderful friends while we were there
and are still very close friends with them now, 37 years
later!
We have had wonderful holidays in all sorts of different
countries, ranging from New Zealand to Scotland!!
I have two sons, 2 granddaughters and 2 grandsons, aged
from 14 to 3, who are all an absolute delight, (I know,
every grandmother says that!).
I have been very involved for more than 32 years with my
local church of Holy Trinity in Nailsea.
I joined the Inner Wheel Club of Nailsea 3 years ago and became Club Correspondent a
year after that. I thoroughly enjoyed this, reporting events to the local papers, and I
ended my fi st ea as Clu Co espo de t ith a slide sho dia of the ea s e e ts, which was a nice way to remember all that went on.
At first, when the post of President came up, I did t eall gi e it a thought, ut as ti e went on I felt it was something I could do, so I put my name forward and was duly
elected.
21
I hope I will do our Club justice and I am really looking forward to the next year with all
the possibilities it holds.
Newent & District: Ann Littleton
I was born in Dursley, and spent part of my early years in
Charfield, near Wotton-under-Edge, before moving to
Arlingham.
I married Graham in 1970 and moved to Elmore where we
have lived at Bridgemacote Farm.
After leaving High School I worked in a bank until our sons,
Brian and James, arrived. Brian lives in London with Natasha
and our 3 granddaughters, while James works for the United
Nations and lives in Pakistan.
I was introduced to Newent Inner Wheel by past Association
President Phyllis Charter. Before Inner Wheel I was a
member of Glevum Ladies Circle and Gloucester Tangent, and was Chairman of both
groups.
Many years ago I ran a Girl Guide Troop in Gloucester and Elmore, and I am also
Chairman of the Ladies Committee for the Friends of Gloucester Royal Hospital. I am
also on my local Village Hall committee.
Graham belongs to the Gloucester Farmers Dining Club, so approximately 10 years ago I
decided to form a Ladies Group which is known as the 25 Club.
I look forward to my year as President of Newent Inner Wheel.
North Wilts: Priscilla Winslow
Priscilla has been a member of the North Wilts Club since
1988, serving as President four times – the last time only
last year! When no-one came forward, Priscilla
generously volunteered to continue in the role for
another year.
Priscilla was born in Swindon and, having trained as a
hairdresser, she worked in a family- u ladies hairdressing salon. She has been married to Ken, a
member of the Rotary Club of Swindon North, for nearly
40 years, and they have a son and daughter, both married and living nearby. This
enables her to see her 3 grandsons, aged between 11 and 13 often, and she enjoys
looking after them when called on.
P is illa s ho ies a d i te ests involve anything of an artistic and creative nature. Over
the years she has attended various classes and acquired skills in cooking, sugar paste
icing, flower arranging and folk art painting.
She also enjoys entertaining her friends and family and travelling, both here and abroad.
22
Pershore: Liz Gardner
I was born and brought up in Southampton, within sight of
the ships that I used to watch from my bedroom window.
My father was a keen member of Rotary and my mother of
Inner Wheel. Education, a career (as a science teacher) and
marriage took me to a variety of different places -
Manchester, London, Munich, Colchester, Tunbridge Wells
and Goring-on-Thames, before we decided to retire to
Worcestershire in 2009, having bought a thatched cottage
we had seen from the river while doing the Worcester Ring
on a narrow boat.
My interests include singing, our local Church, volunteering
at local schools and travel.
I was introduced to Pershore IW by my neighbour. Having been made very welcome, I
decided to join as a good way of meeting people, making friends and putting something
back into the community. My husband likewise joined Rotary. I have served as Minute
Secretary for 5 years and Secretary for 3, and know the value of a good committee. I am
looking forward, though with some trepidation, to being President in our 50th
anniversary year.
Ross-on-Wye: June Bilby
Born in Ross, I attended the local primary school before
going on to Ross grammar school. Trained privately for
secretarial work, I loathed it as, having secured a place at
Birmingham School of Art, my parents refused to let me
attend.
I worked in the office of a local company and later joined
my cousin in retail work.
I have been married to my husband Ray for the last 60
years. Ray joined Round Table and I joined Ladies Circle
and became Chairman. I resigned when Ray retired from
Round Table and joined Rotary, and I decided to join the Ross Inner Wheel Club in the
early 1970s, and served as President in 1980 and again in 1992.
I was a magistrate for 34 years and a school governor for 20 years.
I retired from Inner Wheel for a few years – family matters and wearing too many hats at
the same time. However I re-joined the Club, and now find myself back in the Chair. I
am looking forward to my year in office very much, and am very lucky to have a strong
committee to back me up. We aim to have a happy year whilst helping others along the
way.
23
Royal Forest of Dean: Jenny East
Born and brought up in Devon, I moved to London to train
as a nurse at the Middlesex Hospital and then as a midwife
at the Whittington Hospital.
Following this I worked in Zambia and Saudi Arabia where I
met and married my husband, John. We returned to
England and at first lived in Derbyshire before moving to the
Forest of Dean in 1975 when John got a job at Rank Xerox.
We had two daughters, and when they started school I
returned to nursing work in the community.
John was invited to join Rotary in 1996 and I joined Inner
Wheel soon after. I have been the Clu s International,
Correspondent and Membership Officer and in 2003-2004
was President at the same time as John was Rotary President.
Sadly John died last year and the support I have had from both Inner Wheel and Rotary
has been truly amazing. With my many friends, grandchildren, gardening and sewing I
try to keep busy and look forward to being President again.
Stroud: Jill Hurran, Hilary Lambert and Joan Norris
Three mad maids from Stroud are we,
Taking on the team presidency.
O e s e led, t o a e e - We sure will make a motley crew!
Jill Hurran
Although not born in Gloucestershire I have lived in the county since I was 6 months old,
so consider myself a Gloucestershire girl. I am married to Arthur, a third generation
Rotarian, his father and grandfather both having been members of Gloucester Rotary
Club. We have two sons and two grandchildren who are now teenagers.
I have been a previous Chairman of Gloucester Ladies Circle and also the League of
Friends Glos. NHS Trust Ladies Committee. In my working life I was Company Secretary
24
for a Horticulture Nursery for many years.
I joined Stroud Inner Wheel about 7 years ago and am looking forward to joining Hilary
and Joan in a joint Presidency for 2016-17.
Hilary Lambert
I am the recycled one, having been President 11 years ago. With grateful thanks to
Rotaract, I met and married Michael and we have two children, two grandchildren and a
very lively golden retriever. I help with Guiding in Stonehouse District and volunteer on
the Willow Trust boats. I enjoy sewing, gardening and getting away in our caravan.
Joan Norris
Born in Bermuda, I have lived in the UK and abroad during my childhood. I worked in
Nottingham as a secretary, then trained to be an SRN in Bristol when my parents moved
this way. Since my marriage in 1973 I have lived in Stroud. When my children went to
school I retrained to teach in further education, which was my employment until I
retired. I joined Inner Wheel on retirement and enjoy the friendliness and support given
by its members.
Thornbury: Anne Bradley
I was born and brought up in Liverpool, leaving aged 18 to go
firstly to Manchester University and then Birmingham, where I
qualified as a Medical Social Worker. I met my husband in
Birmingham - in 1970 we moved to Cambridge, then to
Holland, and eventually settled in the Bristol area in 1979.
We have 4 daughters and 5 grandchildren who keep me busy.
In any spare time I enjoy crafts, especially antique furniture
restoration, and I am currently trying to improve my French.
For relaxation we enjoy travelling in our motor home.
I joined Inner Wheel 5 years ago and am looking forward to
the coming year which I know, in the spirit of our Club, will be full of fun and friendship
as well as charitable work.
Profiles continued on page 29
Nudity
I was driving with my three young children one warm summer evening when a woman in
the convertible ahead of us stood up and waved. She was stark naked!
As I was reeling from the shock, I heard my 5 year old shout from the back seat, 'Mum,
that lady isn't wearing a seat belt!'
Sally Young, Worcester Severn
25
The Georgian dolls house, before and after refurbishment by Dursley members.
This will be raffled at the end of July, with
all proceeds going to CLIC Sargent and IW charities.
26
“o e of Leo i ster s k itti g!
Bristol Severnside with DISO
Pat and their teddies
3 way Lunch – Ross-on-Wye,
Hereford Wye Valley and
Leominster – plus members of
now disbanded IW Club in
Llandrindod Wells, D15
President Jane and the Stroud members welcome DC Eileen – and
there was a surprise for Jane to mark her very special birthday!
Hard at it collecting!!
Right: At Royal
Forest of Dea s Interclub, Hereford
Wye Valley
members forged a
new link with Lyn
Deacon (2nd
from
left) and the IW
Club of Strathpine,
Brisbane.
Left: Here s ho Hereford W e Valle s other Australian friends in the IW Club of Alstonville,
NSW, celebrated World IW Day with
a garden tea party.
Wow - it s differe t!!
27
ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE, GLASGOW - April, 2016
Which way?
The SECC – our venue
Teddies for School in a
Bag – and those piles
just kept growing!!
D10 members assembled for the Ceilidh (photograph courtesy of Keith Curtis)
President Jane and Eileen (Stroud)
packing for School in a Bag
Having a Ball!!
28
At the Fashion Show put o DC Eilee s Clu , Hereford W e Valle , which
raised a marvellous sum for her chosen charity, The Cinnamon Trust. Volunteers
ere t e a tl rushi g to odel the lothes, ut, It as OK o the da !
Newent & District members joined up with their Rotarians for a part to ele rate the Quee s 90th
birthday. After toasting Her Majesty, they took part in her favourite sport – a bit of horse racing!
29
Presents Profiles continued from P.24
Worcester Severn: Heather Wiltshire
I joined Worcester Severn Inner Wheel Club in 1988 and
this opened up a world of friendship and fellowship for
which I have always been grateful.
My husband, Vaughan, and I married 40 years ago this
October and I had the privilege of working with him for
many years. We have now settled into retirement and fill
our days visiting family and offering support to the various
groups to which we belong.
Our children have long flown the nest, but probably our
happiest times are spent with them and our gorgeous new
grandson (I try, and fail miserably, not to rabbit on about
him!).
This will be my second time as President of Worcester
Severn and we now have 35 members spread over a large
area of Worcestershire.
I feel that we are a changing organisation and my challenge this year will be to meet the
changing needs of our Club whilst retaining a sense of all that Inner Wheel stands for.
I look forward to a year of friendship, just as we have had for the past 30 years.
Wonderful! – the following items all appeared in Church Bulletins
Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on 24 October in the church. So ends a
friendship that began in their school days.
Weight Watchers will meet at 7pm at the Church. Please use large double door at the
side entrance.
The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the
basement on Friday afternoon.
Pot-luck supper Sunday at 5pm - prayer and medication to follow.
The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious
hostility.
On Friday at 7pm there will be a hymn singing in the park next to the Church. Bring a
blanket and come prepared to sin.
Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members
and to the deterioration of some older ones.
The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.
Nicky Clark, Worthing Steyne
30
31
CLUB NEWS
BRISTOL SEVERNSIDE (1993) 21 Members
Presidents Jenny Phillips, Pat Moore and Cheryl Sinnett
The New Year began with a post-
Christmas lunch at a local pub, which was
enjoyed by all of us. We decided that so
many events were foodie-orientated up to
and including Christmas, that a treat in
January would be appreciated, rather
than - oh, not more food!
We still hold our monthly meetings in
members ho es, a d we were delighted
to welcome District Chairman Eileen to
our meeting in February. She told us
about her life – what a lot she has
achieved! It was a very relaxed and
enjoyable evening.
We organised a charity book sale at a local
shopping centre in April. It took time
sorting all the books and puzzles into
some sort of order, so it was a very busy
day, but worthwhile. It is always
surprising that, however many books are
sold, there seem to be just as many left at
the end!
We have welcomed a speaker from our
chosen charity, the local Headway Centre.
She gave an excellent talk and explained
about the charity which does splendid
work with people with various types of
head injury.
Then came our big event - a Quiz to raise
funds for our charity of the year. 104
eager contestants were ready with pencils
and paper. A two course supper was
included and a great evening was had by
all. There was lots of chatter, of course,
discussing possible answers, all brought to
order with the trusty gavel, but it was
great fun.
We have handed over to Pat Maslen 41
knitted teddies for School in a Bag - all
very colourful! Our members have been
very busy. We ha e also filled Tedd s
satchel with 30 x £1 coins.
On a sad note, one of our members,
Jennifer Veale, has passed away. I think
many ladies would remember her as she
was involved with Inner Wheel for very
many years.
Our Handover meeting will come next,
when 3 new Presidents will share the
post. I su e e shall have an equally
enjoyable year of fun ahead.
Janet Perrott
32
CHIPPING SODBURY (1984) 35 Members
President Margaret Giess
Did you know? Alpacas are pregnant for
eleven months – perfumes will dull the
lustre of pearls – in Oman some men
believe that sprinkling lemon juice on to
rice will act as a contraceptive – and
recovery from a serious burn is 90%
psychological. Most of our members
did t, but they do now after the
interesting speakers we have had so far
this year. We like to extend an invitation
to Rotary members and their non IW
partners to attend one of our meetings
each year; this year it was to our January
eeti g he e e hea d f o a loggi g fa e , who entertained us with a talk
and photos of a year on his farm.
The next month an experienced midwife
had us laughing with amusing tales from
the delivery suite, but the next minute we
listened in horror as she told of some of
her experiences in Oman where FGM is
common. We were fascinated with Tears
of the D ago - the history of pearls - and
very interested when we learned how old
and retired race horses can, with careful
training and handling, be turned into
useful riding horses.
Do visit our new Club website:
https://www.rotary-site.org/chipping-
sodbury-inner-wheel. He e s the photo
on our home page – do have a look!
In April we enjoyed a pleasant fish and
chip supper at the home of one of our
members. Our guest, representing the
FAB Club who we are supporting this year,
spoke very movingly about their work
with children who have survived serious
burns and are striving to remake their
lives despite severe scaring.
We continue to support Rotary and are
thinking about the cakes we will bake for
the Classic Car Run coffee stop. We have
also enjoyed social occasions as their
guests, including a weekend away and a
boules evening. We look forward to
celebrating our birthday with a Summer
Garden Party.
Angela Peacock
CIRENCESTER (1962) 30 Members
President Elizabeth Tovey
Ou Clu s Ja ua eeti g as agai at the Corinium Hotel and was hosted by
Judy. One of our favourite speakers,
Stephanie Allison, who is a magistrate,
was invited back and this time she took us
through a sentencing exercise.
Both Inner Wheel and Rotary enjoyed a
meeting with the Soroptimists in
33
February, when the speaker was a past
member of the Red Arrows aerobatic
team. I think this was the first time all
three Clubs had shared a meeting
together.
The following week we had our own Club
meeting hosted by our International
Officer. Anne invited a scrubs nurse,
Alison Herbert, who is a volunteer on
Mercy Ships and had just returned from
the ship docked in Madagascar. Alison
gave an excellent power point
presentation on the operations they carry
out on board, especially facial
disfigurements and eye operations, and
we were able to give a substantial
donation to Mercy Ships which was
doubled up by an anonymous benefactor
at Easter.
It was our turn to host the Soroptimists in
March and VP Nic invited two members of
the local Bee Keeping Society as our
speakers. They brought along with them
a live hive and honey to sell and we all
agreed that we will now look at bees in a
different light.
For the fourth year running our local
Indian restaurant hosted a charity night
for our Club and, as all the staff are from
Bangladesh, we chose to send the money
to Action Aid which at the moment is
working on a project there to get
vulnerable children, especially girls, off
the streets. Mary compiled two table
quizzes which kept us busy while we were
eating the delicious three course meal.
In early May we had our annual skittles
match with Rotary which is always a great
fun evening. We were in the lead at half
time by 31 skittles. However, after a
break and a meal, we went downhill,
though the men played even better and
we finally lost to the Rotarians by 3 pins.
Our Interclub at The Crown of Crucis was
attended by over 40 ladies, with special
guests DC Eileen, Past DC Jackie and
Rotary President Yvonne. Our speaker
was Lesley Brain who writes a column in
our local paper every week, and she
sha ed ith us a photog aphi talk a out herself.
Elizabeth Tovey
Computer Skills
Technical Support: How may I help you?
Custo e : I iting my first email.
Technical Support: OK, and what seems to be the problem?
Custo e : Well, I ha e the lette a i the add ess, ut ho do I get the little i le around it?
Nicky Clark, Worthing Steyne
34
CLEVEDON (1948) 27 Members
President Valerie Humphreys
Looking back on the last Telegraph report,
ending with our Christmas celebrations,
makes me realise how the year is flying
by.
New Year resolutions fell by the wayside
as we gathered at Chris Pe ett s ho e fo World Inner Wheel Day and were treated
to scrumptious goodies in front of a
roaring fire. We raised money to support
Andrew House, a local charity for
recovering drug addicts, whose funding
has been withdrawn. The community has
rallied to their support and Inner Wheel
wanted to do its bit.
We had planned long and hard for our
February big night. We took over
Tickenham Village Hall, provided a hot
meal cooked and served by our members,
and then listened and danced to Acoustic
Rooster , a band as much fun as it sounds.
All the pla i g i the o ld a t gua d against the unexpected - the ovens in the
hall were not working properly! Help!
What to do? Then the true British spirit
kicked in. Contingency plans were put
into place and we had a wonderful
evening, raising money for Alzhei er s
Research.
On entering the hall for our February
meeting we stopped dead in our tracks.
Our friend Di Holl stood before us,
resplendent in full Highland uniform and
holding her bagpipes. She talked us
through the items of clothing, starting
with ghillie brogues on her legs, the dirk,
which is part of the uniform, tucked away
carefully, the Ancient Southern tartan kilt
and the glengarry on her head. Di played
her bagpipes, having first warned us they
are loud (she was right!).
I have seen and heard Di in action before
on Burns Night and, with kilt swinging and
pipes swirling, it is impressive indeed.
In March our member Angela Hughes,
always a treat, told us her life story with
photographic illustrations of a real
glamour girl – she herself when young.
We were impressed.
And Mavis has treated us to a delicious
cream tea, when President Val presented
her with a bouquet of white flowers to
celebrate her Diamond Wedding.
Molly Hutton
35
CLIFTON (1969) 30 Members
Presidents Lesley Addison, Valerie Brooks and Sandy Parmar
Member Jill hosted a coffee morning to
coincide with World Inner Wheel Day in
aid of Parkinson s which was well
supported and very successful. At our
usual monthly meeting Rotarian John gave
a very amusing talk on Careers Advice in
the Middle Ages. Our annual Quiz Night
goes from strength to strength, with good
food and company and ever challenging
questions proving very surprising as to
what we know or think we know!
In February we dispensed with our usual
business meeting and had a meal out at
Ciao s, a local Italian restaurant, giving us
an ideal opportunity to catch up with
news/views/gossip etc. March saw us
entertaining the Gateway Club (a group of
young adults with learning difficulties) to
a Weakest Link fun night in fancy dress.
They provide the questions (very random)
and we dress up! This year's theme was
Royalty. They really enjoy watching us
struggle with answering their questions!
We collected up all our efforts from
monthly Knit and Knat sessions and ISO
Sandy was able to pass on a good supply
of blankets and teddies for the School in a
Bag charity. We are continuing with hats,
scarves and mittens to go in the Christmas
shoe boxes which we fill at our October
meeting.
District Chairman Eileen Hammond was
welcomed to our April meeting. Member
Gill and her Rotarian husband Keith put
on a wonderful slide show/talk about
their experiences on Machu Pichu, Peru.
Eileen gave a very entertaining talk about
her past and her journey in Inner Wheel.
At our May meeting President Lesley
hosted a craft evening, demonstrating and
then helping us to make little decorative
boxes.
We continue with our monthly events -
Ladies who Lunch, Knit & Knat and cake
baking for Project One25. We now look
forward to our Handover in June.
Jennie Vittle
DURSLEY (1960) 38 Members
President Pam England
There was a spring in our step, despite the
winter weather, with the sunshine of
three new members, Jill Champion, Liz
Budden and Janie Hill being inducted by
President Pam. May they enjoy all that
being a member has to offer.
Carrying on with the sunshine theme, we
enjoyed an Italian meal as our first social
function of 2016 and, having got the taste
for that, the ladies who lunch later went
to Tortworth Court for a meal in their
Orangery.
Bringing us back to earth - time for some
fund raising events with an International
Service lunch (yes, as always, there were
loads of yummy desserts!) held at the
36
beautiful home of Erna and Peter Watts
on Valentine s Day. This was in aid of the
Vine Project, which supports and educates
children who have lost their parents
through Aids, and also Mercy Ships and
School in a Bag. We were delighted to
have had a talk on the Vine Project and
have the chance to purchase some of the
hand-made goods brought along.
President Pam and several members have
been working hard on painting and
decorating a Georgian dolls house which
Pam had been given. This is to be raffled
in aid of CLIC Sargent and Inner Wheel
charities. (See separate article – Ed.)
Then on with the gardening gloves to refill
our Inner Wheel planter which stands
under the watchful and stern gaze of
Queen Anne in the town s Market Place.
Getting together with Dursley Tangent
Club, Dursley Lionesses and Ladies Probus
for the now annual quiz held at Dursley
Community Centre is always a pleasure
and good fun, and where it seems that
getting the booby prize holds more
esteem than winning the event! A great
time to get together with other
organisations in our town.
Our Interclub was rather special too, as
the speaker was James Easey, son of our
member Anne, who amused and
delighted us ith his talk o F o Downing Street (when he was a Whitehall
p ess offi e to D.O.D.“. (which is our
local Operatic and Dramatic Society,
he e he pla ed the add i thei recent production of Sister Act). He
obviously enjoys this type of character as
his favourite role was playing Fagan in
Oliver !
We have indeed been fortunate to have
Pam as our President for the fifth time
round and she has, as always, pulled out
all the stops to ensure that we have had a
full year of fun and friendship as well as
working to support those less fortunate in
the world.
Pauline Darby
GLOUCESTER (1931) 27 Members
President Joy Picken
We celebrated World IW Day with a
service of thanksgiving at our local
Salvation Army Citadel on 13 January.
This was the wish of President Joy,
because we have strong links with them
and try to support their amazing work
when possible.
Our service was followed by a lovely
warming lunch prepared by their
volunteers.
President Joy entertained over 30 of our
members and partners at her annual
Pancake Morning in February. This is a
much enjoyed social occasion and funds
raised go to Inner Wheel charities. Our
thanks to Joy who spends the morning at
the cooker producing a stream of
delicious pancakes!
37
We supported the Willow Trust canal boat
trip organised by Jane Peak, our incoming
President, where we hosted 20 plus
housebound and elderly folk to a day out
on the canal. A picnic lunch and tea are
supplied, with transport provided. This is
much enjoyed by our visitors.
At Easter we helped Gloucester Rotary
Club with a tea prepared for over 100
elderly folk. Again these are mostly the
housebound, who are invited to tea and
to enjoy a game of bingo. The
entertainment this year was a brass
quintet which played a programme of
songs from years ago which were much
enjoyed by the guests.
Members enjoyed the trip to Glasgow for
the Association Conference – see (right) Di
and Gill, All scrubbed up and ready to go
to the Civic Reception!
As I write this, the Club members are
looking forward to supporting incoming
President Jane, as she is awarded the BEM
from the Lord Lieutenant of Gloucester.
This is in recognition of her years of
charity work. We are very proud of her!
We will be concentrating in June on
preparations for hosting the Summer
Rally, led by our member Christine Ellson,
who will take over as our District
Chairman. We look forward to supporting
her and hope to welcome many friends
from across the District.
Hilary Cass
HEREFORD WYE VALLEY (1983) 45 Members
President Shirley Whittingham
We celebrated World Inner Wheel Day
with our usual splendid get together, this
time at the home of Wendy and Phil
Rogers. As well as enjoying a delicious
array of food provided by members, we
were able to make a donation to Water
Aid s Deli e Life Appeal f o the
proceeds of the day. Members also
provided tins of biscuits to local charities.
President Shirley sent New Year wishes to
our link Club of Elgin and emailed
greetings to the IW Club of Alstonville,
District A55, Australia, and to the IW Club
of Waterfront, Cape Town, District 935,
South Africa, in both of which we have
personal contacts. Although our Clubs are
separated by many miles, they are close in
Inner Wheel friendship.
A bumper collection of stamps ha ested by members over Christmas enabled a
large parcel of used stamps to be sent to
the Canine Partners appeal. Our knitting
g oup t a sfo ed itself f o Knutters
Knitters and K atte e s to Natt K itte s
38
but is keeping up the good work,
producing blankets, jumpers, cardigans
and teddies.
Our Club contributed to the organisation
of a party for around 100 children,
families and friends for youngsters who
have regular respite care at Children at
Number 1 in Hereford.
Social events included a trip to the
Courtyard Theatre in Hereford to see an
adult pantomime. Members had a day
out when they visited the Judge s Lodgi g
in Presteigne in May. It was a beautiful
day, and we had lunch in the hotel
garden! And the e s to e an open-air
production of A Midsummer Night s Dream in June.
We have always enjoyed our annual Three
Way lunch, so were especially pleased
that this year it was a Four Way lunch
with Ross-on-Wye and Leominster
members and also former members of the
Llandrindod Wells Club in D15, now sadly
disbanded, although they still meet
regularly in friendship.
Although spring is now with us, we are all
still very much aware of the dreadful
flooding during last winter, especially in
the north of the country. It was pleasing
to be able to offer our support.
Club meetings are always well attended
and we have enjoyed talks on the work of
the He efo d Wo e s ‘efuge a d the beautiful National Trust Weir Garden,
which is carpeted in snowdrops and
daffodils in spring – a superb sight.
In April, we greeted old friends at our
Clu s a ual fello ship lu h, he past members of the Club are invited, and
attend in excellent numbers - photo
shows President Shirley front left with our
founder President Janet (now in the
Worcester Severn Club) front right.
Six of our members attended the
Association Conference in Glasgow with
D10 fellow members, wearing tartan
sashes at the Ceilidh made by one of our
Club members.
Carole Davies
LEOMINSTER (1949) 24 Members
President Julia Smith
With all the Christmas decorations put
away till next year, you could say Inner
Wheel would take 'time out' - but no!
Leominster members got together at their
meeting place, the Masonic Centre, on
World Inner Wheel Day to partake of tasty
soups and delicious desserts, followed by
tea and coffee.
The speaker we had invited to the
meeting had fallen ill, so member Kaye
Fletcher tested us on the quiz which
Rotary had had the previous week and we
39
also tried to work out 18 dingbats, a
symbol other than a letter or word. The
Recipe Book produced by Kaye raised a
good sum for Mary's Meals.
With President Julia still in Australia, our
February meeting was taken by IPP
Heather and, following the business, she
took us on a wonderful journey through
Costa Rica with her fabulous photography
of the flora and fauna across the Island.
President Julia was home again in March,
when we welcomed District Chairman
Eileen Hammond and three members of
Hereford Wye Valley to lunch at the
Leominster Golf Club. Following Eileen's
very interesting talk we presented her
with a cheque for her charity The
Cinnamon Trust.
We hardly had time to draw breath before
we joined Rotary on our annual collection
day for Marie Curie. Then, the following
evening, another joint event 'Desert Island
Discs', where three Inner Wheelers and
three Rotarians were the 'Castaways'
follo i g a plough a s suppe . Fo ou
meeting in April speaker Pam Dunn took
us on a journey through Burma. She had
been there many times with her husband
and had travelled through parts off the
tourist routes; she also brought a display
of craft items.
Our May meeting took the form of 'A
Cream Tea' in President Julia's beautiful
garden and the weather was just glorious
sunshine all day. We have held the usual
Tea and Coffee mornings, and Kids Out
will be held in June when we will visit
Shortwood Farm with the children from
Westfield Special Day School.
We are still knitting for Hope Carriers
Trust for the orphanage in Romania and
also supporting 'Leominster in Bloom' by
refreshing the planter in Inner Wheel
colours as we did last year.
We raised our best amount ever this year
for Water Aid as well as a generous
amount for School in a Bag from the
teddies.
Jan Foyle
MALVERN (1949) 31 Members
President Brenda Cooke
2016 began with a very interesting and
informative talk by Garth Lowe on birds to
be found in the garden and elsewhere in
the British Isles. It was particularly useful
for those of our members who were
involved in the RSPB Big Garden
Birdwatch. Our not so Frugal Supper was
held on 11
January. It s al a s a enjoyable occasion with much merriment
aused t i g to a s e Pa s eas Quiz.
40
February saw us helping Rotary with the
annual Pancake Race and listening to the
Deputy Head of a local primary school
talking about their links with a school in
Tanzania and the provision of a basic food
project to be served to about 70 orphans
a day. What a wonderful project for
young children to be involved in. I
wonder where that fits into the DofE
assessment tick box!
In March we sat down doing exercises. A
contradiction in terms you may think but
Armchair Yoga can help you stretch, be
more flexible, ease tension and just make
you feel better, and is a great help for
people who have mobility problems or
who just feel the need for gentle exercise.
We also held our Fellowship in March,
earlier than other years but we were
blessed with a lovely sunny day. Our
speaker, Michael Noakes, is a renowned
portrait painter who had a fund of
interesting stories about the famous
people he has painted - among them
almost all of the Royal Family.
Another interesting speaker joined us in
April. Dr Adrian Burden from the Wyche
Innovation Centre talked about The
Centre, which offers serviced office space
to small businesses in a very flexible way -
ideal for those businesses just starting up
who need the facilities to grow their
business but cannot afford the set up
costs.
Call M Bluff o “t Geo ge s Da i ol ed some of our members telling untruths
with very straight faces! Pam always
manages to find the most obscure words
with some wonderful true or false
definitions.
We have continued serving coffee and tea
once a month at the local GP Surgery,
sewing blankets to be sent abroad,
hosting coffee mornings for our members
who live alone or who can t make it to
meetings on a regular basis, and enjoying
Fun and Fellowship with Rotary.
Our President s harity this year is ARCOS,
Association for Rehabilitation of
Communication & Oral Skills. We have
joined with Rotary to provide them with a
Ropox Ergo Multi table enabling the
therapists to work more easily and flexibly
with their service users.
As another full year comes to an end we
thank President Brenda for all her hard
work and look forward to another fun
filled year with our new President, Ruth
Cook.
Lyndsay Richardson
NAILSEA (1977) 33 Members
President Marion Covington
January: We all enjoyed a Christmas
lunch at the Long Ashton Golf Club – the
food was excellent, as was the company.
February: We joined forces with the
Rotary Club of Nailsea and Backwell for a
lovely dinner, held at a local hall. This was
a fund-raising event in aid of the RNLI,
which Rotary supports, and the Leg Club,
which has been P eside t Ma io s charity
this year. (To explain the Leg Club:
41
Volunteers, many of whom are Inner
Wheelers, provide transport as needed
for patients to the venue where NHS
trained nurses tend to the sores, cuts, etc.
on their legs. Tea and biscuits are offered,
all in a relaxed atmosphere, and then the
patients play games, or do craft work and
listen to live music. This gives them, most
of whom are elderly, a chance to go out
and socialise – and this friendly way of
treating people also takes pressure off the
local clinics and doctors/nurses.)
March: We had two friendship coffee
mornings at members homes. President
Marion, Carol Langford and Sue Wilkins all
went to Malvern s I te lu . The speaker
was the artist, Michael Noakes, whose
subjects have numbered among the rich
and famous, not least our Queen and the
Pope.
April: Our Rotary Club invited us to dine
with them and listen to an extremely good
and interesting talk given by volunteers
from “t. Joh s A ula e. We learnt a
lot in a very amusing demonstration and
talk!
And we also had a lovely afternoon cream
tea at the home of one of our members.
May: Some of us went with the Rotarians
on a visit to Kew Gardens.
June: The Clevedon Club held their
Interclub at the Walton Park Hotel. We
also enjoyed afternoon tea at the home of
our member Pat Potter, to which we
invited the Clevedon ladies.
President Marion will be giving a cheque
to the Leg Club later in the month. Then,
at the last eeti g of Ma io s ea , she
will hand over to our new President, Sue
Wilkins.
Sue Wilkins
NEWENT & DISTRICT (1980) 21 Members
President Ann Keene
Ian Caskie enlightened the month of
February with his very informative talk on
SS Great Britain, to which husbands,
partners and friends were invited. Our
meeting for the election of officers was an
afternoon tea, together with a very
su essful o e seas i g a d u supporting School in a Bag.
Such fun and fond wedding day memories
welcomed in the month of April - a very
expert seamstress, Liz, welcomed us to
her lovely home, where we viewed the
making of her daughte s eddi g d ess as si pl o a d a azi g . One of
our members turned up in her actual
wedding day outfit – well done, Marie!
A fu e e i g as had ith ‘ota he e e ele ated the Quee s 9 th
birthday. Fish & chips, ice cream and jelly,
all created an excellent evening with
expert singing, Royal Quiz and miniature
horse racing.
On a very pleasant May evening we
gained historical and local knowledge, as
we strolled around our own Newent
Market Town.
As this goes to press we will have
experienced our AGM, probably in the
usual speedy and efficient way, before
then tucking into food – e e requested
to i g a plate . Very sadly, and so suddenly, we have lost
42
a member in dear Jill Clayton. A loving,
kind, family lady who will be sorely missed
and we extend heartfelt thoughts to Nick
and family.
As Handover time looms, I simply cannot
believe another year has passed us by
when Ann will hand over to Ann!!!
Ann, thank you so much for your time and
efforts throughout the year and to t othe Ann, coming in as President, all the very
best as we offer our true support.
As the year draws to a close we have 21
members with exciting prospects of a few
more!
Pauline Drury
NORTH WILTS (1967) 17 Members
President Priscilla Winslow
As probably happens in other Clubs too,
there was a deafening silence when we
asked for names of those prepared to take
office for 2016-17. So Priscilla Winslow
has very kindly agreed to stay on as
President for a second year running (not
forgetting the many other occasions she
has already been our President in the
past).
Under her guiding hand, we have had a
happy and successful year despite the fact
that there are only 17 of us now - lots of
fun and laughter, some fundraising, some
lovely outings and, above all, plenty of
fellowship. We have raised very
creditable amounts for Alzhei er s
Research, the Childre s “o iety and the
local Downs Syndrome Group.
Additionally, we were happy to sponsor
our member Mo Dobie who bravely ran
the Swindon Half Marathon in aid of
charity.
He e s to a othe good I e Wheel ea in 2016-17 for us and all Clubs in District
10.
Christine Odoire
PERSHORE (1967) 37 Members
President Barbara Chapman
After a successful Frugal Lunch celebrating
IW Day, and raising money for our
International Disaster Fund Reserve, our
efforts have been concentrated on the
concert held in Pershore Abbey in May
(see full report elsewhere) with Worcester
Male Voice Choir and the visiting Victoria
(Australia) Welsh Male Choir. This was
President Barbara's main fundraising
event for her chosen charity, Parkinson's
UK.
Socially Club members have been out and
about at the Wholefood Market in
Cheltenham and visiting the Beauchamp
Alms-Houses in Malvern. In addition to
our monthly lunch meetings, e e also
43
enjoyed lunches at other venues.
Several members went to Conference,
one as a virgin conference delegate. Liz
was very impressed with the content and
professional staging of such an event, and
the opportunity to meet members of our
link Club. (“ee Liz s report else here - Ed.)
Coffee mornings are being held amongst
the Club members to raise some extra
money towards celebrations in 2016-17 of
our 50th
charter anniversary, especially to
pay for the new collar and regalia. Much
discussion and planning is happening in
Pershore!
We continue our good relationship with
the Pershore Times, and have an entry in
the publication each month. It is certainly
raising our profile.
Our membership officer has done a
sterling job, resulting in 3 new members
being inducted this year. Sadly there have
been two resignations and one death.
Anne Corrigan had been a valued member
for many years. She had suffered ill
health for some considerable time and
sadly died in early January. R.I.P.
Jan Crouch
ROSS-ON-WYE (1954) 10 Members
President Betty Gartside
On Inner Wheel Day we met for lunch and
raised money for the local food bank, and
two of our members enjoyed an
afternoon doing the shopping for people
in need. At our January meeting we were
entertained by the President of Ross
Rotary Club, Stewart Ross, who spoke to
us about his early life. Born in Scotland,
before moving to the Midlands, Stewart
talked about his career as a sales
representative for Ross Foods.
Our February meeting was spent electing
officers – and a past President, June Bilby,
very kindly offered to be President for the
third time. After a few years eak, June
has come back and wants to build our
Club into the successful one it once was.
District Chairman Eileen came to visit us in
March, accompanied by fellow member
Liz Hodgkinson whose father, Freddie,
used to be a very popular member of the
Ross Rotary Club.
We had a fellowship meeting in April
where we all enjoyed an excellent lunch
at the Chase Hotel, and at the May
meeting we welcomed a speaker who told
us about breeding Persian cats.
At the moment, we are putting together a
hamper which will be raffled at the Ross
Cottage Hospital Fete, to help raise cash
for the wonderful work the local hospital
does for our community.
Susan Gosling
44
ROYAL FOREST OF DEAN (1982) 25 Members
President Sally Taylor
January was a quiet meeting without a
speaker, ut Fe ua s at the Forest Hills
Golf Club saw the induction of 4 new
members - Lynn Ellis, Beryl Pratley, Marie
Johnson and Jayne Gibson. They were
presented with their Inner Wheel badges
by District Chairman Eileen. She was
delighted to welcome them into Inner
Wheel and wished them good friendship
and enjoyment. DC Eileen was the after
dinner speaker and told the Club of her
employment history with many national
charities, all of which she enjoyed
immensely.
March was a busy time helping organise
our contribution to the Half Marathon in
the Forest of Dean. The event is
organised by the Rotary Club of the Royal
Forest of Dean and our ladies volunteered
to serve food and drinks for the occasion.
We also had a stall selling T-shirts to mark
the event. The proceeds from these
activities will go into our charity account
for donation to causes when they are
identified later.
We held our Interclub in April at The
Wilderness Centre in Mitcheldean. Many
members from around the District
attended and enjoyed a lovely lunch
together. Our guest speaker was Dame
Janet Trotter, Lord Lieutenant of
Gloucestershire, who gave us a talk about
her role. She told us about her life
growing up in Kent and how she
progressed through her career to where
she is today. Everyone thoroughly
enjoyed the day.
In May we heard from Debby Gill from the
Alzheimer s Society.
P eside t “all Ta lo s hose ha it fo her year was Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Margaret Manning
STROUD (1935) 26 Members
President Jane Tiley
Our report for the Winter magazine ended
with our Inner Wheel Day fundraising
Plough a s Lunch in support of
Parki so s UK. I suppose this one should
have started with it!
District Chairman Eileen visited us a few
weeks later: we entertained her to lunch
and she entertained us with the story of
her career. Eileen was also privy to the
secret that we were using this occasion to
45
celebrate the milestone birthday of our
President Jane who, incidentally, was
blissfully unaware of the fact (see photo!)
A gift was presented to her as well as a
birthday cake. Although this cake was
really for Jane, we demolished the lot
between us! After all, what are Inner
Wheel friends for, if not to share cake?
We have listened to some interesting
speakers over the last few months and
heard about honey-eating pandas from
China who travelled the world gathering
interesting Aboriginal and Australian
artefacts. Whoops, I seem to have rolled
all the subjects into one! Sounds
i te esti g though, does t it?
Going back to reality found some Club
members helping in the office of a local
care centre which provides specialist
services 365 days per year for people
living with a time-limiting illness in
Gloucestershire. Other charities also
received hands-on support.
Eileen Berry is doing a great job finding
homes overseas for our knitted items and
Elizabeth Haughton has us making
Twiddle Muffs for patients with dementia
(although I did dare to suggest that we
each had one to keep us quiet during
meetings!).
Some of us joined Stroud Rotary Club on
their visit to, and guided tour of, the
wonderful Gloucester Cathedral. Do try
to visit this cathedral where it has an
exhibition of works, some enormous,
some small, which the local Pangolin
Foundry have cleverly placed around the
main part as well as the cloisters and
garden. It is very thought-provoking as
well as controversial at times.
By the time this goes to press we will have
had a tea pa t to ele ate the Quee s 90
th birthday. Any excuse for more cake!
My report ends with this so, true to form,
the next report will start with it!
Not quite the end. Our thoughts go out to
Club members who are frail or unwell.
And finally, we would like to extend our
congratulations to Jane Peak of the
Gloucester Club on receiving the British
Empire Medal.
Jenny Warner
THORNBURY (1978) 30 Members
President Joyce Taylor
President Joyce went off for a well-earned
visit to her family in Australia in January
but our Club was ably led by Vice
President Anne for those few weeks.
The New Year started with our Inner
Wheel Day lunch with our husbands at
Pa a d Mike ‘o i so s lo el ho e
near the River Severn. It was a very
enjoyable occasion and the profits went
to Bloodwise, a charity close to Pam and
Mike s hea t. Also in January we held our
post-Christmas meal at The Anchor in
Oldbury-on-Severn. The food was
delicious, and our voices certainly
46
increased in volume as the evening
progressed.
Various speakers attended our meetings
through this half year which included
musical entertainment and how to solve
crosswords. A late cancellation led two of
our very resourceful members, Julie
Dawes and Jill Kirby, to produce an
impromptu quiz which gave members
food for thought and lots of fun and
chatter. Jill also gave us a short talk about
her holiday in Costa Rica.
Knit and Natter is continuing to produce
many blankets, hats, gloves and jumpers
a d those e e s ho do t k it a e always welcome to join us.
It is with great sadness we report that our
oldest member, Helen Bailey, passed
away in April. Her daughter Stephanie is
also a member of our Club and our
thoughts go to her and her family.
This year we welcomed Angela Williams
as a member and hope she enjoys the
fellowship we all gain from being
members of Inner Wheel.
We now look forward to our Coffee
Morning in May and hope to swell our
charity fund, especially President Jo e s chosen charity, Head Injury Support.
In June we look forward to assisting
Rotary with Kids Out and following that,
on the same day, we have Change Over
and welcome Anne as our President.
Gill Smitton
WORCESTER SEVERN (1985) 30 Members
President Maggie Pearse
Our first meeting of 2016 was when our
book club met at the beginning of January
and this was followed six days later by a
coffee morning at P eside t Maggie s house, which raised a good sum of money
for Parkinson s UK. Our member Sally also
held a coffee morning later on in the year
to raise money for a local special needs
school.
Our main meeting in January was held at
The March Hare at Broughton Hackett.
Our District Chairman Eileen also joined us
on this occasion when we all enjoyed a
good lu h a d e liste ed to Eilee s talk.
Fe ua s a ti ities sta ted ith a special
celebration to mark the thirty year
anniversary of our Inner Wheel Club on 7th
February. We held a Sunday lunch at The
Berkeley Inn for the occasion and our
husbands were invited along too.
At our February book club we reviewed
Afte You Jo Jo Mo es, which received
a very mixed review, and we were back at
The March Hare for our February Club
meeting when Maureen Gillman showed
us all how to make beautiful Easter-
themed flower arrangements for our
homes.
March was a busy month! We
collaborated with the Rotary Club to
arrange a very successful French Evening
– the Rotarians provided the mains and
we made the desserts. We all had a fun
evening and we raised lots of money for
charity as well. We also met up again
with Rotary to provide the refreshments
for a Desert Island Discs evening later in
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the month. Then came our March book
club meeting, followed one week later by
our AGM, which was held at President
Maggie s ho e.
No year with the Inner Wheel would be
complete without some culture – so, in
partnership with Rotary, e held a Loo Challe ge e e i g i Ap il. A Loo Challe ge is a Beetle Drive by a different
name and format! This fun evening was
rounded off with a fish and chip supper.
The overall winner of the evening was
Margaret Begley who was truly flushed
with success!!
At Ap il s ook lu e dis ussed The Gi l o the T ai , a th ille Paula ‘a li gs which received good reviews from
e e o e, a d i Ma This Bo Ala
Johnson also had good reviews.
Our main meeting in May was a walking
tour of Pershore College of Horticulture,
followed by tea and biscuits. We were
fortunate with the weather on that
beautiful sunny day.
Margaret Tyas
THE TALE OF GEORGIA THE DOLLS’ HOUSE
I am Georgia, a large Georgian Dolls House, and I was given to Pam England, IPP of the
Dursley Club, by Father Christmas about 15 years ago. With bare woodwork inside and
out, and undecorated rooms, I have felt a bit sad. Oh, but all was to change this year
when Pam decided that I should be transformed to my full glory and be the prize in a
Grand Draw, with appearances beforehand at several fund raising events in my area.
Research was carefully done into the colours and interior decoration of my era and the
hands of a group of dedicated members carefully brought me back to life – (colour
photos can be seen in centre pages of this magazine). There were of course a few
hiccups along the way, but these ladies obviously loved a challenge so all was quickly and
satisfactorily resolved. Whilst they worked on transforming me, I so enjoyed listening to
their happy chatter, plus watching the odd cup of coffee and glass of wine being drunk
which seemed to add extra energy to the task in hand.
Now I am beaming with pride at my new self and I also have a whole set of my rooms
furnished, o plete ith ha a te aids ead a d aiti g. I a eall e ited to see who my new owner is going to be.
48
The most wonderful thing, though, is that the G a d D a is i aid of a hild e s ha it ,
C.L.I.C. and other Inner Wheel charities, so I now do not only look good but I feel so
happy that the money I raise is going to help children who are the future generation.
Pauline Darby, CC, Dursley
PERSHORE CLUB’S CONCERT – MAY 2016
President Barbara had suggested we organise a concert in aid of Parki so s UK and local
Pa ki so s g oups a d e feel the 2015-16 IIW theme, U i ue a d U ited , su cinctly
summed up the concert which our Club organised to raise funds for this charity.
The idea of the Worcester Male Voice Choir and the Victoria Welsh Male Choir from
Melbourne, Australia holding a joint concert first arose 6 years ago, when a member of
the Australian choir heard the Worcester choir in Bodelwyddan Castle, North Wales – but
not until now, when the chaps from Oz were in the UK on a one week 5 concert tour,
were both choirs able to sing together, and our Club was extremely fortunate to be able
to host this performance in the beautiful Pershore Abbey.
The Abbey was full to bursting, and Worcester Male Voice Choir, the Victoria Welsh Male
Choir, our teenage soprano Sophie Edkins and organist Keith Hearnshaw delighted the
audience.
Not only did those lucky enough to be there enjoy a fantastic concert, but they were also
treated to a light-hearted lively banter, including references to England v Australia in
49
cricket and rugby! It was all sweetened with interval refreshments of, not surprisingly,
Welsh cakes and wine!!
Even in our wildest dreams we never imagined such a wonderfully successful evening.
U i ue i its o ept a d U ited hoi s, soloists, and the support from our D10
Clubs, some members from D6, and the local community in and around Pershore,
Parki so s UK will benefit hugely from the generosity of both the concert goers and
sponsors.
July sees the start of the 50th
anniversary year of the charter of the Inner Wheel Club of
Pershore, whose members have served the local community in various ways over all
those past years. What will we get up to next?
IPP Barbara Chapman and CC Jan Crouch, Pershore
MEMBERSHIP CHANGES
New Members
Jeanne Duvivier Chipping Sodbury
Paula Young Chipping Sodbury
Beryl Jones Cirencester
Jill Champion Dursley
Eugenia Hill Dursley
Liz Budden Dursley
Ann Davey Hereford Wye Valley
Christine Trigg Newent & District
Patricia Simms Pershore
Lynn Lucchese Pershore
Beryl Pratley Royal Forest of Dean
Lynn Ellis Royal Forest of Dean
Marie Johnson Royal Forest of Dean
Jayne Gibson Royal Forest of Dean
Transfers
Marilyn Boudier Ilfracombe to Pershore
Rosemary Mellor Bristol Severnside to Gloucester
Resignations
Christine Tutt Leominster
Lynda Turner Nailsea
Ann Farrington Ross-on-Wye
Kath Mason Royal Forest of Dean
50
Deaths
Jennifer Veale Bristol Severnside
Helen Bailey Thornbury
Jill Clayton Newent & District
Dates and Information for Diaries
District Meetings 2016-17:
Tuesday 22 November: Highnam Community Centre. Lunch at 12 for 12.30pm before
Meeting at 2pm
2017
Tuesday 21 March: Highnam Community Centre. Lunch at 12 for 12.30pm before
Meeting at 2pm Thursday 15 June: The Gables, Falfield. Dinner at 5.30pm for 6pm before the
Meeting and AGM at 7pm
District Executive Meetings 2016-17:
Wednesday 3 November: The Gables Hotel, Falfield
2017
Tuesday 14 March: The Gables Hotel, 10am, followed by Past and Present
Executive Lunch at 12.30 for 1pm
Thursday 18 May: The Gables Hotel
International Rally:
Friday 14 October: Stinchcombe Village Hall, Stinchcombe, GL11 6AW
District Fellowship Lunch:
Wednesday 19 April: The Gables Hotel, 12 for 12.30pm
Association Conference:
3-5 April, 2017: Nottingham
Dates of Interclub Meetings confirmed at time of going to press:
10 August Stroud 27 September Hereford Wye Valley
10 November Gloucester
51
All of us again send very many congratulations to Jane Peak, incoming President of the
Gloucester Club, who as a a ded the B itish E pi e Medal i the Ne Yea s Ho ou s. Jane has worked so hard over many years supporting the Willow Trust – she s not only a
trustee of the charity, but crews the boat.
She also helps to train volunteers in readiness for civil emergencies, is on the local
committee of the NSPCC, and chairs the fund-raising group of her local church.
All that, and then her constant loyalty and input to Inner Wheel.
Jane received her medal from Dame Janet Trotter, Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, at
a meeting of her Club members on 13 June. We e all e p oud of ou, Ja e!
As Time goes by!
A group of chaps, aged 40, discussed where to meet for lunch. Finally they decided on
the West Star in Uxbridge, because the waitresses had big bosoms and wore mini skirts.
Ten years later, aged 50, the friends again discussed where to meet for lunch. Finally
they chose the West Star in Uxbridge because the waitresses were attractive, the food
and service was good and the beer selection was excellent.
Ten years later, at age 60, the friends again discussed where to meet up for lunch.
Finally all agreed on the West Star in Uxbridge because there was plenty of parking, they
could dine in peace and quiet with no loud music, and it was good value for money.
Ten years later, aged 70, the friends discussed where to meet for lunch. Finally it was
agreed they would meet at the West Star in Uxbridge because the restaurant was
wheelchair accessible, and there was a toilet for the disabled.
Ten years later, at age 80, the friends discussed where they should meet for lunch.
Finally it was agreed that they would meet at the West Star in Uxbridge because they
had never been there before.
Jill Edwards, Hereford Wye Valley
A full colour version of this magazine is available on the District 10 website:
www.innerwheeldistrict10.co.uk
Guests making a selection from the delicious array of
cakes provided by members of the Hereford Wye Valley
Club ahead of the Fashion Show which raised a
ag ifice t su for DC Eilee s charity, the Ci a o Trust
Leominster members - Casta ays at their Desert Isla d Discs e e i g
The cake enjoyed by Stroud members to celebrate
HM The Quee s 90th birthday
The copy deadline for the Winter issue is FRIDAY 13 JANUARY, 2017
Please make sure that all contributions are free of copyright
www.innerwheeldistrict10.co.uk
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