“HELP bring HOPE”

ASSOCIATION OF INNER WHEEL CLUBS IN GREAT BRITAIN & IRELAND
autumn2009
issue
30
9
13
10
14
11
8
15
6
12
7
5
16
4
17
3
18
19
2
1
21
20
129
24
23
127
22
128
26
25
“HELP bring HOPE”
FROM THE NEWS DESK
Chugging along on our narrow boat, life moves along
at a very gentle pace, giving one time to reflect and
recharge one’s batteries ready to face new challenges.
July 1st gives us all the opportunity to start afresh as the new
Inner Wheel year begins with new plans for giving service and
lots of fun socially.
The rich variety of events and activities to be found in the new
Inner Wheel calendar, offer many different opportunities for
members to reach out to those in need of help. Association
President, Pam Byford, wants us to ‘reach for the stars’ in our
efforts and encourages us all to interpret the IIW theme ‘HELP
bring HOPE’ through service. A warm welcome is extended to
our new members as we offer them true Inner Wheel
friendship and wish them every happiness in their membership.
Have you invited a new member to join Inner Wheel yet?
Membership recruitment is the concern of us all and giving
someone the opportunity to share in Inner Wheel fellowship
and friendship should be on everyone’s agenda.
Congratulations and Best Wishes go to all those members who
have generously taken office this year. It is your enthusiasm
and ideas that will inspire us all to make those much needed
opportunities for hands-on help as you direct our energies to
greatest effect.
Let your ingenuity and creativity bring freshness to whatever
you plan and enjoy it all.
Rae - [email protected]
Blackpool Fire
15 members of The Inner Wheel Club of Thornton Cleveleys
returned from the Belfast Conference on Thursday 23rd April and
for three of these members it was not the end of a busy week!
Early the following morning President Elect June Parr took an
urgent phone call from the local WRVS co-ordinator advising her
that there had been a huge fire in a highly populated area of
Blackpool and as a result, hundreds of people had been evacuated
in the middle of the night to Stanley Park Sports Centre. As a coopted WRVS volunteer, she, together with Past District Chairman
Margaret Crossland, were urgently needed to help in the massive
support operation involving emergency services and local
volunteer groups. June admits that she initially thought it was one
of her Inner Wheel friends 'winding her up' in view of the debate
on this very subject at Conference. However, she was very quickly
reassured that this was a genuine incident and both she and
Margaret hurried to help. June later described the scene as similar
to 'blitz conditions'. There were hundreds of people of all ages
packed into the hall. Many were still in their nightclothes, having
to flee their homes at a moments notice. All were hungry, tired
and in need of reassurance and the day was spent providing
meals, refreshments and a listening ear. Janet Simpson was also
'stood up' later in the day and went to help in the support
operation, but much to her disappointment was not needed. All
three have since described this experience as extremely rewarding
and have nothing but praise for all the services involved. We, in
turn, are very proud of their involvement and for ‘flying the flag‘
for Inner Wheel in such a positive way. WRVS are always looking
for more support and perhaps there are others out there who
might be interested in helping their local branches.
Eileen Stanning, Thornton Cleveleys D19.
Peace Message
For the last three years, our member
Jenny Smith has been keen to make
known “Peace One Day”. We have attended
several different schools and during assembly,
Jenny has explained to the children what life is
like in troubled and war torn countries. She has several visual aids, a
peace lily, globe, dove and a bookmark for each of the children. A
young man played the guitar and peace candles were lit. An
illustrated book “Peace One Day” by Jeremy Gillie was left for the
school library. As Jeremy Gillie wanted, 21st September is
acknowledged as “Peace One Day”. This message is spreading and
has been mentioned recently on television.
Helen Carlyle & Meriel Brown, Swinton & Pendlebury D128.
THE FRONT COVER
‘Reaching for the stars’ are this
year’s District Chairmen with
Association President Pam Byford:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
2
Kay Goodman
Fiona Marwick
Brenda Wilkinson
Ann Ikoku
Audrey Davies
Christina Dance
Janice Quinn
Judy Hardcastle
Sallyanne Steatham
Barbara Chapman
Lyn Ashley
Margaret Hawkins
Valerie Bunn
Thelma Batt
Toni Lucas
16 Norma Coggins
17 Lesley Roberts
18 Ruth Foggin
19 Sheila Green
20 Tryphena Campkin
21 Susan Gay
22 Mary Pay
23 Margaret Davidson
24 Beryl Balls
25 Lynda Baxter
26 Jenny Versey
127 Susan Brewer
128 Katie Dalton
129 Beryl Gardner
Delivering Library Books
to the Housebound
Service is an intrinsic part of Inner Wheel life
and is very much valued in the community.
Nowadays restrictions and safeguards make
opportunities for service difficult to source.
However, IW members of Hereford Wye Valley Rotarian Dick and IW
regularly help their Rotary Club by delivering member Gillian about to
load up their car with library
books to the housebound.
books to be delivered.
Each Thursday, a Rotarian, accompanied by an IW member, goes to
the City Library in Hereford and loads up the car with boxes of books
to be delivered to those who find it difficult, and often impossible, to
get to the Library themselves. The team then drives round a specified
route delivering to regular customers.
It is not unheard of for friendships to develop with clients, much
chatting to be exchanged, and practical help to be given on
occasions. This act of service has been going on for years, quietly and
unassumingly done, with members of our Club playing their part.
Carole Davies, Hereford Wye Valley D10.
Wreathed in Tradition
From the heads of ancient Roman champions to front doors worldwide,
the wreath is ubiquitous, especially during the Christmas season. In the
dead of winter, the wreath is a symbol of the mystical power of nature, a
reassuring sign that spring will return. Greenery of all kinds has found its
way into wreaths over the years. The Romans believed laurel greens
housed the gods of growth and rejuvenation and hoped to
harness a bit of that power in their households. Decking
the halls with boughs of holly is a tradition that
derives from the Roman, then Christian belief that
holly had spiritually beneficial powers. Since the
beginning of time, evergreen has been revered
for its resilience in the face of adversity. The
wreath is a sign of welcome on any door.
York Ainsty D4.
Why do banks leave both doors open and then chain the pens to the counters?
Barbara Lord Lincoln D127
The Association President writes:
Dear Fellow Members,
I approached the coming year with a certain amount of excitement which quickly
turned to trepidation as the year progressed. How could I be apprehensive when
I know I have so many friends in GB&I who have placed their trust in me and will
be there to help and guide me through my year as your Association President?
There are so many of you who have taken office at Club, District and
Association level. Hopefully we can build and pass on our enthusiasm
of Inner Wheel encouraging other members to take office. Whatever
your age there is a job that can be taken on without making it too
arduous. Make Inner Wheel fun. Help bring life back into it as in the
days of Margarette Golding.
Don’t let her vision go to waste. Can we all try and “Reach for the
Stars” and work to gain more members. What you put in is what you
get out of Inner Wheel but above all just be yourself.
We are fortunate and very proud to have Anne Fryer, (D21) as our IIW
President this year. Her theme is HELP bring HOPE.
For this year my chosen charity is Children with Leukaemia (CwL) a
charity close to my heart after a three year old niece and another
member of my family suffered from this dreadful disease.
CwL are devoted to the welfare of
children with leukaemia. They support
treatment, welfare facilities and have
research uppermost in their minds to eliminate the
disease completely. Nowadays the survival rate has increased, but more
and more children are being diagnosed and CwL are there to support
the child, the family and to fund research.
You will by now all have received literature regarding the charity; I do
hope you will support me in raising money for these children enabling
them to have a future.
I look forward with pleasure to meeting many of you as I travel round
our Association.
Yours in friendship
Pam.
President’s Profile
Born in Surrey, Pam moved at the age of seven to
Southend in Essex. Her first job was working for a
large Dairy Company as a comptometer operator,
progressing to head of the wages department due
to her love of figures and finance.
Pam finished work after the birth of her first son Paul
and moved to Maldon in 1969 with husband Bob due
to his promotion with a large insurance company.
Daughter Claire was born a year later.
Having married a widower, Pam became mother to
Bob’s five year old son Mark, now a medical translator,
who has lived in Spain with his wife Pilar for 26 years.
Their two children Mila and Roxanne now live in the
North of England. Mila graduates from Manchester
University this year.
Maldon, Essex - The Town
For anyone who hasn’t visited our area, we are 40 miles N.E. of London.
The Maldon District is a rural area with over 60 miles of coastline. Sea
trades played an important role in the region’s history and still do today.
Our Sea Salt (favoured by many a famous chef) is still harvested from the
Blackwater. Other traditional industries such as barge repairing, boat
building, sail making and oyster fishing still thrive and grain is still delivered
by boat at Fullbridge Quay. ‘Maeldun’ was a Saxon settlement (Saxon
‘dun’ meaning a hill marked by a cross, ‘mael’ meaning speech or a place
of meeting) After the Norman Conquest, Maldon became an important
borough, its mint producing mayoral coins. The town was granted a Royal
Charter by Henry II in 1171. Queen Elizabeth II visited the town in 1971
commemorating the 800 year anniversary of the Royal Charter.
We have All Saints, a 13th century church built of flint and stone which
has a unique triangular tower. At the lower end of the town near the river
we find St Mary’s Church, dating back to the 12th century. We have the
ruins of St Giles Leper Hospital (12th century). This is a listed Grade 1
building and is said to have been founded by Henry II as a colony to house
lepers. The Maldon Embroidery celebrates the Battle of Maldon and
depicts the history of the town since 991 AD.
The Promenade Park adjacent to Hythe Quay which opened in 1895 for
the people of the town, provides everyone with choices of quiet
contemplation, watching the activity on the river, wildlife etc, or for
children there are play areas, sand, a skateboarding area, plenty of grass
for games, and of course the kiosks for the soft ice creams, teas etc.
This is a lovely town with plenty of character
with the old and new blending in well.
Family has always been the most
important part of Pam’s life presenting
her with five lovely grandchildren.
Pam was grateful to have their love and support during
the illness and death of their father.
In 1976 Pam joined Maldon Inner Wheel. The Club
along with District 24 have given her much friendship
and support over the years when taking office at all
levels and through the sad times. Pam says they are a
Club and District in a million and says they know she will
never forget her grass roots.
Happiness came again in 2002 when Pam met Graham
her new husband of five years. Graham has supported
her wholly these past few years and she owes so much
to him.
Maldon Inner Wheel Club
The 28 members of Maldon Inner Wheel are extremely proud of
Pam Byford becoming Association President for the year 2009/10.
The Maldon Club was in District 8, when the founder members accepted
the Constitution and were admitted into the Association in 1964. At the
later date of 1st July 1974 the Club was transferred to District 24. Since
then we have gone from strength to strength.
We are lucky to have a very good relationship with our Rotary Club. We
do the catering for the Senior Citizen’s Party, help man the gates and sell
tickets for the Annual Firework Extravaganza and the ‘Mad Maldon Mud
Race’, also collecting donations with the Christmas Sleigh. It is strange
really, we get to do these things when it is wet and freezing cold.
Members also join the Rotarians for fifth Tuesday meetings.
The members raise money for an Aquabox each year as well as filling the
Rotary shoe boxes. We have a member who just loves her jewellery, so
when her collection gets too large, we have the pleasure of buying some
of these unusual pieces and the money goes to charity.
Like other clubs, we also have coffee mornings, soup and pudding
lunches and theatre trips.
We meet twice a month when we have a dinner with a speaker and a
coffee evening where we do all our business. At these times discussion
can get quite lively. Maldon is a very friendly Club and I have enjoyed
being a member since 1986.
Yvonne Norburne, Maldon D24.
Why do supermarkets make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their
prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front? Barbara Lord Lincoln D127
3
‘Squirrel and Caister Lifeboat Legacy
Magpie’ Night
We held a “Squirrel & Magpie” night. Members were asked to
bring along items they had kept for many years, and what a lot
of fascinating things surfaced. We had a book of dried flowers
sent from the Far East in 1942. A silk and lace cape from
Victorian times. A letter written by Winston
Churchill. A folded drawing of a black cat
coloured in by a little girl and kept in her
mother’s purse for over thirty years. A
photograph kept in a wrist watch of the
father of one of our members who had
died when she was five. There were ration
books, bibles, pictures, dresses and even a
large wooden 21st birthday key decorated
with ribbons dating from the 1930s. It
was a superb evening and something we
would do again.
Angela Phillips, St Helens D128.
A Real Deal
A presentation was made by
President Shirley Willis on
behalf of Dereham Inner
Wheel Club to Paul Garrod,
Chairman of Caister Lifeboat.
The club had been bequeathed
a diamond ring by Founder
Member Audrey Smith. The
ring was auctioned recently
and as this charity was very
dear to her heart as her father,
Harold Fred Thompson, was lost at sea from the Trinity House
vessel ‘Irene’ in 1959, it was her wish that, should the club
decide to sell the ring, the money should go to Caister Lifeboat.
President Shirley, Vice President Ann Parnell and Club Correspondent
Janet Harvey were given a guided tour by Mr Garrod and were shown
the Bernard Matthews lifeboat and also the inshore boat donated by
Jim Davison. They were also shown all the very expensive gear the crew
had to wear when called out.
It was an amazing experience and very humbling when you are told
what these brave men do to keep us safe when at sea, and to do all this
they rely on charity and volunteers..
Janet Harvey, Dereham D8.
When the Dickinson’s Real Deal programme came to Glastonbury,
one of our members sold a brooch of garnet and pearls, which she
no longer wore. The money was donated to the Children’s Hospice
South West via Inner Wheel and David Dickinson also added a sum
of his own money to the cause.
Margaret Bartlett, Glastonbury and Street D20.
Emergency Bags
A new charitable initiative has seen members collecting soap,
toothbrushes, sponges and other items, which enabled us recently
to donate over fifty ‘emergency’ toiletry bags to Sefton Women’s
and Children’s Aid. Members are very keen to continue with our
support for this worthy cause, and ideas are already flowing for
items that we can collect in the future.
Viborg Charter
Anniversary
Carol Tynan, Southport D18.
Hot Cross Buns
One a penny, two a penny, Hot X Buns! What a treat! Our
April speaker, the General Manager of our local Sainsbury‘s
Store, brought two large trays of well-buttered buns for us
to enjoy with our tea and coffee, following his talk on the
history of Sainsburys - celebrating 140 years of unbroken
trade this year. We enjoyed them all!
Anne Boersma, Northallerton D4.
In June, four members and three husbands travelled to Viborg
in Denmark as guests of our link club to help them celebrate
the 50th Anniversary of their Charter. We arrived at 10 a.m.
having had an extremely early start from home. We were
entertained to lunch and dinner in members’ homes on the
day we arrived, a reception by the Mayor at the Old Town Hall
on Friday morning followed by lunch, a guided visit at the
beautiful Viborg Cathedral and dinner with a celebrated
Russian Artist, Sergei Sviatchenko, now resident in Viborg and
a member of Viborg Rotary Club. On Saturday we were given
light refreshments at a member’s home by the fjord and left
free for the day before the Formal Jubilee Dinner. This was
very formal - the meal was excellent and the speeches many,
and of course spoken mainly in Danish. However one of their
members had worked abroad for many years in the
Diplomatic Service and undertook the task of translating
most of what was said into English. Our President Audrey
Curtis made a speech with a smattering of Danish included
and also presented the Viborg Club with a beautiful pewter
rose. Dorothy Davies and I were able to attend the 25th
Anniversary so it was a particular pleasure to be able to
repeat the experience.
Ann Godfrey, Brentwood D24.
Car Service advertisement – Free pick-up and delivery.
Try us once and you’ll never go anywhere again. D2
5
World Inner Wheel Day
“Brief
Encounter”
remembered
Margaret Barton has been mentioned recently in the Daily Telegraph as
the only surviving actor in the famous film Brief Encounter, where she
played Beryl the tea-girl at the station and so much of the romance
occurred. The Tivoll theatre/cinema in the town of Wimborne is about
to present a one night only screening of the film and Margaret will be
there to tell the audience the story of the film production. However, the
Inner Wheel Club of Ferndown has already had the pleasure of this
particular story and very recently invited Margaret back to continue her
tale of her stage career. We heard of her varied roles, both on the stage
and in films. She also told us how an actress can continue working
while newly married and also when she became a mother. She was
totally supported by her husband Raymond James, and between them
one or other was always available to care for
their son. Since her early retirement she
continued to live in the city, but when Raymond
had finished his work in the entertainment
business, they came to live in Wimborne. It is
worth noting that this very small lady, who is
now in her 80’s could be heard perfectly
throughout her talk without any loud speaker
system whatsoever. A lesson to us all I think.
Sheila Smith, Ferndown D11.
To celebrate World Inner Wheel Day, some members of the
Inner Wheel Club of Falkirk visited Donaldsons School for the
Deaf in Linlithgow. It so happened they were also celebrating
as it was a year to the day since they moved into their
wonderful new purpose-built building from their original
premises in Edinburgh.
We arrived armed with large colourful drawstring bags made by our
members to be used in the school library.
They would be filled with a storybook and items relating to the story.
We also took a wide array of toys to fill the bags and we were made
extremely welcome.
Falkirk D2.
Facebook Group
We would like to publicise the fact
that as a result of our DC Annette’s
visit in late March, our members
have set up an Inner Wheel
Members World Wide Group on
Facebook and would like to
encourage other IW members on
Facebook to join. The group is
called Inner Wheel Members
Worldwide Global.
Linda Hilditch, Welshpool D18.
In the Swim
In early January a number of our members attended
a Spa Day at Norton Grange and this is when the
“Crompton & Royton Synchronised Swimming
Team” was launched. (What a bevy of beauties).
Jean Wild, Crompton and Royton D128.
Gateaux and
Chapeaux
Cambridge Inner Wheel Club had a
Gateaux at Chapeaux afternoon to
raise money for Multiple Sclerosis.
The event was held in the garden of one of our members on a
beautiful spring afternoon. Members wore pretty or silly hats and
there was a prize for both categories. The gateaux were delicious
with such a wide variety to choose from that diets were
forgotten!!! Nearly new fashions and accessories were also on sale
and seemed very popular.
Anne Datson, Cambridge D8.
Check it out!
Log on to the
Association Website
Bin
Talk
We had a fascinating evening at
the Killyhevlin Hotel with Gavin
Mannix from Fermanagh District
Council on the subject of ‘To Bin
or Not to Bin’. He gave us the
do’s and don’ts of the ‘Green
Bins and the Blue Bins’, together
with in-depth information
regarding the recycling process in
our area. This was a most
interesting talk and great
discussion followed with many
questions and answers. I don’t
think we all realised how
interesting ‘waste collection’ is!!
Jenny Cecil, Enniskillen D16.
www.associationofinnerwheelclubs.co.uk
I think your whole life shows in your face and you should be proud of that.
(Lauren Bacall). D2 Editor Lilian Warwick
7
Bridewell Police Station
Highdown Prison
One of the highlights of the year was a visit to the former
Bridewell Police Station on the Liverpool Waterside, now a
restaurant. The building dates from 1850 and Charles Dickens
was once a special constable there. The cells are unaltered,
although the doors have been removed and provide private
dining areas. Our members set themselves a citizenship quiz
which showed that most should be deported! Thankfully all
were allowed out on bail. Clearly an arresting experience!
Rosanne Greaves, Frodsham & Helsby D128.
No doubt our dubious pasts haven’t caught up with us but on 3rd
June a group of us, with friends and partners, went to the newly
opened Clink Restaurant at Highdown Prison.
The restaurant is staffed by prisoners and some ex-prisoners and its aim is to
give prisoners training, in the catering industry, so that when they go out into
the world again they have a trade and will not re-offend.
We all had to have photographic ID which they kept at reception and we were
then given a pass to wear around our necks and we were told that if any of us
lost one, the person in question would have to stay in prison until it was
found, so we guarded them like gold dust. On entering the restaurant we were
all taken aback by the style and class of the décor, glass tables, upholstered
chairs, mood lighting and a beautiful black coffee bar and salad bar. However,
we were rather amused at the plastic cutlery and the elaborate candelabras,
which graced the tables, as when they were picked up, were as light as a
feather, also possibly made out of a silver plastic!
We had a choice of menu which consisted of a starter (soup), main
course and sweet which were all delicious, presented and served
really professionally, and we could have been in any highclass restaurant in London except that the price of the
meal was as cheap as chips! There was only one draw
back, no alcohol, which disappointed some of our
members. We all thought it well worth going to Prison for.
Lesley Blake, Carshalton D14.
Locked in!
President Lorraine got ‘Locked In’
Ripon Prison, as planned, with Pam
Dawson and other crazy people in
support of the Alzheimer’s Society.
What a giggle that proved to be
with Pam having an out-of-body
experience with a manikin in the
early hours of the morning. He
spent the night in bits on the fire
escape and I can confirm that Pam
is not a morning person. The event
will, I feel, be repeated – great fun.
Lorraine Smith, Ripon Rowels D4.
Genesis Gardening Club
Before the winter closed down most
outside activities, a new community
service project got underway, entitled
“The Genesis Gardening Club”. Many
years ago our Rotary Club had become
involved with setting up a Mencap
workshop which provided care,
support and training for young adults
with learning difficulties. Garden furniture is produced and sold to
the public to raise funds for the now - very well established
charity. Early in its foundation, a sensory garden was planted, but
over time it had become disused, so our project was to clear and
rejuvenate sadly overgrown and neglected flower beds, pruning
back considerable growth of shrubs and roses and replanting
where necessary. This, in time, will return the
garden to a pleasant place for both
students and staff alike, and it is
hoped that it will be sufficiently tidy
to be entered in the “Ipswich in
Bloom” later in the year.
Mitzi Tyler, Ipswich East D8.
German Link Visit
Our Club’s most recent excitement was the
3-day visit from the Inner Wheel Club of
Kraichgau-Stromberg. Members from this
Club visited us in 2004 and we formed a
friendship link with them. Seventeen
members came this time and we had a
happy reunion. We hope to visit Germany
for their 10th Charter next year.
Betty Eagles, Holmfirth D4.
Ness
Gardens
Tea
We held an afternoon tea for our
Inter-Club at Ness Gardens in
April, when we met old and new
friends. We had an informative
and witty introduction to the
history of the Gardens and the
plant collection from Ted Brabin –
a very well informed volunteer
there (and former senior
policeman). We then went out
into the gardens for a short walk
in the sunshine to see some of the
plants before tea.
Jennifer James, South Wirral D18.
8
Consciousness - that annoying time between naps.
Adele Hopkins Llanidloes D18
HONOUR
Congratulations, on
receiving well deserved
recognition, go to...
The Australian Fires
of February 2009
Eulanwy Davies, Secretary of
Llangollen IWC – who has been
awarded a Life Vice President of
Llangollen International Musical
Eisteddfod. She is the first woman to
receive this honour.
I visited my son and his wife in Australia in February 2009. They live to
the east of Melbourne ‘up in the hills’ in Emerald and the IIW web site
and Google maps informed me that the nearest Inner Wheel Club was
Pakenham, a half hour drive due south. Greetings were sent from our
Club on Inner Wheel Day and there were lots of friendly emails prior to
my visit. I received a wonderful welcome from the ladies of Pakenham
during my visit. We met for ‘morning tea’ then I had dinner at the
homes of two members and attended a very busy business meeting of
the Club where I was presented with an IW banner of friendship. But we
were to be united in a far more serious and deadly matter.
Joan Liversage, Crosby D18.
On Saturday 7 February, in temperatures of 48c on my son’s veranda, the Victoria
fires started burning. Both Pakenham and Emerald were in direct line of the Bunyp
National Forest fire ten miles away. I was sitting alone in a wooden house surrounded
by 100ft Eucalyptus trees with smoke pouring across the creek in front of me. Every
resident in these ‘high fire risk’ areas has to have an evacuation plan, depending on
whether the property can be saved or not. I knew that our plan was ‘scoop and run’,
so I prepared for evacuation. This meant loading the car with important
documentation, precious personal items and clothes for all weathers. All of this was
done in a heightened state of terror that I will never forget.
The Sound
of Music!
Little sleep was had for two days as we monitored our situation both on local radio
and television. The scenes of unbelievable death and destruction only 40 miles away
were horrific. We eventually left the house not knowing whether we would return
which, for my young family with a three week old baby, was heartbreaking.
Ultimately we returned safely and the nearby fires were contained, but they will
continue to burn for many weeks destroying vast areas of great beauty.
For hundreds of people there is no return. The survivors who escaped their burning
homes have nothing. Everything that identifies them as the person they are, is gone.
Whole communities are bereft.
Initially practical help of clothing, food and shelter was vital but only money will help
to build their future again. My contact with the Pakenham Inner Wheel Club endorsed
what a wonderful organisation we have. The world shrinks when friendship stretches
out to others.
Secretary & Vice President Pat Reeve, Brewood & District D21.
On Inner Wheel Day we held a senior citizens’ tea
party in Otley. While we were waiting for our guest
entertainer to arrive, Pam, our Club pianist, decided
to entertain our guests with songs from the Shows
and members were volunteered to form an
impromptu choir. We sang (a slight
misrepresentation) songs from ‘The Sound of Music’.
We were very relieved to learn the real entertainer
had arrived and we all beat a hasty retreat to the
kitchen. Try to imagine the faces of our senior citizen
guests when the real star of the afternoon
announced she would be singing some songs from
the shows, starting with (yes you’ve guessed) ‘The
Sound of Music’. After overhearing a few choice
comments and grumbles from the audience we have
now put an embargo on that show!
Gloria Cunningham, Otley Chevin D4.
Awful Authors (an easy word game)
In this game you have to
think of a suitable
punning surname for the
author of an imaginary
book eg The Cliff Tragedy
by Eileen Dover.
1. The Victorian Bicycle
by Penny
______________________
2. Lumberjacks
by Tim
______________________
3. Continental Breakfast
by Roland
______________________
4. Carpeting the House
by Walter
______________________
5. Cricket Bat Maintenance
by Lynn C
______________________
6. Chemistry
by Tess
______________________
Can you complete the
names for the authors of
these imaginary books?
7. Counterfeit Antiques
by Fay
______________________
8. French Windows
by Pattie
______________________
9. Personal & Religious Belief by Mike
______________________
10.Travelling Light
______________________
by Freda Wanda
Editor Jill Thomson, D8.
Suggested answers are to be found on page 13 Yours may be better!
Samson slayed the Philistines with the axe of the apostles
The Egyptians were all drowned in the dessert.
Afterwards Moses went up to Mount Cyanide to get the Ten Commandments. D18
9
Judith Pullen of the Scarborough Homeless Support Services
came to our March meeting to speak about her work in this
Service. She explained that it was a non-profit making charity and
that she was grateful for the contributions made by us on Inner
Wheel Day. It is a very hands-on agency, which is very undervalued and very under-funded. As it is not a ‘cuddly’ topic, the
public does not really want to know about it, although it has
referrals from the Salvation Army, Police and the Local Authority,
who are very pleased with their work, because the number of
people on the streets has been reduced enormously.
Shirley Hunter, Scarborough D4.
Keep Fit Sessions
Photo courtesy of the
Kettering Evening Telegraph
Kettering
member, Georgie
Pearce (90), has
taught her final
class and retired.
After developing
osteoporosis, a
disease that
makes bones
more fragile, she
was given
exercises to
strengthen her
bones. She
decided to pass on the techniques and ten years ago started
teaching keep fit classes at the Abbeyfield Sheltered Housing in
Rockingham Road, Kettering, where she was already a volunteer.
Even having a stroke earlier this year did not stop this nimble lady.
Although she walks with a stick now, Georgie has the class up on
their feet to do stretches and a range of different movements to
make sure every joint is flexible. A volunteer at the accommodation
said, ‘Keep fit classes are not the only contribution Georgie has
made to residents’ lives and she will be missed’.
Eden Court Abseil...
Homeless Support Service
District Chairman Lorna Dick successfully
completed an abseil down Eden Court
Conference Centre in Inverness. Her abseil
raised money for Alzheimer’s Scotland and
Mercy Ships. The event was part of the
Rotary District 1020 Annual Conference and
on completing her abseil, Lorna said, “It
was a truly exhilarating experience although
in the minutes before I took off, I thought
someone should check my sanity, given that
there were gale force winds
and driving rain. I am
absolutely delighted
to have raised this
wonderful sum of
money. Thank
you for all your
kind donations”.
Lilian Warwick,
D2 Editor .
Ann Buckby, Kettering D7.
a delicious rich, soft ice cream
A good way to use
up egg yolks after
making meringues...
Put the sugar on an enamel plate and heat
through in the oven or under the grill. Put
the yolks in a large bowl, pour on the hot
sugar and whisk until thick and light. Put the
lemon juice and cream in a bowl and whisk
until the cream forms soft peaks, fold into
the egg mixture, turn into a 2-pint rigid
polythene container.
225 g caster sugar
8 egg yolks
4 x 15 ml lemon juice
300 ml double cream To freeze: cover, label and freeze.
To serve: leave to stand at room
temperature for 5 minutes then serve – give
small portions as this soft ice cream is very
rich. Serves 6 to 8.
Janice Robinson, Brigg D127.
ASSOCIATION
TALKING
MAGAZINE
Available on CD
Price £1.50
To order a copy contact
the Association Editor
Castle Park Restoration
Ian Beaney, Grounds Maintenance Manager of North
Down Council, spoke at our meeting giving us a
most interesting insight on the restoration of the
walled garden in Castle Park which had been built by
the Ward family. He also told us that when planting
out the flower beds in the borough 70,000 winter
plants, 60,000 spring bulbs, 80,000 summer plants
and 400 hanging baskets and planters were used.
Elma Porter, Bangor D16.
10
Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavouring and dishwashing
liquid made with real lemons? Barbara Lord Lincoln D127
Caernarfon Fashion Show
Other businesses in the town had kindly
provided valuable raffle prizes and with a
very good attendance on the evening, we
cannot quantify the money raised for charity.
President Gwen thanked everyone who had
supported the event and was well pleased
that all the hard work and the occasion
itself had proved to be such a success. The
The picture sh
local shops taking part reported
ows the 3 bride
Gwen Jones, co
mpere Carys Prs with President
considerable interest after the event.
Morris Jone
ydderch
Kit Jones, Caernarfon D18.
Linen Book
ot ainters
Jason Diamond of F E McWilliams Exhibition
Centre in Banbridge was the Speaker at our Club
meeting. He had collaborated with Kathleen
Rankin to produce the book ‘Linen Families of
the Bann Valley’. Jason gave us an interesting
and entertaining insight into the lifestyles and
lives of the Linen Families of the area.
Ruby Davison, Portadown D16.
ettering nner heel, as you will see,
have gone potty in their old age. n fact
great fun was had by all when they met
to decorate pots for the District 7 Craft
air in une. ther members turned up
just for coffee but gave encouragement
to those who had gone to pot!
Ernestine Wells, Kettering D7.
s and Philip Jo
,
nes of Cofi Ro Paula
c.
Scrap Fun
We had two very successful scrapbook
evenings, being given many ideas on
how to design a page and some
members made family scrapbooks for
presents. This is a very good way of
preserving special photographs. Extra
pages had to be added to the scrap
book we made for President Anne!
Hilary Tindall, Maiden Erlegh D9.
Caring for Life
Croquet
arty
Dorking members celebrated their
Club s birthday with a croquet party in
the beautiful grounds of olesden
Lacey. The weather was kind and two
experienced players guided us through
the techniques and rules of Association
Croquet. e all enjoyed the fun and the
delicious birthday tea that followed.
Editor Carole Thompson, D25.
Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?
Barbara Lord Lincoln D127
‘Caring for Life’ was set up eighteen years ago
by Peter Parkinson, a Baptist Minister, after
several homeless young men started attending
his church. Some of the church members
decided to help those in need and, in 1987, a
home was donated for vulnerable young men
attending the church. ‘Caring for Life’ was
born. Today there are two houses, one for
men and one for women, and Crag House
Farm provides a base for daytime activities.
These include agriculture, horticulture,
conservation, art and crafts and woodwork,
along with adult literacy and numeracy, office
skills and a new drama project. The members
of the Inner Wheel Club of Aireborough
recently enjoyed lunch at the Crag House Farm
café and browsed the shop where produce
from the farm and bakery can be purchased.
President Heather Barton then presented Liz
Wilcox of CFL with a cheque which was raised
by the Club from holding a ‘Call my Bluff’
wine tasting evening. Caring for Life, Crag
House Farm, Smithy Lane, Cookridge, Leeds is
open to visitors daily.
Pat Mirfield, Aireborough D4.
11
Photo by kind permission of the Caernarfon and Denbigh Herald
President Gwen Jones expressed the wish early on in her term of office that she
would like to arrange a fashion show in Caernarfon, not only to raise funds for
local charities, but also to lend support to small businesses in our town who are
suffering in the present economic climate, and on 19th March, with the full
support of the Club, this wish came to fruition. The local shopkeepers were very
enthusiastic and Cofi Roc bar restaurant in Castle Square kindly allowed us the use
of the premises free of charge to hold the event. Twenty three local businesses took
part, four of them actually modelling outfits whilst the remainder had stalls erected
around the restaurant displaying their wares. The show was divided into two parts
so that there was plenty of opportunity to browse and purchase items from the
stalls and the modelling, with full
commentary throughout, ended with a
grand finale of bridal wear.
They came, They saw, WE crowned!
For the second year running, Inner Wheel District 26
took part in the Rotary Awareness Day at Milton Keynes
on Bank Holiday Monday, 4th May. Manning a display
stand together with local Rotary Clubs, the event aimed
to ‘raise awareness’ within the local District.
The event received coverage on Three Counties Radio in the early
morning. Bedfordshire community TV mid-morning, and, hopefully, a
report of the event in the local papers.
One of the ladies who stopped at the Inner Wheel stand had visited
the Easter showcase last year. She told us that when she saw that the
RAD was on again this year, she made a point of coming for the day
with her grandchildren! So it must have been good!
Inner Wheel ladies stuck a total of 126 IW seals on hand-made
crowns and pictures, and many children also stopped to play on the
giant Connect 4 – so in total we must have
had a good 150 youngsters through our
stand! We also had time to stop and
talk to the parents and other
visitors and made them aware
of our Association and the
work and projects we are
involved in worldwide –
and have fun as well!
As the Co-ordinator of
our Stand at the RAD,
I could not have managed
without the help of
Simon (my son) and
Geraldine Edwards
(Chesham Club) with the setting-up, and members of the Executive
Team who were in evidence throughout the day. However, the ladies
of Wolverton Club deserve a special mention, for without them we
could not have coped and made so many beautiful May Day crowns
for boys and girls. Their patience and creativeness was superb, and
some even stayed beyond their allotted time to help with the clearing
up at the end.
Brenda Lowe organised the Overseas Service projects area, promoting
the work of the Children of Sumatra and School Aid. So I will close
with a big ‘THANK YOU’ to everyone who came
and helped at Milton Keynes and promoted
Inner Wheel so enthusiastically.
If YO weren’t able to
make it this year perhaps
we’ll see you next time!
Emmeline Lambert,
Watford North D26.
Blackpool Air Ambulance
After fund-raising for
the Blackpool Air
Ambulance, President
Beryl Thomas and
members visited its
base at Blackpool
Airport. It was a
glorious day and we
all had a memorable
time talking to the staff and crew. We had a look inside the
helicopter. It was full of equipment, all tightly packed in. Just
two paramedics fly out with the pilot.
The helicopter had a call out whilst we were there and we
watched as the team quickly scrambled then took off. The
Chief Medical Officer explained that the normal ground
ambulance telephones the air ambulance if it is needed. An
emergency 999 call does not get the air ambulance out.
Each call out costs approximately 1,400 and the Air
Ambulance gets no funding, relying on donations to keep
the service going.
We were delighted that our efforts could help in such a
positive way and that our cheque would help keep the
ambulance available to help casualties in the area.
Beryl Thomas, Tottington and Bury West D128.
Limerick Deaf Centre
For International Inner Wheel Day, our President Bonnie
Hurley hosted a Cheese and Wine Party in her beautiful
home with proceeds going to the Deaf Community Centre,
Limerick, the only such centre in the Irish mid-west. It is a
registered charity, but unfortunately not state funded. The
charity was set up in 2006 by the local deaf community to
promote education and communication, with social,
cultural and sporting events and activities, and teaching
sign language to all. The centre has facilities for using
computers, internet, TV, drama, yoga, lectures etc and is a
focal point for all the deaf in the community.
Monica Toland, Limerick/Shannon D16.
12
A woman is always younger than a man of equal years.
(Eli abeth Barratt Browning). D2 Editor Lilian Warwick
Purple
Pinkie
Day
is Coming
These mysterious words on a large
pink poster have excited and puzzled
many children in Walkden and
Worsley schools recently.
All has been revealed when members of the two Rotary Clubs
have visited schools to talk about the Rotary Polio plus Campaign
towards the eradication of polio worldwide. They explain that
when children in developing countries are immunised, their little
finger or “pinkie” is painted with a purple dye. This ensures easy
recognition of children who have been immunised and those who
are awaiting the procedure.
A committee from the two clubs has worked together over the
past few months to organise a Purple Pinkie Day in local schools,
along with help from their Inner Wheel Clubs. The idea is to
involve as many children as possible in having their pinkie painted
with a purple food colouring in exchange for a donation. A
simple idea, yet very effective in raising
money in a novel and fun way.
Inner Wheel members (clad in pink and
purple) rolled up their sleeves, donned
plastic gloves and armed themselves
with cotton buds, kitchen roll and
purple dye! The children are usually
very excited as they queue to have
their fingers daubed. On putting their
donation into a bucket (purple, of
course!) we thank them for saving a
child’s life and give them a sticker.
At the time of writing, Rotary and
Inner Wheel have visited eight
schools and have raised a
considerable sum. Not only is the
campaign a worthy one, but has
been all the more enjoyable as the
four clubs have joined together in
co-operation and friendship, working
towards a single aim – the
eradication of a terrible disease.
Gill Collier, Worsley D128.
Enjoyment
We invited partners, friends and dogs for
an early evening ramble along the
Phoenix Trail finishing with a convivial
supper at the local hostelry!
It’s nice sometimes to just socialise and
enjoy fellowship together.
Valerie Gresty, Thame D9.
Festivals
Speaker
At Normanton we are lucky to have our own ‘Speaker’ in Inner Wheel.
This lady goes by the name of Hazel Brennan (I am sure many Inner
Wheel members know Hazel). Earlier in the year we heard about Chinese
Festivals, their meaning and the preparation that is required by the
Chinese people prior to each Festival. This is amazing and putting up the
Christmas trimmings and dressing the tree is a ‘piece of cake’ when
comparisons are made. Hazel has sampled many Festivals in the years
she spent in Hong Kong and has many interesting stories. Our Overseas
Meeting was held in March and the event was well attended in spite of
the dreadful weather. The evening’s proceeds have been sent to The
Valerie Taylor Trust.
Marilyn Pickett, Normanton D4.
Cameraman Talk
We had a wonderful presentation from Seamus Callagy, son of
President Mary, entitled ‘Sligo, Sri Lanka and Snow’. Seamus took us on
a wonderful journey from his home in Sligo to Sri Lanka post tsunami
and then on to the Arctic where he was the cameraman on the Charlie
Bird Expedition which was transmitted on RTE in January 2009.
Mary Harty, Sligo D16.
Bag Lady goes Down-under
On a recent trip to visit family in Australia, Beccles Inner Wheel Club
President Jan Richardson was invited to attend the International Night
of the Inner Wheel Club of Ballina, New South Wales which is a link
club of Beccles Inner Wheel. The link was formed several years ago by
a member of Ballina Inner Wheel who had relatives in Beccles.
Our club had enjoyed a visit from one of their
members the previous year.
This was the third time Jan had visited the Ballina
Club and on this occasion gave the now world
famous Beccles Bags to their Overseas Officer and
their past Overseas Officer. The bags are taken by
Beccles residents on holiday and photos sent to the local paper to see
how many different locations can be reached. In this instance not only
an advertisement for Beccles but also for Inner Wheel.
Lynn Hardie, Beccles D8.
Suggested Answers to
‘Awful Authors’ Game
1. Penny Farthing
2. Tim Burr
3. Roland Butler
4. Walter Wall
5. Lynn C Doyle
6. Tess Tube
7. Fay Kingham
8. Pattie O’Dors
9. Mike reed
10. Freda Wanda Atwill
I will never be an old man. To me old age is always 15 years older than I am.
(Frances Bacon). D2 Editor Lilian Warwick
13
Normandy
Veterans’ Association
Vera Hay, Past President of the
Inner Wheel Club of Barrow-inFurness, has returned from her
latest visit to Normandy with the
Normandy Veterans’ Association.
While in France on the occasion of
the 65th Anniversary of D Day, she
was honoured to be awarded the
Legion D’Honneur for her
contribution in the war and tireless
work for the Association.
Vera trained as a nurse at
Hammersmith Hospital, London and
after receiving her SRN in 1943,
decided to volunteer for the Queen
Alexandra Imperial Military Nursing
Service, having experienced working with military casualties in this
country. She was accepted and was posted to Watford where, at
first, a group of four senior and six junior nursing sisters packed up
a 600 bed tented hospital in readiness for deployment overseas.
There were also medical officers and 8 sergeants on site. On D Day
2 they travelled from their holding area in Suffolk to Gold Beach
and on to Bayeux. This became the 79th British General Hospital
with a complement of 200. At first there were no tents for the staff,
who slept on bed rolls in ditches when they were too tired to work
on. After Normandy, they were posted to Holland in preparation for
Arnhem in September 1944. They had to set up the hospital in a
commandeered seminary and were there for the terrible winter of
1944/45. She married in 1945 but stayed on in the QA’s reserves
until the following year, working in several military hospitals.
Vera has been secretary of No 8 Branch of the Normandy Veterans’
Association (Cumbria and Lancaster) and recently has taken on
posts of Treasurer, Chairman and Welfare Worker as well, as
numbers have dwindled.
Vera joined Barrow Inner Wheel Club in 1972 and remains an active
member at 87 years young.
Janice Cummings, Barrow D19.
Derby Day Extravagan a!
We held a buffet lunch on Derby Day in Eileen Ralph Harrison’s beautiful
garden under the South Downs in the historic village of Ditchling. Partners
and friends joined us. The weather looked ominous that morning but by
lunchtime we had beautiful sunshine. We held raffles to become ‘owners’
of the horses and then watched the races on television. One lucky lady
won two winners out of three! We also raised funds with a Pot of Gold.
We stuck round labels with our names on 1 coins and dropped them into
the pot. One coin was drawn and the winner received 25 of the takings.
It was a most successful and enjoyable fundraising event.
Scilla Collington, Hove D25.
‘Good Hope’ Ambulance Boat launched
Representatives from the Club attended the naming and commissioning
of a beautiful ambulance boat named ‘Good Hope’, built by volunteer
labour at Macduff boatyard, with much of the material gifted by
companies from as far away as Ireland. On its journey by container to
Malawi, it will carry our large donation of knitted goods to Ekwendeni
Hospital under the auspices of the Raven Trust. ‘Good Hope’ so aptly
named and which can carry twelve people, will ply the waters of Lake
Malawi, reaching communities which cannot be accessed by road.
As the boat, flying the flag of Malawi, was lowered into the water, the
expressions of delight and gratitude on the faces of the two Malawians
present were a joy to behold. It was a lovely yet moving experience.
Hazel Gordon, Banff D1.
The Dambusters’ March
On Thursday, 7th May we had our 49th
Charter at The Assembly Rooms in
Lincoln. After an excellent lunch and the
roll call we sat back to listen to The
Lincolnshire Concert Band who
entertained us with a wide selection of
tunes to please all tastes. One tune
that pleased everyone was The
Dambusters’ March and as I looked
round the room people were nodding or
tapping fingers and feet to the beat. Another treat was the band leader
asking President Maureen to take up the baton and conduct a movement
from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons which she did like a true professional.
FILEY, NORTH YORKSHIRE
Available to all members of Inner Wheel and their
families, our well equipped, residential three
bedroomed first floor flat.
Sea views, private patio, central heating, satellite
TV, washer/dryer. Sleeps 6. Bookings all year.
Telephone Lis Kay
for details:
14
01706 376775
Later I asked President Maureen if she knew to
whom the band dedicated the Dambusters’
March. She said that it was for Lincoln Rotarian,
Arthur Tindall, DFC, whose wife, June, is in
Lincoln Inner Wheel.
Arthur was a wireless operator with 97 Squadron
based at Bourn during the 1943-44 period and completed a double
Pathfinders’ tour of 45 operations. Some aircrews were drafted from 97
Squadron to 617 Squadron, more famously known as the Dambusters.
On the night of December 16/17 1943, during the Battle of Berlin, Arthur
was a member of the crew of a Lancaster JB470 OF-T, captained by Captain
Cawdery. This night is known as Black Thursday because an extremely dense
fog across England caused multiple crashes as crews returned home and 97
Squadron suffered its most disastrous night of the war.
Barbara Lord, Lincoln D127 .
AL C
DAT
TH S
G DT
20 November 2009
Zone A
Zone B
Zone C
Zone D
1, 2, 3, 16, 19, 23, 128
4, 5, 6, 7, 21, 22, 127
8, 9, 10, 15, 18, 24, 26
11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 25, 129
Ann Buckby
Rae Ogden
Valerie Caswell
Shirley Davies
Of all the gifts that a wide providence grants us to make life full and happy,
friendship is the most beautiful. Epicurus. Barbara Taylor Bingley D4