Inner Wheel Club of Middleton to close

Brunhilde Kay of the Inner Wheel of Middleton presents a cheque to Barbara Lloyd representing Springhill Hospice

The Inner Wheel Club of Middleton, formed in November 1946, by the wives of members of the Rotary Club of Middleton, is to close at the end of June.

President of the Inner Wheel Club of Middleton, Brunhilde Kay said: “Rather than feel sadness, the Inner Wheel members should take great pride in all that has been achieved over the past 72 years.

“The aims of friendship, service and international understanding have never changed.”

Starting with just 18 founder members, the membership quickly grew into a thriving club, with more than 40 members working together arranging fundraising events to support local and international charities. Jumble sales, musical concerts, afternoon teas, and potato pie suppers were all popular.

The monthly meetings were soon changed to twice a month with the first one for business and the second one when an interesting speaker, many representing the charities being supported, would address members. Each year the President would suggest a charity of her choice, so over the years many different causes have been supported.

Inner Wheel District and National charities have also been supported including the R.N.L.I., who in 1983 named a Brede class lifeboat ‘Inner Wheel’, the lifeboat was stationed at Poole and served there until 2001 saving 176 lives during that time.

The international charity, Mary’s Meals has been supported for many years, providing meals in school for children in some of the poorest countries in the world. Knit and Natter evenings have been arranged in members’ homes where the knitted blankets and baby clothes made were sent overseas via International Aid Trust or sent directly to an orphanage in Tanzania.

President Brunhilde Kay said: “One of the highlights of the year is the birthday celebration party where members from the neighbouring Inner Wheel clubs are invited to attend. Up to a hundred members enjoy a meal together followed now by a speaker, but in the early years by a game of rainbow whist!

“The Food and Flowers evening, which was our final fund-raising event before closing, was held on Thursday 20 June when cheques were presented to representatives from both Springhill Hospice and Dr. Kershaw’s Hospice.”