2019-20

Mansfield Inner Wheel forms part of District 22, an area of the East Midlands based around Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. There are twenty six clubs in the District, which come together to enjoy special occasions during the year ranging from Charity Fund-raising meals with interesting speakers as well as Quizzes and Charters along with a vast array of service projects.

Anne Lyons, District 22 Chairman at the start of her year with Jacquie Chapman, 2nd Vice- Chairman

This year has proved to be another milestone for Mansfield Inner Wheel, as Anne Lyons, our Immediate Past President, was inducted as District 22 Chairman for 2019-2020. The Club knew it was going to be a busy, yet fulfilling year for all the members, as Anne had devised a varied and interesting programme of events for the District to enjoy.

Anne is the third Mansfield member to take on this District position, having had Margaret Taylor (1978-1979 ) and Yvonne Neville (2006-2008) holding this important role in the past. With the theme “Together we Can”, fun and fellowship abounded along with good teamwork to ensure the smooth running of events like the Charity Lunch, the annual Carol Service and the District Quiz, when old friendships were renewed and new links were made within our wider District community.

Do have a look at our website and those of other clubs around the District to see just how many Club and District occasions Anne was able to fit in to her year’s schedule until  coronavirus disrupted her meticulously planned programme, shortly before the eagerly anticipated Annual Rally at Eastwood Hall. As meetings were unfortunately cancelled, Anne and her District team spent many hours sorting out bookings and refunds which everyone has really appreciated.

Members were looking forward to joining together with Clubs from around Great Britain and Ireland at the Belfast Association Conference, but now Blackpool with its iconic Tower, a favourite childhood holiday destination for many in our District, features on our IW horizon for 2021.

Looking back at all the photos, Anne can be assured of many wonderful memories as our District Chairman. Much has been achieved during her year to promote the ideals of Inner Wheel as well as giving her support to numerous charitable endeavours both at home and internationally.

2018-19

During the year District Chairman, Linda Elkin, held her Annual Rally, supported by many members from around the District and she welcomed Association President Ann Acaster of the York Vikings Club.

On Monday 25th March four members attended the District Rally at the Nottingham Belfry Hotel and enjoyed a wonderful day with District Chairman Linda Elkins of the West Ashfield Club.

After a meaningful service led by Rev Alison Redshaw with the Inner Wheel District 22 Choir conducted by Sue Hall in attendance, Linda in her usual lively manner, welcomed everyone including Association President Ann Acaster and guests from other Districts.

At the start of the meal Linda lit the Friendship Candle, remembering the fellowship and service of Inner Wheel members across the world. During the delicious luncheon when old friendships were renewed and new ones cemented, many commented upon the Choir’s moving singing of a new composition by Maureen Tunney, an Inner Wheel Member from West Ashfield entitled “The Cloak of Unity.”

As is customary at these rallies, the principal address was given by Ann Acaster, Association President and it was good to hear about her exciting year, travelling around Great Britain and Ireland, meeting members who are all working to improve the lives of  others both locally, nationally and globally, whilst enjoying fellowship, service and friendship together. She told us about her charity for the year, Jessie’s Fund which helps children with serious illness or complex needs to communicate through music.

Everyone went out into the sunshine at the end of the rally enthused and energised by the friendship and fellowship of the day.

District Chairman Linda and Association President Ann (photo by kind permission of Jacquie Chapman)