After a delayed start owing to the bus driver having to dig out his bus following unexpected snow, eight members arrived in Bournemouth.  We shared a hotel with one or two other Clubs including a very lively bunch from Warsop.

Unfortunately, Monday was very cold so National President Liz’s ‘Zip Wire’ event had to be cancelled.   In the afternoon we visited the Hall of Friendship and enjoyed looking round the stalls.

Tuesday morning started with a ‘celebration of unity and service’.  There was a theme of ‘women’ throughout with rousing hymns.   The afternoon was taken up with speakers on modern slavery and medical detection dogs.  We were also entertained by John Benjamin of the Antiques Roadshow with a presentation on amazing jewellery with hidden treasures that had astounded their owners.  In the evening a stunning blend of music from opera to pop was provided by  ‘The Opera Boys’.

Wednesday started with the AGM.  The Home Service report showed that £919,787.00 had been donated by all the GB&I clubs to charities in the UK last year.  The guest speaker was Helen Sharman: astronaut and first Briton in space. 

The president’s evening saw Mansfield ladies dressed as ‘Kool Katz’ with costumes and tails courtesy of Rosemary Wilson.  Dancing to the ‘Old Dogs’ made a brilliant evening.

Many thanks go to Kathy Winson for all her hard work organising every detail of out Conference visit.

Many laughs and plenty of IW fun and friendship.   We can recommend this recipe – it works well!

Cal Warren gave us an impressive presentation and insight into the amazing plans for “The Nottingham Castle Project”, which should encourage many more visitors to come to Nottingham to explore the castle and its grounds, as well as to learn about the folklore of Robin Hood.

Dain Pinder presents a beautiful, floral arrangement, made by Rosemary Wilson, to President Diana to wish her A Happy Birthday.

Marjorie Eyre, a long standing Inner Wheel member, who was presented with a birthday cake at the Sandwich Lunch to celebrate her 97th Birthday.

Members are looking forward to the Annual Association Conference held this year in Bournemouth between 19th and 21st March. There they will have the opportunity  to       meet old friends                     make new friends                      listen to good speakers           get updates on IW’s achievements                     hear different charity presentations              and enjoy quality evening entertainment.

More details are available in the spring issue of the IW Association magazine.

 To see what fun and friendship Mansfield IW has enjoyed in earlier years look on our Association page.

Diana Whiteley, President of Mansfield Inner Wheel Club, recently organised a Beetle Drive at Queen Elizabeth’s School, followed by a pie and pea supper and desserts.  The 160 people, who attended, were then entertained and enthralled by the singing of “The Beatles” group and “Cilla”.  An amazing amount of money, around £1,700, including over £400 in the raffle, was raised for charity.  The proceeds will be donated to the British Red Cross and Marie Curie Organisation.  It was a most enjoyable and highly successful evening.

IW Beetle Drive Jan 18

IW Beetle Drive Jan 18

Ellis Morgan, a member of the Southwell Community Archaeology Group,  gave a fascinating, illustrated talk about the History of Southwell and in particular the Burgage Project.  He brought an impressive collection of pottery and artefacts largely found in the Roman villa.  Kathy Winson gave the vote of thanks and President Diana Whiteley presented him with a gift.

The Inner Wheel Club of Mansfield held a most enjoyable Christmas Party at the home of President Diana Whiteley. Ann Harvey, a Cordon Bleu chef, demonstrated a variety of tasty canapés and Veronica Malkowski made some delicious desserts. Members joined in the Christmas spirit by singing carols to Joan Smith’s accompaniment on the piano. Carol Hyde Barker and Ann Davies won in the raffle the beautiful Christmas cakes, also made by Veronica.

Elizabeth & Diana congratulate the speaker Ann Harvey (centre)

Veronica (centre) made the lovely Christmas cakes won by Carol and Ann.

£100, raised by the raffle, will be donated to the charity, NIDAS (Notts. Independent Domestic Abuse Services).

Most of us had  lunch at the Stables Restaurant before our tour of the amazing Christmas displays in Chatsworth House on a Charles Dickens’ theme.