President Diana organised a four mile walk from Edwinstowe round Sherwood Forest on April 17th.  We were very lucky with the weather and really enjoyed exploring the Duke of Portland’s estate and seeing the fascinating Archway Lodge, which at one time was a school for local children and Church of England Services were held there.  More Inner Wheel Members joined us for a well earned lunch at Forest Lodge.  Many thanks to Diana for planning such a memorable and enjoyable walk.

We were very grateful to Past President Dain Pinder for giving us a wonderful, illustrated talk, at very short notice, about James and Dain’s expedition to WRANGEL ISLAND in the polar region off the Siberian coast of Russia.  This remote island is inhabited by polar bears, whales, walruses and puffins among stunning scenery with lush vegetation and beautiful flowers, when the ground is not frozen. 

Photograph:- Barbara Dixon gave the vote of thanks and presented a plant to Dain in the presence of President Diana Whiteley.

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