On a sweltering hot August day, 7 members of Mansfield Inner wheel, joined by members from the Inner Wheel clubs of Warsop, Sherwood Forest and Ravenshead, along with husbands and friends, headed to Windsor for a visit to Frogmore House and The Savill Garden – a trip organised by Mansfield President, Anne Lyons.  Frogmore House, in the grounds of Windsor Home Park, was once a royal residence but is now used by the royal family for entertaining and hosting special events, most recently the evening wedding reception of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.  It is only open to groups in the month of August whilst the Queen is in Scotland.  The Savill Garden, part of the Crown Estate, lies within Windsor Great Park and is open to the public all year.

At our July meeting Rosemary  gave the vote of thanks to our speaker, Dr. Tim Gray MBE, who gave us a clear insight into his invaluable voluntary work with the charity EMICS – East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme, which he set up to provide instant equipment and medical care for victims of road traffic accidents and to work closely with East Midlands Air Ambulance. 

If you would like to find out more about EMICS and the work they do – click on this link to watch the video.      https://vimeo.com/195943804

At Mansfield Inner Wheel Club’s Meeting on July 11th, our new President Anne Lyons and Past President Diana Whiteley were delighted to present Sheila Tempest with her District 22 Certificate for 50 Years’ Service.  Rosemary Wilson had made her a beautiful floral arrangement to mark this special occasion. 

Congratulations, Sheila, on receiving your 50 Years’ Inner Wheel Service Certificate!

Diana finished her year as President by welcoming us once more to her home. After the business meeting was all completed, we were able to enjoy the sunshine in the peaceful oasis of her lovely garden.  Diana organised a quiz to test our knowledge of Nottinghamshire  and Sara organised a tasting session to try out scones made from three different recipes. (Paul Hollywood was not the winner!)

We welcomed our new President Anne Lyons and wished her all the best for her upcoming year. Anne presented Diana with a flower arrangement made by Jennifer.

And to top off the afternoon of fun Elaine provided Prosecco and home made cakes to celebrate her birthday.

Mansfield Inner Wheel Club member, Sara Statham, asked members to join her in knitting Twiddlemuffs (or Fiddlemuffs!), which can be therapeutic for residents in local Care Homes, as they relax and enjoy fiddling with these soft, colourful muffs.  President Diana Whiteley and Sara Statham were greeted warmly, as they handed over the Twiddlemuffs to the residents of Baily House Care Home and Willow Care Village, who were delighted with their gifts.

Residents at Baily House Care Home receive Twiddlemuffs from President Diana Whiteley (left) and Sara Statham (middle at the back)

The Inner Wheel Club of Mansfield’s 72nd Charter Anniversary was held at Newstead Abbey on Wednesday 13th June 2018.  After a highly successful year as President of the  Inner Wheel Club of Mansfield, President Diana organised an afternoon tea at Newstead Abbey to celebrate the occasion.

Member of Council Gloria Humphrey, District Chairman Vera Dilks, Speaker Helen Crowfoot, Rotary Past President Cate Hunt & President Diana Whiteley

The speaker, Helen Crowfoot, gave a fascinating talk entitled “Carbolic Soap & Elbow Grease” about the life of servants below stairs 150 years ago. 

There was also an opportunity to visit the beautiful gardens, the Victorian Kitchen and to have an excellent guided tour of the Abbey. 

We had a wonderful, memorable afternoon full of fun & friendship.

President Diana organised a wonderful day’s outing to Sheffield.

We first visited the Assay Office, where valuable metals are hall marked.  We had an excellent, illustrated talk by the Librarian/Curator, Emma Paragreen, followed by a guided tour of the production area and the chance to view some amazing items from the silver collection, as well as library and archive material.

We were then taken by coach to The Botanical Gardens, where some of us enjoyed lots of fun and friendship over a tasty lunch in the Curator’s House, while others brought a picnic and had the chance to socialise and eat an ice cream whilst exploring the beautiful gardens.

We were then treated to an informative guided tour of the prestigious Cutlers’ Hall, which was established nearly 400 years ago to maintain the high quality of cutlery and steel products for which Sheffield is famous.   

Our thanks go to President Diana for giving us the opportunity to experience and appreciate these valuable, largely hidden treasures of Sheffield’s proud heritage. It was a truly memorable experience!                                                                                                                        

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.