Members of Mansfield Inner Wheel recently gathered to celebrate the Charter of our President, Jenny Burroughes, marking the conclusion of her year in office and recognising a term of dedicated and thoughtful leadership.

The Charter evening was a most enjoyable occasion, offering an opportunity to reflect on the past year’s achievements and to share in the friendship that lies at the heart of Inner Wheel. Under Jenny’s guidance, the club has continued its commitment to service, fellowship, and support within the local community as well as raising money for charity.  Jenny’s chosen charities centred around young people fighting cancer.

It was a pleasure to come together in such good company to honour her efforts and to express our sincere thanks for the enthusiasm and kindness she has brought to her role. As she prepares to hand over the chain of office, we do so with warm appreciation for all she has done during her year as President.

A very big thank you from Hazel and Elaine to those members who came to the working day.

Only 12 were present but an enjoyable morning was had with 54 baby bundles being completed as well as lots of stamp cutting and an enjoyable social lunch!

Mansfield Inner Wheel’s Christmas Party turned into a festive spectacle this year, enchanting attendees with a delightful pantomime performed by none other than the committee members themselves and a few additional extra’s!!

This year’s performance, of The Wizard of Oz, brought laughter and joy to everyone in attendance. The committee members took to the stage, showcasing their hidden talents and comedic prowess.

Glamour and Generosity were the highlight of November with Mansfield Inner Wheel’s Annual Fashion Show. 

All clothing was supplied by VB Style, with models from Inner Wheel and friends of members who wanted to give their time for a good cause. 

Our membership officer, Laura Bucks,  3 children got involved being models for the evening and by the look of it, thoroughly enjoyed their role!!

A total of £1700 was raised for our presidents charities, Teenage Cancer Trust and Young Lives vs Cancer.

A ribbiting good night was had by all at the Frog Race Fundraiser! Fish and Chips were served at half-time!! Just add, no frogs were harmed during this ‘leaping’ good night!

We celebrated our Charter Anniversary in style last night with superb entertainment from Martin Perry. Kathy led us smoothly through the evening and welcomed Mary Hind, Chair of the Inner Wheel District 22 Committee

We put on our glad rags and has a really good time

Rosemary produced some gorgeous flower arrangements and those with recent birthdays were lucky enough to take one home

Our thanks to this year’s President Margaret Ceney for representing the Club this year.

A great tour of Portland College. We were met by Jordan Booth who treated us to coffee and the story of how Portland College has emerged from a facility for injured servicemen after the war to the huge and complex College it is today

Fundraising manager Robert Pearce then took over and showed us some of the new projects they are working on

This is the the theatre which is also used as a gym. Court markings appear like magic on the glass floor to go with whatever game is being played. – badminton, basketball etc

The Woodland trail and Adventure Zone is fully accessible to all and members of the public are welcome to use it.

The weather was very kind to us and the rain stopped long enough to enjoy a walk through the woods past the therapy donkeys and the peaceful garden of remembrance

A wonderful time was enjoyed by 8 members from the Mansfield Club attending the IIW Convention at Manchester. The organisation was truly superb starting with the Meet & Greet of our fellow members from around the world enjoying an afternoon tea together. We were all presented with a generous bag of goodies.

The Opening Ceremony was a delight with speeches ,candle lighting, flags, dancers and choirs. The IIW President Trish welcomed everyone with her usual genuine warmth and enthusiasm

Her chosen theme was Shine a Light for which we were all presented with a little candle.

The Friendship Evening Dinner took place in several historic venues throughout Manchester the organisation of which, must have been immense.

Yvonne with two lovely Inner Wheel ladies from Uganda on her table at the Centenary Roaring Twenties Gala Dinner.

The final Roaring 20’s Gala Dinner was spectacular in every way with wine provided on every table. Music with glamorous dancing girls, feathers and pearls and sequined dresses were the order of the evening. All this and the ladies from around the world in traditional dress was a wonderful sight to behold.

A lunch was provided each day during business sessions. All very efficient.

Then came the Closing Ceremony conducted by our IIW President the very glamorous Trish Douglas wearing a colourful long silk dress sweeping across the stage introducing the Brass Band with Scottish & Irish Dancers and closing speeches.

The President for 2024/5 was introduced with her committee and the next Convention in 3 years’ time will be held in Manila in the Philippines.

It looks like a good time was had by all.

Veronica and Ray Malkowski put together a great evening for us to celebrate St George’s Day this year. Ray plays the saxophone in the Dukeries Community Wind Band and he invited them along to Ravenshead Village Hall to entertain us.

The musicians played tunes from shows and films that had us tapping our feet and singing along. And to finish off we had some flag waving classics from the last night of the proms.

Members were generous with their donation of raffle prizes and Claire worked hard at selling those tickets which gave and great boost to the funds collected. We decided that REACH was the local charity that we would support and a cheque will be presented to them soon.

There were lots of family and friends at the event and everyone enjoyed a supper organised by Dain and James: puddings of course provided by the Inner Wheel Ladies.

Thanks to Veronica and Ray and all those who worked hard to make it such a great night out.