For me, a bucket full of enthusiasm and a team of three amazing women has been the key to growing the membership of our Club. Members are encouraged to invite friends along to enjoy, build friendships, make a difference in the community, and discover a range of opportunities allowing personal growth along side a group of like-minded women.

Walking, the ukulele group, the craft group, and dinner out before our monthly meetings are just some of the social activities which are attracting many of our new members. Getting to know a small group of women helps grow their enthusiasm, confidence and empowers them to become active members of our amazing Ashburton IW Club.

 

“If someone offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later.”     

 

L – R - Luda McLellan, Wendy Smith and Clare Chapman of the IW Club of Ashburton at the Library display.

Clare Chapman

Membership Chair

Ashburton IW Club NZ        

Club’s 20th Birthday Celebratory Lunch

McHugh’s Restaurant 14 Feb 2022

The Inner Wheel Club of Shore City's  20th anniversary lunch was held at to Mc Hugh’s Restaurant - the same venue where on 14th Sep 2001, the Club had held its Charter Night Dinner.

The Charter President, Rae Innes lit the candle of Friendship and was given the President's Chains for the day, in honour of her work to charter the Club.

A Flame of Friendship, A Flame of Light A Flame of Warmth Which Burnt so Bright A Candle of Friendship A Candle of Light A Candle of Warmth Which Burnt so Bright It showed the way on Charter Night. A Candle of Hope A Candle of Peace Which Burnt so Bright twenty years ago And still it shows the way to go. By Sue Blenkhorn, Australia, District A62 Extension Office (adapted by Mary Bingham, IW Club Shore City)

After the Candles of Friendship & Remembrance were lit, President Gwyneth introduced special guests National President Michelle, with her mother, Hazel, and District NZ291 Chairman Adrienne, with husband Jack. She paid tribute to the three charter members still active in our club – Rae, Innes, Maureen Kearney and Denise Bullus.

Gwyneth outlined the ground work Rae had put in to establish Shore City Club. In acknowledgement of Rae’s pivotal role, she handed over her own chain of office for Rae to wear for the rest of the day.

National President Michelle also spoke and later she and District Chairman Adrienne presented three recipients with Honoured Active Membership awards –Judith Cowie, Joan Simpson and Gwyneth Higginson.

After lunch, drinks, and cutting Elsa’s scrumptious cake, Mary B, Nancy and Maureen entertained with the song “A Few of my Favourite Things”. Well done the Park Lane Singers. Members were able to reminisce looking at the memorabilia table, with photos, awards, lists of previous officers of the club and newsletters – all reminding us of the many charities and causes we have supported over the years and, importantly, the friendships made.

Jill and Marjorie delivered the 30 story books to MYPLC for the young children of the teenage students. These were purchased from the raffle proceeds in December, in memory of Wendy, who began our liaison with this centre. They were impressed with the selection of books and appreciative of the sentiments behind our donation.

Murihiku Young Parents Learning Centre (MYPLC) English Teacher Sarah with some of the books donated by the Club  

It was so enjoyable to celebrate the 98th anniversary of International Inner Wheel with a morning tea at Nancy and Brian’s home. There was lots of chatter as it was our first successful attempt to get together in 5 months and we thank the O’Sheas for hosting this event and for their warm hospitality. (Especially Brian for his continuous supply of hot water and coffees throughout the morning.) 

The South Indian harvest festival of Ponggal which celebrates renewal is observed annually in Malaysia. In the throes of thanksgiving for nature’s bounty, the Inner Wheel Club of Butterworth decided to bring hope and opportunity to five economically challenged women. The Club undertook to donate a brand-new sewing machine to each of them so that they may uplift themselves and their families through a new venture. This task was made possible with the support of Club members who generously contributed towards the project which culminated in the handover of the five machines to the recipients on 15thJ anuary 2022. Project leads appointed by President Santhi Sundara painstakingly vetted the list of recipients and narrowed it down to five of the most deserving and likely to embark and persevere in a new business endeavour. Members also undertook the task of scouring the local market for the best possible bargain in acquiring the most popular brand of sewing machines with the most sought after features. Thus, eight Club members got together to handover the sewing machines . Mr Phang, the supplier of the machines, efficiently put the ladies through the paces and even got them to have a feel for the machines themselves as he fielded their questions and showed them the ropes. President Santhi Sundara in her address at the gathering, congratulated the five ladies who hail from five different locations on the mainland of Penang state. A successful businesswoman in her own right, she pledged continued support for the ladies and promised to set up a chat group with them to collect data and help them in their new business ventures Club members were touched by the gracious words of appreciation by the five recipients. Everyone then adjourned for masala tea and snacks.

The club celebrated International Inner Wheel Day Celebrations on Sunday January 9 with an international themed pot luck. Following are a few photos to share

39 Xmas Crackers from ‘Look Good Feel Better’ to be given to a charity of our choice. Stand was chosen and a delighted Pene Frost collected them with heartfelt thanks

Some of the fabulous rugs / duvets made by Karen and the hard working IW ladies who dropped their lovely work to Karen. Karen and I dropped all the beautiful work to the Botany Birth Care venue last week.

A photo of the numerous face masks and some of the colourful girls pads that have been made over the last ‘lockdown’. A great effort by all concerned. Very impressive

Glennis’s two Granddaughters with the Dolls cots they helped assemble ready to take to Kidz First at Middlemore Hospital.

Shirley Dickson has been wrapping up items for our Mothers and babies in our district. Shirley delivers these to the Maternity Hospital. The nursing staff know which families need this kind of support. If you have any items – such as those in the photos and wish to donate, Shirley would love to receive these. Photos are of the latest batch of these beautiful packs/boxes to be delivered this month. A wonderful job Shirley, and thank you so much for all the time and effort (and the items themselves) you contribute to this cause. It is appreciated by us all.

A Big thank you to everyone who volunteered to gift wrap the Christmas Presents in the North City Plaza, especially those that did more than one shift. This activity was with the Porirua and Plimmerton Rotary and a great way to raise funds for our Wellington Children's Hospital. I believe we alone had over 36 hours of voluntary work so a great job done by all. Although some of the gifts needed more than one pair of hands to wrap. It was fun and everyone was in good spirits.

The Inner Wheel Club of Ashburton recently Celebrated 45 years.

The Club was Chartered on the 19th November 1976.

The President at the time was Jenny Thompson, Secretary Jenette Storrier, Treasurer Joan Dephoff they are pictured  with Almond Royds who was a member at that time and present day President Carolyn Nelson

IIW Director Carol Hasket with NZ 297 District Chair Barbara Chapman

Celebration cake

Cutting the Cake Joan Dephoff Charter member Margaret Ingold one of our new members

NZ 297 District Chair Barbarba Chapman & President Carolyn Nelson

Past Presidents who are still members of the Club today