INNER WHEEL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2017 Innerwheel Conference 2017 - Monday Registration and Stalls


As usual, the Registration Desk was busy from the minute it opened at 1.00pm, with members eager to pick up the registration packs.


President Zena could make little headway as she was greeted by members.


The Golf Tournament


President Zena’s first official task of the Conference was to tee off at the Association golf competition. D22, under the leadership of MOC Sue Curvley, had chosen a wonderful venue – Nottinghamshire Golf and Country Club Golf Course at Stragglethorpe. Not only had they chosen a wonderful setting but they had also ordered the weather - blue skies and warm Spring sunshine for the 21 members taking part.


The winner of the Scratch Shield was Jane Pigg from St. Neotts Club in D7 but the “star” of the day was MOC Sue Driver from the Inner Wheel Club of Millom in D19 who won the Rose Bowl and the Veterans Salver. Sue said “It was one of those days when everything went right”. Congratulations! Enid Law


Arboretum Conference Walk


Did Robin Live Here? We were greeted at the Nottingham Arboretum main entrance by a young (only 80 years old) Ginkgo Biloba still wearing her winter coat. She knows how to dress well for longevity as her fossilized remains date back 200 million years and her characteristically autumn fruits were once eaten by dinosaurs!


Our mission was to find the remaining Ancient English Oak trees of Sherwood forest which had harboured Robin Hood and his Merry Men.


City Walk With Robin Hood


Led by a modern day Robin Hood, the group set off to learn about the city. Whose statue faces the main square in Nottingham? Robin Hood? No! Looking down on the city is a statue of Brian Clough! Did you know the nineteenth century architect Fothergill Watson designed around a hundred buildings in Nottingham? His trademark was red brick with lines of blue brick interspersed.


Where would you find a Music Hall in the area? The walkers had a look inside the Malt Cross, one of a handful of music halls surviving in England. Many famous names performed on the eight foot high stage.


When is a castle not a castle? In Nottingham it is merely a gatehouse leading to a park. Much was learned about the origins of the Robin Hood legend and the walk ended at one of the oldest alehouses in England. Dorothy Cree


Instead we found only a small part of 130 acres of land set aside to create an interconnected series of beautiful public parks and walks opened in 1852.


With a blue sky backdrop and in warm sunshine, the Camellias were wearing large ‘blousie’ blooms which made up for the lack of colour in the larger trees. Cherry trees dressed with double white frilly flowers painted a pretty bridal picture . Larger trees planted over many years had become specimens whilst others have been included because of their rarity, or for general interest or beauty.


Both young and old trees living alongside each other in harmony, each reflecting the others’ attributes. A lesson perhaps for us all.


Elaine Morris


The stalls although restricted in numbers due to lack of space, were an interesting mix of Inner Wheel club stalls, charities and the usual commercial stalls selling everything from Inner Wheel memorabilia to gorgeous handbags.


The prize for the most colourful stall would have to go to D7’s Yellow Stall selling goods in aid of BEAT.


Enid Law


Once again the stirring sound of the Salvation Army Fellowship Band greeted us as we gathered for the start of the 2017 Annual Conference.


The Canon Revd. Margaret Venables was unable to be with us and so the service was led by the multi-tasking Member of Council for D.129-The Revd. Valerie Pascoe.


In keeping with tradition the service began with the Inner Wheel prayer led by Ann Butland - the President of the iW Club of Stanford.


The sunflower bedecked stage was a mass of colour when the District 7 choir, with their conductor, Gillian Bindley, took their place to sing the beautiful song “What a Wonderful World” and later inspired us with their rendering of “The Lord`s My Shepherd”


The three hymns were all chosen to encourage a feeling of joy and happiness- and the voices of 2000 plus members, joined by the choir and accompanied by the Band, filled the Concert Hall and raised the roof There was a reading by Maya Angelou and a poem - The Chorus from The Rock by T.S.Eliot.


The address was given by Valerie, who reminded us of the parable of The Good Shepherd and asked that we respond to those in need. She spoke of the importance of effective communication - both verbal and non-verbal.


Finally, we were reminded that we, the members of Inner Wheel, are “a force to be reckoned with”. We should always “Look on the Bright Side “ and “Touch a Heart”


Audrey Davies, D5 5. Could this be a stronghold of a former Prime Minister? (5 6) 6. Sounds like an extensive list here? (8) 7


A glance through the Tuesday morning programme showed us that we were to be welcomed by The Sheriff of Nottingham, Councillor Jackie Morris. The mention of the word Sheriff brings to mind an evil looking male but this was not the case. Jackie Morris was a delightful 70 year old lady (by her own admission)who had begun life in the nursing profession but also had vast experience in local and civic affairs. As well as being Sheriff she had also been Lord Mayor.


She outlined the history of the office of Sheriff’- it was the oldest office in England, dating back 850 years. Henry VIII was the first monarch to appoint Sheriffs.


Jackie knew and admired the work of Inner Wheel as her mother in law had been a founder member in one of the clubs in the Nottingham area.


She went on to speak strongly about the influence of women in our society and said that the power of women should never be under estimated.


She hoped the members would enjoy their stay in Nottingham and would have a chance to sample the delights the city had to offer.


Enid Law The Sheila Crane Walk The Lace Market Creative Quarter Tour


What a treat was in store for those members lucky enough to book a place on the Lace Market Tour.


The attraction, of course, was the opportunity to learn about the origins and history of this world famous industry that created Nottingham’s reputation.


An added attraction, however, was the quality of the narrative delivered by the one and only Robin Hood. His deep knowledge of the subject, his fascination with the buildings and the professionalism of his delivery was spellbinding. And he was drop-dead gorgeous!


Starting at the new modern Art Gallery, he recounted the early days of the Viking’s occupation with the Danish King Snott ruling the land. He told of more recent times when the gentry and nobility bought ring-side seats to watch the executions outside the Courthouse.


So many wonderful tales that held us in thrall and reluctant to leave.


Audrey Davies D5


Innerwheel Conference 2017 - Tuesday A Celebration of Friendship


The Sheriff of Nottingham


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