INNER WHEEL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2017 President’s Closing Address
In her final speech President Zena began by telling us that it was the comfort and support from her own club, Stamford, especially when she experienced widowhood ,that led her to be standing on the platform at Nottingham .The help she received motivated her to want to give something back to Inner Wheel. She became more involved in the organization and this led her to becoming District Secretary. Here too she received advice and support especially from the late APP Pam Forsyth. She was encouraged to become innovative and the more involved she became, the more she realized what a fantastic organization it is.
Zena is a very positive person and her travels around the Districts have convinced her that there is a growing recognition of the existence of Inner Wheel amongst the general public. We must remember that it was only since 2012 that we have had extended membership. Whilst visiting Rallies all over the country, she has seen for herself the buzz of enthusiasm amongst members.
We are often accused of being old - fashioned but our club news - letters and District Magazines tell a different story-a sponsored zip wire to celebrate a 70th birthday, a wing walk or an abseil down Liverpool Cathedral can hardly be seen as old - fashioned.
Zena went on to speak of the benefits of belonging to an all women’s organization. Zena said that laughing with friends is good for you and that we do laughter in a different way with female friends and at different things. She added that one of the best ways to experience Inner Wheel is to attend Conference.
We should be proud of the projects we have supported over recent years. The Wheels Project to celebrate our 90th year started us off and then we went on to support the Coffee Mornings for Parkinsons, School in a Bag and this year the Silly Socks Campaign for BEAT. These showed Inner Wheel in its very best light –all working together for a common aim. All these projects emphasise our commitment to the objects of Inner Wheel. The sums of money we have donated as reported in this Conference show that we make a difference all over the world.
We still find national publicity and recognition evades us but we must be our own publicists by telling all those in our local community what we do. Zena quoted from an email sent by a new member collecting archive material for the 60th birthday of her club “………It is amazing the amount of money we have given away and also the enormous variety of people that we have helped. I am not a Rotarian wife. Inner Wheel has been my life saver”
Zena urged us to go back to our clubs and share this enthusiasm. She asked us to value our membership
She ended her speech where she had begun by acknowledging her debt of gratitude to her friends. She thanked the members of her Club Stamford and District 7 who had offered practical help at this conference ,especially Janice Quinn and her husband Mike who had acted as hosts and she paid tribute to Margaret Day ,Melanie Nicholls and the Annette Thornley and her staff at the Royal Concert Hall for helping to make the conference such a happy one.
“It is a great privilege to be your President as together we achieve so much. We all need to contribute to ensure that our great organisation continues to thrive. I feel the world would be a much sadder place without Inner Wheel.”
Enid Law Vote of thanks To Association President Zena
Incoming President Liz Thomas was entrusted with the task of thanking Zena on behalf of everyone for a very successful, enjoyable and happy Conference, always interesting, thought provoking, inspiring and lots of fun.
As Liz said thoughtful planning of the two days was obvious in the choice of speakers and entertainment and in the Service of Friendship, ably celebrated at very short notice by Val Pascoe. Both Presidents of IIW, Yemisi, and RIBI Eve gave food for thought. Everyone was moved by the BEAT and Young Carers presentations. Canine Partners with that fantastic dog wowed us and we were full of admiration for the young Goal Ball players. John McCarthy was an engaging speaker talking about his hostage ordeal. The day ended with something completely different, Classic Buskers.
The AGM conducted with firm guiding hand, so firm that Zena actually broke the gavel !!
The final speaker Lydia Slack had us in hysterics. So what would the last tonight bring? This could be the first time a Conference ended with Clubbing - and the President dancing out to ‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Life’?!
One regret however that Conference couldn’t afford Colin Firth for her!
Liz thanked Zena for a great Conference and her enthusiasm.
She really did touch everyone’s heart. Elaine Morris
Conference Committee
L to R Chairman Margaret Day, Janice Quinn, Kate Curtis, Ann Airth, Keith Quinn, Melanie Nicholls, Val Hellin (not present).
2016-2017 Executive
L to R Enid Law, Betty Roberts, Elizabeth Thomas, Zena Coles, Trish Douglas, Katie Dalton, Ann Acaster.
13. Can you play a racquet sport here ? (9 5 )
17
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11
