Inside for the Day


On a Wednesday in May, I joined a group from Redditch Rotary Club on a visit to H M P Hewell Grange, a category D open prison. I was so pleased that I had been persuaded to come along because it was one of the best “outings” I have had. We had to take photographic ID and beforehand had been given a list of banned items – such as mobiles and cameras along with instructions not to pass anything on to the prisoners nor take anything out and should an inmate approach us, we were to report them.


So, with a certain amount of trepidation, we arrived on a lovely sunny day and drove through the delightful grounds once owned by the Earls of Plymouth to park outside the handsome house. Having proved our identity, we were greeted by a delightful young man (whom I later discovered had worked there for twenty years!) who took us through the only locked door into the magnificent hall with an amazing amount of wood panelling and marble. We hardly noticed the residents who were wandering around waiting for lunch. Our lunch was served in Lady Plymouth’s sewing room which looks out onto the labyrinth. This is thought to be the “best” room in the house with much of the panelling adorned with marquetry and the gilded plaster ceiling de- picts the pattern of the labyrinth with an Italian description.


One of the trusted prisoners was invited in to talk to us and answer questions. He was such a nice young man who told us that he had made a mistake and under the influence of alcohol had got into a fight and was given six and a half years’ imprisonment. He worked hard to get to The Grange where there is a sort of freedom, with exeat days out to go home and he is building up to a night at home and can’t wait to tuck his children into bed! He has also made several school visits. Since being inside he has been taught by the Samaritans to be a listener to other prisoners and has got


over fifty certificates in such things as Maths and English. We learned that some residents are given jobs to help in the secure building and on a confidential basis can help other residents with drug problems, loneliness or depression. Although this is an open prison with what looks like a lot of freedom, the men sleep in dormitories of around eight people. We realised that this is hard and can sometimes be difficult when you are put into a dorm with seven strangers! Another officer showed us round the garden (laid out by Capability Brown) then went on to show us the library and chapel.


If you get the opportunity to visit I do hope you will go along because I think you will be amazed at the beautiful building and have a clearer understanding of all aspects of the prison service.


Thanks to Liz Ostroumoff - Redditch


It is Certainly Worth a Try


District Chairman Vicki Mountford (D9) made full use of the District Supper to generate ideas to help the District and Clubs find ways to support each other so all might continue to flourish.


We may have attempted some of these but seeing all of these things coming through in a group discussion situation might just make us think – have we tried that – have we tried it recently?


Among the ideas were greater use of advertising, approaching people personally and a structured approach to sharing jobs within the Clubs. The importance of visiting other nearby Clubs and attending other Clubs’ events was stressed as was perhaps the chance to consider Satellite Clubs. Having a Minute Secretary to share secretarial duties could ease the load and perhaps make it easier to fill the post of Secretary and having a member in charge of Welfare was another of the ideas. Clubs should be ensuring that events are publicised in the local newspaper to raise the IW profile.


Club members need to be encouraged to attend District Meetings and should think of what the Association Conferences give in terms of learning more about Inner Wheel. One question was whether it was possible to have meetings that are not always business meetings. More help and advice should be sought from District if a Treasurer or Secretary is needed in a Club. It was very important to encourage new members to take jobs on the committee and thus help them to find out more about Inner Wheel and feel part of the organisation.


“All these are perfectly achievable,” said Vicki. “What we all need to remember is that the more we put in, the more we get out!”


The ideas may have been used previously but there is no harm in trying again!


Vicki Mountford District Chairman D 9


www.innerwheel.co.uk


Page. 11


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16