York and its Inner Wheel Clubs


There are several towns in the world named York, but ours is one of the first, albeit that it started life as Eboracum of the Romans in AD71. There are many artefacts from this time including their mighty fortress, parts of which can still be seen in the under croft of our splendid Minster which was built in the Middle Ages and which is a truly splendid building with magnificent windows. Today York Minster provides daily acts of worship, where the choir provides the highest standard of music.


After the Romans, the Angles moved into the city. They in turn were ousted by the Vikings who changed the name to Jorvik, which then became York when the Normans came to power. The city prospered through trade such as wool and in the later centuries expanded and became rich through industries and trade and particularly Railways. All this toing and froing is still visible in York through its walls, roads and ancient buildings, and of course, we are now a two-university city. York is a thriving city which receives thousands of visitors each year and which has much to show them. As well as the splendid fabric of the city we are well provided with sights to see and places to go. We have museums, a large Art Gallery, beautiful gardens and we also have many top concerts; we have the National Centre for Early Music and not least the river to walk or sail along and we also have theatres to visit. Every day throughout the year, there is much to see and do. Our main theatre, York Theatre Royal, was first opened in 1774 and it has kept going ever since and each year has a varied and interesting programme from both the in-house players and visiting players.


This year we are to have the pleasure of hosting the Rose ‘pop- up’ theatre in the Castle grounds. This will be performing four of Shakespeare’s plays during July and August. It should be a wonderful experience. It has certainly been exciting watching the ‘ancient’ theatre grow before our eyes over such a short build time and to see how amazingly authentic it looks. Of course, York is also famous for the Mystery Plays performed every few years.


Inner Wheel has been in York for 84 years starting with the chartering of the York club in 1934 which was joined by the York Ainsty club in 1962 and finally the York Vikings club in 1978. Here in Vikings we still have three active founder members and as a club we have done much service work over the years for our country and overseas. We have had much fun and friendship, but we must now acknowledge that times are changing and, as with other clubs, we are finding it more difficult to recruit new members. It may be time for us to consider different ways to encourage younger


people to join us, but meanwhile we will keep doing our best to make life better both here at home and overseas.


York Vikings is very proud of President Ann. She and Peter have been in York for 32 years and both of them have played an active role in ‘Service in the Community’ in varying capacities. Ann loves Inner Wheel and its ability to make life better for others. She has been tireless in all areas of the Club, working with enthusiasm and pride and gradually extending her efforts from local to International. All the years she has been in Inner Wheel she has been the one with the energy and desire to get things done. I am glad to have Ann as my friend because she is a ‘doer’. She is constitutionally unable to see something that needs doing and not DO IT and she can persuade us to do it too! And so we should, because it is never on her behalf, but for someone else entirely.


I know Ann will carry out all the duties and pleasures of her year in office with efficiency and charm.


On behalf of our own Club and of Inner Wheel, I wish her health, happiness and a splendid year in Office.


Pauline Carr - Inner Wheel Club of York Vikings Stirling


Anniversary Tree When I asked if anyone remembered planting a tree commemorating an Inner Wheel anniversary, I did not expect that someone could come up with the ORIGINAL photograph of the event, taken in 1984. But that is exactly what Stirling (D1) was able to do! In the words of the Club Correspondent, Sandra Kerr,


“The picture commemorates the planting in Stirling of a cherry tree to celebrate the Association’s 60th anniversary. It was planted by the late President of Stirling Inner Wheel, Evelyn Sim. A photo was taken last year showing the tree in bloom and very healthy looking but unfortunately moss has encroached on the memorial plaque. This will need to be remedied.”


With thanks to Sandra Kerr, Stirling www.innerwheel.co.uk Page. 3


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