Inner Wheel

Well I’m back on deck. A big thanks to Liz Poynter and Kathleen Rushworth who graciously took over the newsletter in my absence.

To start the year, about 35 members and their families went to lunch at the iconic Lake Ferry Hotel. Apart from it being a bit chaotic with too few place settings and serving staff, a good time was had by all. And the seafood chowder was to die for!

One of our members, Alma Parr, a talented florist, compiled a beautiful Xmas box from club members’ thoughtful donations for a family whose young mother was suffering from a debilitating disease. She presented it to the family on Xmas Eve. It was an overwhelming and lovely surprise, so well received. We may well do the same for another worthy family for this Xmas. As the saying goes, it is often more satisfying to give than receive.

We have had a great start to our main fundraiser for the year, namely, catering for the hungry Rotarians working at the Martinborough Fair. Many of our members contributed hugely, a number making donations (dollars and /or food), and working in the kitchen, some starting at 4.30 am. 

This task was not made any easier by the discovery of e-coli in the local water notified only hours before our work started, creating a lot of extra hours. Additional health and safety measures and processes were necessary to ensure no-one was affected by the bug. As caterers we took this responsibility very seriously and were well advised by the SWDC representative as to what appropriate precautions were necessary. This all took extra time. But no one got ill!

In keeping with the request by the District Chair and as part of an international push for Inner Wheel to have a higher profile, we promoted Inner Wheel by sharing the Rotarians’ Information Desk. I found an unofficial part of the role turned out to include dog minding when a small dog called Laddie was found wandering around the fair unaccompanied and brought to the Rotary tent. Fortunately his owner, who lived locally, arrived to collect him. I was quite sad to see him go.

New members are welcome, please contact Rosemary Newton @ (06) 304 9750