It’s a double celebration for the Bodmin Inner Wheel Club in 2024, marking its 70th year alongside 100 years of service for the Inner Wheel, which was first established in 1924.
Mrs Margarette Golding, a Manchester Rotarian’s wife, founded the Inner Wheel in 1924, and became the first 'chairman' along with an elected secretary/treasurer. Twenty-seven ladies were at that first meeting and membership grew steadily with Inner Wheel Clubs being formed all over the country. One hundred years later, the group has over 120,000 members in 102 countries.
The first meeting of Inner Wheel Bodmin was held on 27th April, 1954, at the Royal Hotel in Bodmin. Fifteen members attended and were served with afternoon tea.
Carolyn Rossiter, Chair of Bodmin Inner Wheel, said: “Bodmin Inner Wheel is not quite 100 years old, but it celebrates 70 years which we are marking with our annual birthday lunch where other Inner Wheel Groups within Cornwall are invited to join us!”
The Bodmin Branch ‘endeavours to make a difference in the community’, taking on various activities including gardening maintenance around the town, serving cream teas in St Petroc’s Church during the summer months, assisting with various local friendship groups, supporting Bodmin College students, helping Women’s Refuge, assisting the foodbank as well as Christmas food bags for local families.
On the international scene, support has been given to Shelterbox, Moldova, Ukraine, earthquake appeals and Mary’s Meals, to name but a few.
“Inner Wheel is not all about fundraising. It’s about friendship and fun with lots of laughter whenever we meet, and support for one another in times of need is always apparent,” Terri Young, member, said. “Throughout the year, Inner Wheel members hold coffee mornings raising money for charities locally and internationally, and we always endeavour to respond to people in crisis, both home and abroad, by working together.”
Diane Jewell added: “We are always seeking new members, where friendship, service and fun contribute enormously to the local community of Bodmin. We are a group open to ladies who share our goals of true friendship, community service and fostering international understanding."
The club typically meets twice a month, with a club meeting and guest speaker event taking place at Flory Restaurant in Bodmin. Please email
innerwheelbodmin@gmail.com to find out more information.
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