Inner Wheel

Liz Hodgkinson

Welcome to my personal Inner Wheel page which celebrates and records some of the highlights of my year (2002 - 2003) as President of the Inner Wheel Club of Hereford Wye Valley, District 10.

(All underlined text are clickable hyperlinks)

I can be e-mailed at liz.hodgkinson@btinternet.com

Roll of Honour

Royal National Institute for the Deaf

The Stroke Association

Leprosy Mission

Hope and Homes for Children

Sound Seekers

Humanitarian Aid

Water Aid

GETTING IN THE MOOD

Liz takes time out from the Rotary D1100 district conference in March 2002.

Once again the venue was Bournemouth and Liz is seen here on the pier with the BIC and the conference hotel in the background.

Liz has a passion for donkeys and elephants, and so it was that at the end of June 2002, Mike and Pam Horwood
(Mike:-  President of the Rotary Club of Hereford Wye Valley for 2001/02 and Pam:- Treasurer of IW 2002/03) presented Liz with 'an inauguration present' in the form of a talking Eeyore.

Mike produced a camera and snapped this picture of a slightly surprised, but highly delighted, Liz.

It's June and Fun Day at No. 1 Ledbury Road.

Inner Wheel members Vilia, Liz and Norma are all committee members of the Friends of No. 1 Ledbury Road who have organised the day's entertainment and food.

Our Inner Wheel club has supported No. 1 Ledbury Road for many years.

During the afternoon, Di Jones (Inner Wheel Club of Hereford Wye Valley President 2001 - 2002) presents a cheque to the Friends Committee Chairman Alan and Treasurer Cyril.

(Alan is sporting a very stylish painted face.)

And then the moment of truth.

At the handover dinner retiring president Di transfers the chain of office to Liz who confesses to being very nervous at the prospect of presiding over the largest Inner Wheel club in District 10.

July 2002

July News

7 July and Liz wants to start her year on a high note so she and Bill invite the members of HWV Inner Wheel, together with partners, to a lunch time Fizz and Bits social gathering.

The weather was very kind to us - it would have been a bit of a squeeze indoors!

Liz with SVP Anne (left) and JVP Ellen (right)

Mike Hooper, President of the Rotary Club of Hereford Wye Valley, and Liz both look forward to the 'year'.

And our very sincere thanks to son Chris and Louise and, indeed everyone else, who gave us such considerable help with the bar and food.

It's Monday 8 July - so it's the annual Inner Wheel Club Golf tournament.

Played this year at Brockington Golf Club, Liz presents Jean with the winners trophy.

Wednesday 10 July
District 10 Summer Rally

Liz arrives at Blunsdon House Hotel
with Pat (left) and Jean ( right)

Liz emerges from a reception for new Presidents

It seems to have been a very jolly affair!

A photo opportunity with:
District Chairman Sheila (centre)
and Association President Jocelyne (right)

And then off for the traditional group photo
of the Executive Committee and
Club Presidents of District 10

The Rotary Club of Hereford Wye Valley meets on Monday evenings.  When there will be five meetings in a month, it has become established custom for the Rotarians to invite all the members of Inner Wheel and their partners to a fellowship evening on that fifth Monday.

And so it was on Monday 15 July (yes I know - don't ask) a BBQ was arranged at Rtn Phil's lake.

The very enjoyable evening was organised by Rtn Malcolm (who chairs this year's International Committee) and the proceeds from the evening are to be donated to Hope and Homes for Children.

Liz seems almost as happy to part with her raffle ticket money as Malcolm is to receive it.

The food was cooked by Rtn Roy and ably assisted by the nearly naked chef.

'NNC' Brian is seen here flanked by wife Sue and
President Mike.

A farm tour had been organised for anyone wishing to go, allowing the others to make an early start on the food.

Liz in fervent discussion with Margaret and Meg towards the end of a great and very worthwhile evening.

And so to Liz's first club meeting
Wednesday 24 July 2002

Secretary (the power behind the throne) Barbara, offers a few words of advice as Liz prepares to preside over the first full club meeting.

It was later reported that, despite a very large amount of 'business' that needed reporting or discussion, everything went well and Liz's initial misgivings soon gave way to humour and good fellowship.

Liz was very pleased to welcome four of the five members of the Inner Wheel Club of Hereford who transferred into Hereford Wye Valley as the 'old' year gave way to the 'new'.

Once again we are indebted to Viv who recorded all this evening's pictures on digital camera.

The evening's speaker was Lisa Boyce from the Stroke Association.  Lisa (right) is seen here with Carol who was 'speaker's host' for the evening.

The club learned that, unlike some of the more high-profile medical charities, research into the causes and treatment of strokes and support for its victims is poorly funded.

Members weren't aware that many children suffer strokes - this is not just an affliction of the elderly.   Nor did we know that Hereford Hospital has no specialist stroke unit, although the Association supports local stroke clubs.

Lisa's hard-hitting presentation was surely unique in that club members were rendered speechless (briefly) at its conclusion.

In recent years, donations for Water Aid have been collected during club meetings.

This year the Smartie tube technique is being used.

Mari is seen here preparing to sell tubes to members who will, hopefully, return them in due course with the original contents replaced with coins.

Last year's treasurer, Margaret, presents the accounts for the year 2001 - 2002.  Her own unique presentation style soon has the members in stitches from laughter.

During this current year, Margaret has agreed to act as 'policeman' to collect 50p fines from members who talk 'other than through the chair' during the business part of the meeting.

Secretary Barbara (a keen thespian) will try to locate a policeman's helmet and truncheon by the next meeting.  However, with Margaret's charismatic presence, no-one is expecting that it will ever be necessary to actually collect a fine!

August 2002

August News

After a hectic July, August brings a little relief!

Tuesday 13, and Liz, accompanied by SVP Anne, visits IW Club of Stroud for their Interclub and listens to District Chairman Shiela after a most enjoyable lunch.

The guest speaker was Sue Limb who gave a most amusing talk entitled "Comedy - and Beyond"

On Wednesday 28, the evening's meeting began with a visit to How Caple Court gardens.

Afterwards members repaired to The Bunch of Carrots.  Liz is seen here with Evelyn and Margaret, whilst other members seem engaged in serious discussion.  To better enjoy the hospitality offered at this well known watering hole, it is rumoured that some members absented themselves from the walk!

September 2002

September News

Sunday 1 and it's Pig Roast time.  Over 110 members, partners and friends gathered at Pondarosa by kind permission of IW member Margaret and husband Rtn Dick.

As the pig is carried in, Rtn Roy prepares to exercise his very considerable knowledge and expertise in butchery.

Within moments the pig is installed in its bain-marie and Roy joints and carves, whilst Brian assists in the final distribution.

IW members had prepared coleslaw and salads to accompany the roast and many tasty puddings for later.  There was ample food for all and a number of members went home with doggy-bags.  The weather behaved in an exemplary fashion and the lunch was a very convivial affair.

Skittles, Frog Racing and Kubb provided diversions for the children, whilst the adults found an additional attraction at the bar.

Members, partners and friends enjoyed the fellowship of the day in an ambience which would be hard to better.

In addition to a highly successful social occasion, this event raised a considerable sum for the club's charity work.

In a quieter moment, Brian and Roy take time out.

The club is much indebted to Roy and Brian for their unstinting support at these events.

The same event can have a different significance to different people.

President Liz is maybe beginning to relax as the event seems to be running smoothly,
Treasurer Pam perhaps wonders how the event's accounts will turn out,
Rtn Mike has his mind clearly focussed on the raffle.

The warm weather is certainly welcomed by Mike & Pam as they both returned from an African Safari yesterday.

Time to do the draw for the raffle.  SVP Anne has chaired the organising committee for this event and draws the first ticket.  Her husband, Rtn John, calls out the number of the lucky winner.

This is the first of Liz's fundraising events of her year and the lion's share of the proceeds will go to The Stroke Association.

And then the party's over.

The guests have gone, the clearing up is almost complete and Club Member Jean catches Liz on film relaxing with a glass of orange juice.

What's this?  President Liz having her collar felt?

Well no.  It may be just a coincidence, but most Club activities seem to involve the consumption of alcohol.  And so, on the 10 Sept 2002, the President appeared before the Licensing Justices to apply in person for Occasional Permissions for events during the rest of her Presidential year.

With our grateful thanks to solicitor Rtn David of the Rotary Club of Hereford Wye Valley for preparing all the paperwork, it can be reported that the Justices granted all the applications.

September 15th and Club Member Val and Rtn Derek hold a fund-raising party at their home in aid of the Herefordshire Festival for Music, Dance, Speech & Drama.  The annual event mainly benefits school children who come to perform on-stage at Hereford's Courtyard Theatre.  Fund-raising and donations help to pay the costs of staging such a Festival.

Above, Derek is seen skilfully and joyfully dealing with the liquid refreshments, whilst Val maintains a constant stream of goodies.  Once again the weather was perfect and a considerable sum of money raised.

Below (left) the raffle team have got their heads down whilst (right) Festival organiser Carol and Rtn John look on.

Wednesday 25 September is Club meeting night and Jane and Cathy, two Estée Lauder demonstrators from Hereford's premier department store Chadds, visit the club to talk about Estée Lauder, the company and its products.

Their presentation concluded with a demonstration during which Club Member Susan 'volunteered' to be made up by the demonstrators.  Everyone enjoyed their talk, and Susan's make up was very subtle but fetching.

Monday 30 September 2002 and it's one of those times when there are five Mondays in the Month.

Inner Wheel Members and partners were invited to dine with the Rotary Club of Hereford Wye Valley at their usual Hedley Lodge meeting place.

After dinner, raconteur Frank Reynolds entertained us with outrageously funny stories recalling events during his life.

President Liz is seen here flanked by Rotary Club President Mike and Frank.

Tuesday 1 October 2002 and Hereford Wye Valley host their Interclub.  Left, the President gets proceedings under way with a ring of the bell.

The Guest Speaker was Jen Green who spoke on "The Life and Times of an 11+ Failure".

Jen has visited the Club before and fully lived up to expectations and had the Members and guests in stitches with laughter.

In previous years, Hereford Wye Valley has had an afternoon meeting with tea.  This year, with a new venue at Hampton Bishop Village Hall, the Club gave a lunch.  A well known local caterer, Lyn Bullock, provided the meal.

By common assent, the luncheon was a great success and guests are seen here congratulating President and Jen Green on a thoroughly successful occasion.

As the lunch ended and guests departed, Liz posed here between Jen Green (left) and District Chairman Sheila.

Programme & Menu

Wednesday 23 October and members welcomed our speaker, Liz Griffin.  Liz is not only Editor of the Hereford Times, but is a Rotarian in the Hereford Club.  She gave us a most interesting and instructive talk about her career and how she has successfully progressed this while fulfilling her role as wife and mother.

October's meeting was President Liz's opportunity officially to welcome 5 members recently transferred from the IW Club of Hereford.  Having presented Hereford Wye Valley bars, President Liz managed to get the ladies together for a record of the event.   Seen in the photograph (from left) are Muriel, Shirley, President Liz, Mollie, Joan and Jill.

November 2002

President Liz and Secretary Barbara enjoying a very convivial lunch at the Overseas Rally with Nan of the Stroud Club and other fellow Inner Wheelers.

Photo courtesy of Jill, of the Worcester Club.

Wednesday 27 November, and President Liz was delighted to induct new member Penny.  We welcomed her and wished her many happy years in IW;  unfortunately, at the vital moment when the badge was handed over to Penny, it came apart! 

I'm glad to say that a replacement has been obtained and we hope this will last for many years' service.

At the November meeting we welcomed our speaker, Pat Beddoe (far right above), and were all engrossed with her knowledge of the history of scarves and shawls.  Pat not only took us through the changing uses of scarves, but demonstrated some of the vast number of ways in which they can be worn.  She had brought with her a large collection of her hand-made scarves, which proved to be very popular with members.

Above, left, Carol gives Val a hand with one of the scarves;  on the right, Pat displays another piece of her handiwork - and you'll see that Mollie didn't want to miss a moment of the action!

December News

Monday 2 December found 12 members at an Over 60's Club in Hereford - no, not joining, but there to provide a Christmas Tea.  A fabulous tea had been prepared by our Club members and 30 ladies all said they had thoroughly enjoyed their afternoon.  Sadly, no gentlemen were in attendance - maybe they were afraid of being so outnumbered by us women.

SVP Anne and Susan get themselves ready for a sing song before tea.  We provided a glass of sherry to get our guests in party mood!

After tea, which our guests ate up with great enthusiasm, we all sang some Christmas carols.

They also serve who only stand and wait.

After tea Di, Norma and Jean can be seen busily washing up, yet still joining in the singing.

The Club's Christmas Dinner was held on Wednesday 11 December at Len Gee's Restaurant.   We had a very convivial evening, with members in good form leading up to the festive celebrations.

Monday 16 December and the Wye Valley Rotary Club invited their partners, together with Inner Wheel members and their partners, to their Christmas dinner.

Above left,  Liz is seen flanked by Rotary Club President Mike and the evening's speaker:
Rtn Geoff Crofts of the R/C of Leominster.

Geoff, an auctioneer of antiques and fine art, had brought a number of artefacts with him and, after an excellent meal, challenged those present to identify the objects.  Although most of the pieces would have been widely recognised a few decades ago, the creative suggestions from some of us suggested that memories of yesteryear quickly fade.

And Ladies:- please note above right that the men chatter as well!

January News

R/C of Hereford Wye Valley distributes library books to the housebound and had asked Inner Wheel for help.

  14 IW members volunteered and so, on a snowy January morning, President Liz met with Rtn Dick outside the City Library.  Boxes of books were loaded into the car and Dick guided Liz round one of the four routes.

As soon as we have all learnt our routes, Rtns Terry and Alan - the organisers of this project - will add us to their rota.  We are happy to give our Rotary Club a hand with this very worthwhile service.

Inner Wheel Day - 10th January.  Members again marked the day by donating tins of biscuits for local charities providing support to disadvantaged children and their families.

The picture on the left shows about half the club with some of the goodies collected.  We had met together to mark the day with drinks and nibbles when a substantial sum was raised for Overseas.  This will be forwarded to UNICEF's 'Great Expectations' project.

Below:  members and their partners enjoying the day.

Our thanks to Barbara and Rtn David for their hospitality.

Wednesday January 22nd and President Liz finally inducts Margaret into Inner Wheel.  Although Margaret had joined Inner Wheel much earlier in the year, this was the first occasion when she could be formally inducted.

February 2003

February News

District 10 Fellowship Lunch was held on Thursday 6 February at the Prince of Wales, Berkeley.   President Liz is seen here with Phyllis Charter, Immediate Past President (left) and Sally Young, District Editor (right).

District Chairman Sheila had encouraged clubs to persuade members to display examples of their arts and crafts.  From Hereford Wye Valley, Susan showed a Christening Gown;  Vilia's knitted shawl can be seen on the left of the gown, with Jean's quilted wall hanging to the right.  In addition, Norma's painting and Val's millennium tapestry were on display.

(See more of Susan's work at her website)

Club Overseas Organiser Mari (seen on the right in our picture) arranged for a bric-a-brac sale in Hereford's Butter Market to raise funds for Overseas.

Secretary Barbara can just be seen in the background and Past Club President Pat is helping members of the public with their selections.

The money raised will be donated to the Club's various Overseas Projects.

February seems to have been a very busy month.  Monday 17 February sees President Liz at the North Wilts Interclub.

On this occasion, Liz was supported by Mari and the speaker, Commander Gibbs, gave a very entertaining talk on about life on board cruise ships, entitled "From Cadet to Commodore".

Wednesday 26 February 2003 is the occasion of District Chairman Sheila's official visit to Hereford Wye Valley.  Sheila joined Liz at home in the afternoon and later received a floral presentation from the Club Members.

In her talk to the Club, Sheila recalled many happy memories of Hereford Wye Valley and wished the Club all success for the future.

Sheila's special charity for 'her year' is the Alzheimer's Society and the club gave a cheque to Sheila in support of this valuable work.

March 2003

March News

Rotary D1100 District Conference was again held at Bournemouth.  President Liz is seen (left) with Inner Wheel District 10 Chairman Sheila and Immediate Past DC Phyllis in front of the IW stand in the 'District at Work' displays.  In amongst pictures from other clubs in the District, the display showed two pictures from Hereford Wye Valley depicting their work in the community and their support for Rotary.

Above right, some of the attendees at the Gala Dinner pause for a photo opportunity.  This picture comes with my thanks to Rtn Stewart (the tallest person in the picture) who has risen to high office within RIBI.

Just before this Conference, Liz had been voted in as District Editor for the next IW year.

At the Club meeting on Wednesday 26 March, the evening's speaker was Diane Pritchard.   Not only is Diane an old friend of President Liz, but she is a National Demonstrator for the National Association of Flower Arrangers Societies.

Many Club members are themselves keen floral artists and Diane produced four arrangement which were raffled at the end of the evening.  IW Member Gill is seen on the right giving the vote of thanks to Diane.

Barn Dance on 29 March.  'Whiffeldy' provided the music which got everyone up dancing and between numbers they regaled us with songs whilst we recuperated.  Rtn Kerry (JVP Ellen's other half) did stoic duty on the bar and  President Liz posed for a picture with Bill and the band.

Our special thanks go to all the helpers and particularly SVP Anne and Club Correspondent Norma who arranged the sausage supper complete with baked potatoes.

Proceeds will go to Hereford hospital's Audiology Department to fund a TV/video player and loop system.

Monday 31 March was one of those 'fifth Monday' evenings and The Rotary Club of Hereford Wye Valley invited Inner Wheel to their meeting.

President Liz is seen here signing the visitor's book.  Rotary Club President Mike is standing and Liz's husband Bill is seated on the right.

Once again we are indebted to Rtn Stewart for this picture.

April 2003

April News

On 23 April our meeting began at 'Hat Trick'.  On the left, proprietor Angela helps Eileen select a suitable model.  In fact Eileen says she finds it very difficult to choose hats but, centre, seems to be pleased with her final choice - but Jean seems still to be hunting.  On the right, Angela advises JVP Ellen and Norma on catwalk technique.

May 2003

May News

The speaker at our final meeting before Handover was
Mr. AE (Ege) Parker.  Ege, now retired, was formerly a teacher at Hereford Cathedral School and was House Master to Liz's younger son many years ago.

To a wrapped audience Edge recalled some facets of Hereford's history which had slipped from memory in just a few decades.

Looking forward to the future we were pleased to learn that the restoration of the canal system between Hereford and Gloucester is now well advanced.

June 2003

June News

On Thursday 5 June, the Inner Wheel Clubs of Ross-on-Wye, Leominster and Hereford Wye Valley met for a fellowship lunch at Hazelfield Garden Centre.  Of the 34 who attended, 18 were from Wye Valley.  The day was a great success and HWV 'agreed' to organise a similar event next year.

On 15 June President Liz and Bill host an end-of-term
Fizz & Bits at their home.  Despite being Fathers' Day, over 40 members and guests attended, and again the sun shone for us!

This time donations were invited for The Friends of the Community Home for Children with Disability at
Number 1 Ledbury Road.

As the presidential year enters its last few days, Liz makes final presentations to representatives of:

The Stroke Association
Freda Pearce Nurses' Fund
The Friends of the Community Home for Children with Disability at Number 1 Ledbury Road.

For the last photo-opportunity of her year, Liz makes a presentation of a combined TV/video together with a 'loop' system to Christine Boyd - Head of the Audiology Department - at Hereford's new County Hospital.

Members of the Department look on.

The equipment will be installed in the waiting area of the Audiology Department so that patients can be shown videos about the use and benefits of looped systems whilst trying out suitably equipped hear aids.

At the last Club meeting of the Inner Wheel year, Past President Sonia presents Liz with a gift of appreciation from the Club for her work during the year.

The gift was a very fine carved wooden elephant which will join Liz's collection at home.

And then it is time for the Handover ceremony.  And how the year has flown!

Liz puts the Presidential Chain round the neck of incoming President Anne and wishes her a very successful and happy Presidential year 2003/2004.

Rotary International
theme logo 2002-2003

As an Inner Wheel Club, we gladly give a thought to our spear side.

Please visit the web site of the

Rotary Club of Hereford Wye Valley

International Inner Wheel                   Association of Inner Wheel Clubs in GB & Ireland