President Mrs Pauline Youldon welcomed District Chairman Linda Burgess and members to the February Business meeting of the club at Bannantyes hotel. The President thanked members and committee for the successful World Inner Wheel Day which celebrated 100 years since the founding of the club. Before giving a talk on her years in Inner Wheel the chairman inducted two new members Jacquie Garbutt and Maggie Hardy into the club, which is the largest International Women’s Association in the world, she told of how when she lost her first husband from drowning she felt the warmth and support of the club wrap around her and her four sons and hoped that the two new members would find that same friendship and support when needed. Liz Lyle reported that the making of 100 children’s gowns for the Memorial hospital was well on the way with 36 completed, a craft and chat at her house had produced a production line by members cutting out and sewing, another meeting for this task is to be held in February. Details of the Birthday meeting in April were discussed. This is a very friendly and vibrant club and new members are always welcome.

Pictured are:   From left to right President Pauline Youldon, new members Jacquie Garbutt, Maggie Hardy, District Chairman Linda Burgess.

President Pauline Youldon welcomed members and guests to the first meeting of 2024, it is going to be a busy year for the club with members aiming to make 100 hospital gowns for the children’s ward of Darlington Memorial hospital in celebration of 100 years since the founding of the Inner Wheel Association. Darlington Rotary club have very generously donated money for the fabric, this is apart from making hats for the maternity department and blankets for the Salvation Army.

Arrangements were made for The World Inner Wheel Day to be held on 10^th January at the Presidents home. It was also with great pleasure that the President welcomed Ben Sissons, Specialist Fund Raiser for the Great North East Air Ambulance and Deborah Usher Community Fund Raiser for the same charity, to receive a cheque, the proceeds from the Presidents Coffee morning held in November at St. Augustines church hall. Ben gave a short presentation thanking everyone and giving some details of the work carried out by the service covering over 8,000 square miles of the North East from Scarborough to the Scottish Borders and as far west as the Isle of Man.