District 26 covers South Bedfordshire, North Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire. We have 11 clubs spread across the Region and warmly welcome any ladies who wish to join.

Joint District Chairman Judith Byard

Joint District Chairman Jenny Versey

I joined Inner Wheel about 25 years ago, because my Rotary Club wouldn’t take women at the time and someone said ‘Why don’t you join Inner Wheel?’. So I did. I was still working full time as an education adviser, and my local Inner Wheel Club, Hoddesdon, met on a Monday evening. I joined the committee quickly to get to know the members better and became treasurer, then secretary for a short spell and then President. Only as President did I ever go to a District Meeting which were all held at lunchtimes, and I had to retire from full time work first. I went straight on the District Committee as Vice Chairman because the incoming VC had resigned, so had a very quick induction period before becoming District Chairman for 2009/10 when Pam Byford was Association President. By then I was also a member of Rotary in a club which valued women.

I am delighted to work with Jenny as joint Chairman of District 26. for the year 2026/27.  Our District covers Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire and is one of the smallest in Great Britain and Ireland.  Fortunately, Jenny lives in the south-east of the District and I live in the north-west, which makes club visits easily accessible.

I joined Wolverton Inner Wheel club in 2000; what a great way to start the Millenium and one of the best things in life I ever did!  I look back now and wonder where those 26 years have gone.  I can honestly say that I love every aspect of Inner Wheel - the companionship, fun, laughter and giving back to the community, but most of all the true friends I have made.

I do believe that the more you put in, the more you get out.’  I’ve always regarded myself as a “doer” rather than a “follower” and the first role I took on within Inner Wheel was club secretary – I did this for several years because I didn’t wish to be club president!  Eventually I was persuaded to take on the president role, and I remember being so nervous.  I needn’t have worried though, as everyone stood behind me and supported me in everything I did.  At this time I began to attend District meetings and got to know even more ladies and make more friends.

When nobody would take on the role of District Chairman four years ago and the District was in fear of closing, I was persuaded to take on the shared role.   Again, I was dreading it but needn’t have worried as the District team made me very welcome, and I soon felt at home.

I’m rather like a stick of Blackpool rock – I’ve got Inner Wheel running through my body and I sincerely hope that this great organisation continues to thrive and goes on to help so many more worthwhile causes.

If you want to make new friends and give a little back into your community why not check us out, come along to a meeting and, rest assured, you’ll never look back.

Judith Byard

d26secretary@hotmail.com