Our Inner Wheel Club

The Inner Wheel Club of Altrincham was formed in 1930 and was inspired by Mrs. Oliver Golding’s idea of a club of Rotarian wives. On November 5th 1930 Mrs. D. Morrison, wife of the founder member of the Rotary Club of Altrincham, gathered other ladies together at her home and Mrs. Golding came and gave advice on the formation of a club – subscriptions would be 10/6d (£0.53) per year.

From these beginnings the club grew from strength to strength, though the majority of fund raising and social events were not dissimilar to today.

After a circular letter in 1935, urging organizations to think about ‘Homes for Aged Women’, the club decided to run a home for such ladies.  Premises at 61 Oxford Road were leased for a year and three months, with a housekeeper hired at £1.00 a week, exclusive of taxes, and this continued until the 1960’s.

The club kept busy during the war years, providing volunteers to man the American Doughnut Canteen, making contributions to P.O.W. subscription with parcels, and helping with a ‘House of Friendship’ in 1940 which catered for 423 men. The club also adopted a trawler, H.M.S. Repaction, sending a variety of items throughout the war. On its 21st birthday in 1951, the club was attended by 160 members representing 33 Inner Wheel Clubs at a lunch costing 8/6d (£0.43)

Many organisations over the years have benefited from the club’s efforts. Most recently we have supported Parkinson’s UK, Canine Partners, Water Aid, and School in a bag.

At our meetings we have a range of interesting speakers. We have social evenings and enjoy visits to concerts and the theatre. Visits to other clubs also feature in our programme. In short there is something for everyone.

Four of our members have become District Chairmen (Phyl Lord, Betty Hayhurst, Astrid Hill and Helen Lamerton). Mary Batten (deceased) was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow (a Rotary award), and Peggy Bowie (deceased) was honoured with an M.B.E. from the Queen.