Check out 'Our Team' for information about the 2021/2022 District 6 Executive Officers 

DISTRICT MEETING ON 24 MARCH 2022

Fifty-Eight members from 11 clubs met on a lovely sunny day for this District Meeting.  Sadly, Brierley Hill will be closing at the end of June but on a positive note, there are 10 new members in D6.

Voting details in respect of IIW and Association were discussed.

Details were given of how clubs can donate to the Ukraine appeal, ie via PAssnP Phyllis Charter’s son Robin who lives in Poland.

Nominations for District Officers were agreed as follows:

DC Margaret Phillips (Rugby)

MAD Sandra Wood (Redditch)

IS Ann Hawkins (Wylde Green)

Editor Flick Furber (Rugby)

MAD Committee – Pamela Griffiths, Ann Robinson, Tracy Kobrin

Beryl Bryant has offered to help with meal requests and table plans for the remaining DCMs this year.

Vacancies remain for MOC, Secretary, Treasurer, VC, Int Service and Editorial committees.

Diary dates were given for Redditch Fellowship, Solihull 75^th Charter anniversary (17 May) and Kenilworth Diamond Charter anniversary (25 May)

It was noted that the Garden of the Innocents at the National Arboretum needs some maintenance.  Upkeep is the responsibility of the District.  Clubs local to the Arboretum have offered to help so have been asked if their members would be prepared to form some sort of rota and enquiries are being made as to the cost of upkeep by the Arboretum.

An Inner Wheel rose is to be introduced for the IIW Convention in 2024 to be launched and named at the Chelsea Flower Show.

The Stroke Association is appealing for any funds raised by clubs to be donated now, rather than waiting until the end of the year, to help with the cash flow.

The Capitation Fees were discussed – details of the total will be advised later

Club Correspondents were thanked for their contributions to All About 6 (apologies for title of “All Around 6) See magazine in AA6 in the table of contents on the Home page. 

Club donations to Project Gambia were many (several carloads) and varied and much appreciated (this will continue to be the District International Service project for next year).  Clubs were reminded that the Rally will be on 12 May – speakers Pam Boyes, Assn I.S Chairman and Bev Hodt from Project Gambia.  A van will be collecting contributions at the venue from 10am.  Raffle prizes were requested with proceeds going to the Ukraine.

A M&D powerpoint presentation was given (available on the Association website) for possible use at a meeting for prospective new members.

It was agreed after voting that future DCMs would follow the existing pattern, ie Nov-lunchtime, March to alternate each year between lunchtime and evening, June -evening.

The Assn website is being revamped and should be finalised in 2/3 weeks.

The next DCM/AGM will be held on Thursday 9 June 2022, 6pm for 6.15 start at the Lake at Barston.

District Rally 2021

Over 75 members attended the District Rally.Coffee was served from 1100am when members had the opportunity to meet with Association President Betty Roberts and to catch up with each other after a break of almost two years; it was most enjoyable seeing so many Inner Wheel friends again.

Once assembled for lunch District Chairman Sylvia introduced the visiting dignatories including Association President Betty, three District Chairmen from neighbouring Districts, (one of whom remarked that it was a joy to get dressed up although the dresses in her wardrobe no longer fitted and she was now more used to wearing trainers than high heels – the pandemic has a lot to answer for!) and Rotary District 1060 Governor David Clayfield, all of whom brought their warm greetings for a happy and successful year.

After a delicious lunch Sylvia introduced Kaylee Linton and Karen Cleaver from the Rugby Refuge Centre (one of Sylvia’s chosen charities) who told us of the essential work in being the voice of change for victims of domestic violence and how they work closely with the police and others in supporting such victims. It was surprising to hear about the amount of on-line abuse that takes place. In terms of how Inner Wheel might support refuges, donations of clothes, bed linen, toiletries, children’s toys are all welcome in addition to monetary donations to fund taxis for health and court appointments.

We then heard from Association President Betty and in particular her charity the Stroke Association and how we can raise funds by sponsored walks. Each member was encouraged to walk 2.5 miles. Betty brought along her bear who was joined with many from District 6! She also encouraged members to attend Association Conference in Bournemouth in April 2022 when she hoped members would celebrate Inner Wheel friendship and fellowship.

It was a very enjoyable Rally as is clearly demonstrated by the photographs!  (See Gallery under D6 News)

Gay Bligh, IWC Edgbaston Convention  

In June District 6 had its first face-to-face District Meeting and AGM since the beginning of lock-down, adhering to all the various Covid regulations and advice to ensure a safe environment for all 69 attendees from 14 participating clubs.

The first business of the day was the collection by a large van of the huge number of parcels and boxes of donations for the International Service Gambia project (see elsewhere on the site for details).

District Chairman Margaret welcomed all members and thanked them for their continued hard work under very difficult circumstances this year and especially for their donations to her charity, The Sick Children's Trust totalling over £1,600.  

Nominations for various District Officers were approved and an appeal for 1st and 2nd Vice Chairmen made.

Member of Council Anita advised that Trish Douglas would be GB&I's nomination for IIW Vice-President.  The IIW theme for 2021/22 is "Pink First" and under the IIW theme of "Strong Women, Stronger World", the Association would be supporting the mental health charity "Mind" for the 3-year Social Project. Association President Betty Roberts would be supporting "The Stroke Association"

Bev Holte, the founder and representative from Project Gambia gave a very enthusiastic presentation about the organisation which was founded in 2007 and now supported several schools.  Their remit covered refurbishing existing schools, building classrooms and toilet blocks, providing food packages and applying various new technologies to the schools.

At the AGM the Executive gave their Reports and DC Margaret welcomed incoming DC President Sylvia to the Chair wishing her every success and thanked the Executive for all their support.  DC Sylvia introduced the Executive for 2021/22 and named her chosen charities as Rugby Women's Refuge and Macmillan Cancer Support.

District Committee Meeting on Zoom on March 25th 2021

It was lovely to see 65 members attending the District 6 Meeting on Zoom where there was an opportunity to discuss District business. The theme was Easter bonnets which gave a real uplift to the meeeting with such lovely vibrant colour on display.

Officers sent out their reports beforehand so there was sufficient time to listen to a talk by Charlotte Coldrey from the Sick Children's Trust. The charity enables families to be together by providing accomodation close to a number of hospitals where children are treated and gives valuable support. This charity is supported by District Chairman Margaret this year.

District Committee Meeting on Zoom on November 26th 2020

While we all prefer to be in the same room as those we are meeting, Zoom has provided the opportunity for the District Meeting to take place as planned with all D6 Clubs invited to participate. 

Reports were sent out beforehand and  delegates were able to ask questions and give their views. Many dressed in festive garments and toasted the District with a glass at the end.

With all best wishes to you and to your club members at this strange time.

District 6 Chairman Margaret

A message from Breast Cancer Haven

As the Covid-19 crisis continues to affect each and every one of us, I’d like to send my very best wishes to you and your loved ones.

Although the past few months have presented  significant challenges , Breast Cancer Haven have expanded their online provision with classes and running support groups and one-to-one support over the phone as well as virtually.

This means that despite the temporary closure of centres clients can still access the complementary programme of support BCH has to offer, meaning that anyone facing breast cancer is not alone.

Without your continued support this would not be possible.

This has been taken from a letter sent to me by Sally Hall CEO, of Breast Cancer Haven.

Thank you for helping me support  Breast Cancer Haven.

Yours in friendship

Claire 2019/2020 District 6 Chairman