Nairn group celebrates 100 years of international women's association Inner Wheel
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The Nairn branch of an international volunteering association has celebrated its centenary today.
Members of the Inner Wheel of Nairn had a ball marking the 100 years of the women's group – which has branches worldwide – marked the occasion with mince pies and a food collection.
The group organises a book club, as well as monthly dinners and fundraisers to help charities locally and worldwide.
Chair of the Nairn group, Dorothy Pearson, said: "2024 is highly significant for Inner Wheel being its centenary year.
"Starting from a meeting in Manchester on 10th January 1924, the women's organisation grew rapidly and now has more than 100,000 members in over 100 countries promoting friendship and personal service both within the UK and internationally.
To commemorate the 100th birthday, each club was tasked with devising a challenge - a 100 for a 100 - for their members.
"Being aware that, in inflationary times, many families are struggling financially we decided to approach our local food bank and were advised that tins of meat were urgently needed. Consequently, we decided that as part of our challenge we would collect 100 tins – thus providing a service to the local community. Our members were as always very generous with their donations."
She said that she joined the group when she retired to Nairn and only knew one lady in town.
"She asked me to one of the monthly dinners of Inner Wheel with a view to joining the group," she said.
"There’s was a an interesting speaker of some charity that evening – I subsequently joined and have been a member ever since .
"I like the fact that it is a world wide ladies association and that we support charities locally nationally and internationally and respond to the needs of women all over the world."
The group organises fundraisers as well as dinners and runs a walking group, a book club and other social outings.
"New members are always welcome," Ms Pearson added.
She said that anyone wishing to join can contact the group at innerwheeldistrict1@outlook.com.
