Introduction
Inner Wheel Club, District 2 of South East Scotland describes:
Inner Wheel Clubs throughout the world Comprises the Womenfolk of Rotarians and is now the second largest womens organisation in the world with over 103,700 members. Inner Wheel concentrates upon friendship and personal service. It is not what is termed a money raising organisation but each club selects its own Charities and Channels of Service. One of the greatest features of Inner Wheel is the opportunity given to members the world over to get to know one another thus contributing to International Friendship and Understanding. To be a member of Inner Wheel is a privilege that can usually only be enjoyed by the wife, widow or member of a Rotarian’s household.
Like Rotary the Inner Wheel is divided into local clubs and Districts after being first proposed by Mrs Golding in January 1928. Her aim was to unite all Ladies Rotarian groups under the Inner Wheel umbrella. In 1929, the aims and objects of Inner Whel were stated – “to promote true firendship and the devlopment of acquaintance as an opportunity for service and the betterment of social conditions”. The emblem quickly followed which is the Rotary wheel with another smaller wheel within. In 1934, the Association of Inner Wheel Clubs in Great Britain and Ireland was formed with 79 founder clubs.
World-wide expansion led to the success of Inner Wheel. The International Inner Wheel was formed in 1967 which covered some 9 countries. Inner Wheel now stretches throughout 84 countries. The importance of InnerWheel can be seen from its consultancy status it has with the United Nations (NGO).
Service takes many forms such as overseas projects, emergency aid and domestic charity support. All is dependent on the clubs personal choice – this can be locally or District projects.Service combined with friendship is often found in assisting Rotary projects.
The Inner Wheel is a charitable organisation which is committee run based on annual elections. Like Rotary Clubs, Presidents hold office for one year only. Other officers hold office for up to three years.
