PRESIDENT Elizabeth Ostroumoff invited Diana Hall to light the Candle of Friendship at the January meeting to celebrate World Inner Wheel Day, which takes place on January 10 each year.

Elizabeth went on to explain to new members that in 1923, Rotarian wives in Manchester got together to form a "Ladies Rotary Club".

However, Rotary International would not agree to the word "Rotary" being used so on January 10, 1924, the wives met and elected to be called Inner Wheel.

Clubs throughout Britain and Ireland were quickly formed and interest shown abroad and the first were in Australia, Norway New Zealand and South Africa.

In 1934, an Association of Great Britain and Ireland was formed. This lasted until 1967, when it was decided that as so many clubs existed abroad, the clubs should become members of an International Inner Wheel.

There are now 3,804 clubs throughout the world, the latest three in India and one in Serbia.

The motto of fellowship and friendship is wide in its use and works to bring women of all nationalities together in serving the needs and sharing goodwill whenever it is needed.

Details were finalised for the fundraiser in February. This will be a supper followed by Frank Hardy speaking on "Planning and taking a garden to Chelsea".

Mollie Gibbs entertained with her anthology and Margot Nash auctioned her Inner Wheel apron.