The Inner Wheel Club of Narrabri has celebrated a year of growth during Joan Burrell-Melbourne’s year at the club’s helm.

Inner Wheel members and guests celebrated the club’s success at a changeover dinner at the Tourist Hotel last Wednesday evening.

Mrs Burrell-Melbourne thanked her committee and the club’s members for their support in what was a productive year.

“I have really enjoyed being your president,” she told the dinner gathering.

“I think we have had a very happy year and been quite productive. I look back and wonder how we fitted all the things in we have done during the year.

“We have had most meetings in members’ homes, which has, as always, been most enjoyable. Thank you to all the people who opened their homes to us, for either a lunch or dinner.

“All the committee meetings have been in my home, which have been well-attended and turned into a coffee morning each month.”

In November, Inner Wheel hosted the district meeting including a friendship dinner which was well attended.

“We celebrated the International Inner Wheel Foundation Day with a lunch at the Tourist Hotel. This was also well attended, and we had quite a few visitors who showed interest in becoming members. We have this every year on the tenth of January,” Mrs Burrell-Melbourne said.

Lexie Killen was inducted as a member during the year, and on changeover night Jenny Grellman and Jan Etheridge were also welcomed to Inner Wheel.

“In February, we had our election of committee members for the year 25-26. I’m happy to say all positions have been filled, and it’s a long time since we’ve had that happen,” Mrs Burrell-Melbourne said.

“April and May were busy months too. First, we had a morning tea for cord blood stem cell research.

“This was well-attended and most enjoyable. Lots of beautiful food, laughter, and friendship. Kath Hamilton donated a lovely silver bracelet that she made for our raffle.

“This was very popular and raised lots of money. We made $1500 on the day for cord blood.”

An Irish night, as an international project, was also an enjoyable part of the Inner Wheel year.

District chairman Anne Mason was then welcomed back to Narrabri for a high tea hosted at Pat Norrie’s home.

“We gave Anne a donation for her charity of Little Wings. As you can see, we have been busy,” Mrs Burrell-Melbourne said.

“I would like to say thank you to all who have contributed. I wish Pat Norrie and her committee an enjoyable year.”

Following her report, Mrs Burrell-Melbourne presented a token of thanks to her committee before passing the president’s collar of office to incoming president Pat Norrie.

New Inner Wheel officers for the coming year include Mrs Norrie as president, senior vice president Lyn Wright, junior vice president and international officer Jenni Hayne, past president/extension officer Mrs Burrell-Melbourne, secretary Ros Hall, social convenor Marilyn Collins, historian Marie Keys and committee members Maria Woodham, Lyn Eather and Di Smith.

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