Memories to be revisited

BRINGING back happy memories is how the members of a Southland women’s voluntary service will celebrate their 50-year milestone.

Inner Wheel Club of Invercargill North will reminisce on five decades of friendship, service and international understanding at their celebratory lunch.

The event will bring together 90 past and present members whose involvement in various projects, have made a major difference in the Southland community.

Club president Robyn Jordan said the lunch was a time for the women to reflect on the past but also to celebrate the life-long friendships that had been made.

‘‘The celebration is about bringing back many happy memories — not just on the voluntary work but also on the friendships that have been built over the years,’’ Mrs Jordan said.

Rotary Club Invercargill North initially started the Inner Wheel Club in 1976 as an organisation for the wives of Rotarians.

The service became a platform to build connections and provided a supportive environment for personal growth and collective impact in Southland.

They have engaged in many service projects including raising money for Women’s Refuge, The Cancer Society, Hospice Southland and Hato Hone St John.

Much of the organisation’s work had been ‘‘done quietly behind the scenes particularly supporting many Rotary projects.’’

The special lunch will enable the organisation to fondly remember events including Fibre Octave, the Last Night of the Proms and the ‘‘slightly risque’’ calendar girl’s calendar.

A past member will recite a ‘‘fun and frolics’’ poem and singer Sheryl Clark will provide singing to entertain the guests.

Archived photos charting the club’s history will be on display.

Invited speakers will provide stories on the day of the luncheon that would ‘‘bring back memorable moments’’.

There were many highlights over the years including making knitwear for premature babies, High Tea gettogethers and celebrating Christmas and Inner Wheel Day at members’ homes.

A celebratory cake will be cut with honorary members in attendance.

Mrs Jordan hoped that the club would continue the good work they had done in the community for the last half-century and that the next generation would join the group and pick up the mantle.

The details

Inner Wheel Club of Invercargill North 50th Anniversary Lunch Ascot Park Hotel, March 15