Previous District 12 Rallies

District Rally Tuesday 6th June 2017

The 2017 District Rally took place at the 'Great Danes' Mercure Hotel, Maidstone.

Here are the Executive with the Assn. President Zena Coles.

Front Row L to R: Assn. President Zena Coles, District Chairman Dotty Boardman, Member of Council, Sheila Cragg

Middle Row L to R: International Service Chairman Susan Midgley, Vice District Chairman Ruth Portway, Editor Chris Head-Rapson, Secretary Liz Lister

Back Row: Immediate Past District Chairman and Membership Officer Hazel Hedges

District Rally Thursday 2nd June 2016

The 2016 District Rally took place at St Augustine’s, Westgate on Sea, Kent.

Over 150 members of District 12 attended the Rally. Also in attendance were Chairmen from other Inner Wheel Districts, who are linked to this District, IPDC Elizabeth Norris representing District 5, Cheshire, DC Rosemary Cone representing District 13, Greater London, DC Liz Davis representing District 14, North Surrey, and DC Dr Elizabeth Philpot representing District 25, West Sussex and South Surrey. District 1120 Rotary Governor, Ray Dixon, and his wife Jenny, and the President of the Rotary Club of Westgate & Birchington, David Guy represented Rotary. The VIP guest and speaker was the President of the Association, Trish Douglas, from the Inner Wheel Club of Montrose in District 1, Scotland.

On arrival, guests were invited to have coffee or a drink in the Chapel, where Hazel’s son, Andrew played keyboard to entertain them.

 

Guests relaxed and caught up with old friends.

Formal photographs were taken by Roger Hobcraft. 

After this, the guests made their way to the magnificent Ruby Room for the luncheon.

 After the welcome, President Trish was asked to light the Candle of Friendship. MOC Sheila read the objects of Inner Wheel. 

Then the District 12 choir sang 'Simple Gifts' by Aaron Copeland, and 'The Wind beneath my Wings' by Larry Henley and Jeff Silbar. They were conducted by PDC Elizabeth Weaver and accompanied by Rotarian Chris Hedges.

After the Roll Calls, Grace was said by MOC Sheila, and guests sat down to a starter of Salmon, Prawn and Lobster Terrine, a main course of Trio of Beef, Pork and Chicken Fillets served with Madeira Sauce, and a delicious dessert, St Augustine's Assiette a la patisserie.

District 12 Rally in 2015 was held at the Great Danes Mercure Hotel

Association President Thelma Pacsoo was invited to light the Candle of Friendship, and after the Roll Call, MOC Margaret Hawkins said a specially written Grace in rhyme. Assn. President Thelma is famous for giving her speeches in rhyme so Margaret thought it would be appropriate. After a delicious meal of Poached Salmon followed by Apple, Pear and Walnut Crumble, the President of Danson Inner Wheel Club, DC Sheila's own club, brought greetings and welcomed the members to the lunch. Following this the visiting District Chairmen brought greetings from their respective Districts, and the District Rotary President also brought greetings from the Rotary District 1120. Assn. President Thelma then spoke of her charity, her background in Inner Wheel and congratulated DC and all the members on their hard work throughout the years, raising money and working for charity, working for international understanding and the all abiding Friendship which is evident everywhere members meet. Vice Chairman Hazel then gave the vote of thanks to Thelma, again in rhyme, and DC Sheila presented Thelma with a cheque for her charity, 'Home Start'.

DC Sheila, Assn President Thelma and MOC Margaret Hawkins (centre front) are seen with the Presidents for the year.

Front Row L to R
IPDC & Membership Officer Judith Cooper, MOC Margaret Hawkins, Assn. President Thelma Pacsoo, District Chairman Sheila Grainger, Vice Chairman Hazel Hedges and Treasurer Dotty Boardman
Rear Row L to R
Editor Dorothy Reid, International Service Chairman Susan Midgley and Secretary Di Chamberlin

District Rally 3rd June 2014

District Rally 2014 was held at the Mercure Great Danes Hotel on 3rd June 2014.

District Secretary Di Chamberlin, called the assembled company to order and Association President Gill Rowley was invited to light the Candle of Friendship. After the Roll Call of Clubs and Past District Chairmen, DC Judith said the Inner Wheel Grace. A delicious meal of Duo of Melon, followed by Medallions of Pork in Cider Sauce was enjoyed by all. DC Judith had made a delicious cake which was served with coffee and mints. After the meal, all members rose for the Loyal Toast proposed by Member of Council, Margaret Hawkins. After a short comfort break, the President of Eastbourne Sovereign, which is DC Judith's own club, Freda Hampson, welcomed everybody. District 25 Chairman, Francoise Cutts, District 13 Chairman, Ann Golsworthy, District 14 Chairman, Bobby Child and the Past District 5 Chairman, Adrienne Fox, all brought greetings from their respective Districts. Rotary Governor District 1120, Chris Barnett brought greetings from Rotary. Association President Gill Rowley gave an address to which 1st Vice Chairman Sheila Grainger gave a vote of thanks. Immediate Past District 12 Chairman, Lynn O'Meara gave a vote of thanks to the District Chairman and the proceedings ended with DC Judith's closing remarks.

District Rally 28th May 2013

District Rally 2013 was held at Priestfield Conference and Banqueting Centre on May 28th. It was combined with District 12's 80th Anniversary Celebrations. Members and guests, (including many Rotarian partners) firstly enjoyed a Thanksgiving Service conducted by Canon Gilbert Spencer, after a brief welcome and introduction by District Chairman Lynn O'Meara to special guest, the Inner Wheel Association of GB & I President, Dr. Sheila Halliday Pegg.

District Chairman Lynn was delighted to invite Betty Selfe from the Rochester club to light the 'Candle of Friendship' and presented her with a certificate of recognition from the Inner Wheel for 60 years of service to Inner Wheel. Betty has been District 12 Chairman, and has also served as Member of Council on the Association Executive, and as Secretary for International Inner Wheel.

Betty Selfe

Friendship Candle

The service opened with the singing of the Hymn 'Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation;' after which the visiting District Chairmen read poetry on the theme of 'Be a Friend' the international theme for Inner Wheel 2012-13.

The whole congregation stood to sing the hymn 'When I needed a neighbour' and remained standing for the Inner Wheel Collect.

The District 12 Inner Wheel choir, under the direction of Association Treasurer, Elizabeth Weaver, and accompanied by Rotarian Chris Hedges, sang, 'You Raise Me Up' by Brendan Graham & Rolf Holland, after which Association President Sheila Halliday-Pegg read Luke 5 v17 - 26, the story of the parlysed man whose friends let him down through the roof to be healed by Jesus.

Past District Chairman and Association Treasurer Elizabeth Weaver beautifully sang 'Simple Gifts' by Aaron Copeland accompanied by Rotarian Chris Hedges.

This was followed by Canon Gilbert Spencer's address. 

Association President Dr. Sheila Halliday-Pegg read the lesson on Friendship

Elizabeth Weaver sang 'Simple Gifts'

The stage party listened to the address.

During the third hymn, 'Brother, sister let me serve you,' a collection was taken in aid of District Chairman Lynn's charity 'Canine Partners', and this was followed by prayers written and led by Immediate Past District Chairman, Elizabeth Martin and Member of Council, Margaret Hawkins. All the members of Inner Wheel then stood to make an Act of Dedication. The final hymn, 'Give me joy in my heart,' was followed by the second anthem, the traditional 'Irish Blessing' to a tune by Bob Chilcott, sung by the Inner Wheel Choir. The whole congregation then stood with linked hands for the Prayer for Friendship, which was followed by the Blessing. 

There was a break for Tea and Coffee and group photos were taken.

Past District Chairmen with DC Lynn and Assn Pres. Sheila L to R Back Row; Pat Robson, Frances Allen, Patricia Fletcher, Sheila Cragg, Elizabeth Weaver, Wendy Smith, Valerie Martin, Elizabeth Martin, Marion Luckhurst, Front Row; Pauline Knill, Betty Selfe, Margaret Hawkins, Sheila Halliday-Pegg, Lynne O'Meara, Barbara Bingham, Joan Pettit

Lynn with the Executive team and Assn. Pres. Sheila L to R Back Row; Elizabeth Martin, Membership Office; Dinah Chamberlin, Secretary; Hazel Hedges, Editor; Linda Taylor, Overseas Service Chairman; Dorothy Boardman, Treasurer; L to R Front Row; Margaret Hawkins, Member of Council; Association President, Sheila Halliday-Pegg; Lynn O'Meara, District Chairman; Judith Cooper, Vice Chairman

After the break for coffee and the photographs had been taken, guests were invited to take their places for the luncheon. DC Lynn introduced and welcomed the guests, the Roll was called, and Isle of Sheppey President Sharon O'Meara led the Grace, after which a delicious meal of Double Fanned Melon with Summer Fruit Compote, Roast Turkey and all the trimmings, and a Celebration Cup Cake was enjoyed.

The beautiful setting of the Dining Room	Each table was set with a beautiful floral arrangement, in the Inner Wheel colours of blue and yellow, and a choice of delicious cup cakes.
The top table was graced with a large floral arrangement, also in blue and yellow. DC Lynn thanked past District Chairman Fran Allen and fellow Sidcup club member, Jackie Ingrams for their beautiful floral arrangements and also thanked her sister-in-law for the delicious cup cakes.	She had also made a large cake, which was much admired, amusingly depicting 'Ladies who lunch'.

After an address by the Association President Dr Sheila Halliday-Pegg, and the Vote of Thanks delivered by District Vice Chairman Judith Cooper, the Rally closed with Elizabeth Weaver singing a specially written song to the tune of 'Che Sera, Sera' with all members joining in with the chorus of

'Inner Wheel is best,

It's found North, South, East and West

With friendship and fun is blessed

Inner Wheel is best

Inner Wheel is best'

which seemed to sum up most people's feelings after an excellent day!

(Photographs accredited to 'Portraits by Photo-Team.co.uk')

District 12 Rally 2012

On Tuesday 19th June 2012 District Chairman Elizabeth Martin welcomed Association President Phyllis Charter to the District 12 Rally at the Mercure Hotel, Maidstone. Members and guests enjoyed a delicious lunch of Duo of Melon, Poached Salmon, New Potatoes and Summer Vegetables followed by Tarte au Citron. Visiting District Chairmen from contact Districts in Manchester, London, Surrey and W. Sussex brought greetings and Rotary District 1120 Governor, Lynn Mitchell, extended greetings from the Rotary family.

	District Rally 2012 Tuesday 19th June Mercure Hotel, Maidstone Front Row L to R Member of Council Liz Jackson, Association President Phyllis Charter, District Chairman Elizabeth Martin, District Treasurer Judith Cooper Back Row L to R Membership Officer Frances Allen, Overseas Service Organiser Linda Taylor, Vice Chairman Lynn O'Meara, District Editor Hazel Hedges, District Secretary Joan Styles
	District 12 Presidents with District Chairman Elizabeth Martin, Member of Council Liz Jackson and Association President Phyllis Charter
	Past District Chairmen seated with District Chairman Elizabeth Martin and Association President Phyllis Charter
	Visiting District Chairmen from Contact Districts L to R Gloria Taviner, Chairman of District 14 Jane Smith, Chairman of District 13 Phyllis Charter, Association President Elizabeth Martin, Chairman of District 12 Lois Driscoll, Chairman of District 25 Carol , Immediate Past Chairman of District 5
	Top Table at the Lunch L to R Lynn O'Meara, Vice Chairman District 12 Rotary President Crayford Paul Charter, Liz Jackson, Member of Council Phyllis Charter, Association President Elizabeth Martin, Chairman District 12 Lynn Mitchell, Rotary Governor District 1120 Ray Mitchell, Joan Styles, Secretary District 12

Here are some photos of a previous Rally.

June 2010 District Rally at St Augustine's, Westgate on Sea, Kent From Left Top Row; Vice Chairman Frances Allen, Editor Hazel Hedges, Secretary Lynn O'Meara, Treasurer Judith Cooper and Overseas Service Chairman Elizabeth Martin From Left Bottom Row; Member of Council Elizabeth Jackson, Association President Pam Byford, District Chairman Margaret Hawkins and Immediate Past District Chairman Sheila Cragg

June 2010 District Rally District Chairman Margaret Hawkins seated centre front with Association President Pam Byford and all the Presidents of clubs in the District.

District Rally 2015 was held at the Mercure Great Danes Hotel on 9th June 2015Association President Thelma Pacsoo was invited to light the Candle of Friendship, and after the Roll Call, MOC Margaret Hawkins said a specially written Grace in rhyme. Assn. President Thelma is famous for giving her speeches in rhyme so Margaret thought it would be appropriate. After a delicious meal of Poached Salmon followed by Apple, Pear and Walnut Crumble, the President of Danson Inner Wheel Club, DC Sheila's own club, brought greetings and welcomed the members to the lunch. Following this the visiting District Chairmen brought greetings from their respective Districts, and the District Rotary President also brought greetings from the Rotary District 1120. Assn. President Thelma then spoke of her charity, her background in Inner Wheel and congratulated DC and all the members on their hard work throughout the years, raising money and working for charity, working for international understanding and the all abiding Friendship which is evident everywhere members meet. Vice Chairman Hazel then gave the vote of thanks to Thelma, again in rhyme, and DC Sheila presented Thelma with a cheque for her charity, 'Home Start'. DC Sheila, Assn President Thelma and MOC Margaret Hawkins (centre front) are seen with the Presidents for the year.