By Linda Nash, Inner Wheel Club of Pakenham
A delightful and smoothly run dinner was held last Saturday at the Deep Creek Clubrooms, Cameron Way, Pakenham to celebrate the 35th Changeover of the Inner Wheel Club of Pakenham.
The night was a success; both for its splendid organisation by the willing team of Inner Wheel members, and also, for the fact that it happened! The Covid situation had abated and festivities could proceed.
Marlene Burhop finished her year as president and passed the role (and collar) to the incoming president, Maureen Lindau.
Marlene was able to finish her year off with an assembled throng of more than 50 people. When she became president a year ago, Covid restrictions meant she was only permitted to have five people at a time gather in her home for a celebration. Many such gatherings had to occur over different days.
Last Saturday’s dinner was a triumph and Marlene was able to speak about the many Inner Wheel projects she presided over during her time as President.
The 2020-2021 International President’s theme was “Lead The Change”. Marlene certainly did this.
During her report and presentations she made mention of the many intriguing guest speakers heard during the Zoom meetings held whilst lockdown was on.
She also spoke about the outings the club members enjoyed once lockdown was over.
Fundraising during Marlene’s year included BBQs, raffles, takeaway meals, trivia nights, hats and high tea, walks for cord blood and MS, and the Biggest Morning Tea, just to name a few.
As a result, more than $10,000 was able to be dispersed to worthwhile causes.
A lot of fun was had raising this money over the year! This epitomises the ideal of an Inner Wheel Club.
Maureen Lindau was then inducted as the President of the Inner Wheel Club of Pakenham for 2021-2022.
The A62 District Chairman, Alwyn Williams, also a member of the Inner Wheel Club of Pakenham, officiated over this ceremony.
Maureen explained how she was particularly thrilled to have two of her sisters present at the induction. Her sisters, Merilyn Gleeson, from Officer, and Mary Ann Breen, from Mont Albert, helped make the night even more special.
The International Inner Wheel President’s theme for Maureen’s year is “Pink First”.
Chris Wickes, Inner Wheel Australia editor, during her toast to International Inner Wheel, mentioned that women can fulfil roles and expectations set for themselves, in admirable ways.
The local Inner Wheel Club will be assisting Maureen to do this in the coming year.
An interesting “Toast to the Gentlemen” in the form of a poem, and a response to this, were provided by Sue Blenkhorn and then Rotarian George Blenkhorn. Sue herself has been a past A62 district chairman and is a member of the Inner Wheel Club of Pakenham.
A presentation was given by Rotarian Ken Rook, recipient of the Stan Henwood Award 2020. He spoke about the concept of volunteering and how “backbone” was required to carry out this task and inspire others to do the same. Of course both the Inner Wheel and Rotary organisations are made up of willing volunteers, with backbone!
All present agreed that the night was a very fitting tribute to Marlene’s year and a big welcome to Maureen’s year.
All enquiries for the Inner Wheel Club of Pakenham should be emailed to the secretary at iiw.au.pakenham@gmail.com
