The Inner Wheel Club met in High Wycombe's Cricket Club for its special charter lunch on Monday, May 13.

The club's former president Kate Williamson chaired the meeting on London Road, with greetings from the Rotary Club's Roland Lawrence. 

A special lightening of the candles to honour the past, present and future members of the Inner Wheel, followed by district chairman Hilary Tindall cutting the cake to celebrate High Wycombe's 78th year anniversary.

She was also presented with a yellow rose to signify her dedication to serving friendship.

Bucks Free Press: Hilary Tindall with her friendship rose

Secretary Frances Burt shared grace before lunch was served. 

For those who don't know already, Inner Wheel was founded in Manchester in 1924 following the war. 

The wives of Manchester Rotarians met for the purpose of setting up a ladies’ club to run along Rotary lines.

This year, the Inner Wheel Organisation is celebrating its 100th year anniversary, with each club each club asked to do “100 for 100”,  and local members have been collecting bras and making tote bags.

Kate Williamson said: "It's all for charity and that's just what we do. I've been president three times and on a sharing basis a couple of times.

Bucks Free Press: Kate Williamson

"I just enjoyed it all for the companionship, friendship and trying to do good work. That's the aim really."

Hilary Tindall is chairman of District 9, which includes Caversham, High Wycombe, Marlow, Reading Maiden Erlegh, Thame, Witney and Banbury.

She told the Free Press: "Every year we have a conference and every three years we have an international convention. So we were in Manchester for four days with 2,500 people.

"I love Inner Wheel."

She explained how the future of Inner Wheel is at risk unless young people sign up.

"The service clubs aren't supported these days like they used to be 50 years ago.

"There's so much more for youngsters to do now but if you join but its very rewarding and some are. 

"I met a lady from Sicily, theyre in their 20s and my daughter will join and she's 46. Most people here are from 50 upwards so maybe a new club with youngsters needs to start."

Former High Wycombe Mayor Cllr Arif Hussain gave a speech about how his life started in the town when he first arrived in the UK at the age of 12.

He reflected on his charity work as a mayor, raising £40,000 in the two years of his Mayorship.

Adding: "Wycombe has challenges but I'm hoping in four to five years time it will be a very different place."

The charter lunch concluded with prizes being handed out from the raffle, which raised £285. 

The High Wycombe Inner Wheel club meet on the first Monday of each month at 12pm.

To become a member visit https://innerwheel.co.uk/become-a-member/