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A GROUP of friends has marked more than two decades of friendship and service.
Members of Maiden Earley Inner Wheel celebrated the event at one of their monthly meetings.
The group enjoys spending time getting to know each other while helping those less fortunate than themselves.
As their name indicates, they have links with the Rotary Club, whose professional members also support charities and community organisations.
The 40 members of the Inner Wheel enjoy daytime social events including walks, visits to historic houses, trips to London and joint social functions in the evening and weekends Rotary Club members.
Recent gatherings have seen them delivering Christmas sacks to Reading crisis charity The Cowshed, fundraising at Woodley Christmas Fair, serving afternoon tea at a Charity Bridge Tea, selling cakes at the Rotary Art and Craft Fair, and litter picking in the borough.
They have also raised money for Reading Refugee Support Group, and Soulscape young people’s charity, as well as creating their own members’ recipe book.
Reading Maiden Erlegh Inner Wheel member Joan Busfield says: “It was a lovely celebration.
“With our friends and partners from the Rotary Club, we enjoyed lunch together, followed by an interesting talk from Emeritus Professor Andy Kent, who told us about the early history of Greenham Common.”
The Inner Wheel is a local, national and international organisation, with clubs all around the world, and 11,000 members in Great Britain and Ireland.
Clubs aim to promote friendship, personal service and international understanding.
“It’s all about friendship,” says Joan.
“It’s a great place for people who are new to the area.
“We’re a broad mix of people, with different interests and skills, but we have a lot of fun together, mucking in to raise money as best we can for our chosen charities each year.”
The group meets once a month for chats over a drink, followed by a two course meal together, which is often followed by a speaker.
“We’re always keen to welcome new members,” says Joan.
“We give them a buddy to help them feel comfortable on their first visit, and there are lots of opportunities to get to know people.
“You don’t have to have any link with the Rotary Club.
“There was a time when you needed to have a husband or partner in the group, but not any more – anyone can join.
“It’s about giving your time, not about your skills or abilities.
“If you’re new to the area, come and join us and make some new friends.”
The group meets at Sonning Golf Club on the third Thursday of every month.
For information and to register interest, email: iwcrme@gmail.com.
For the group’s website, visit: www.sites.google.com/site/innerwheelrme
