The Inner Wheel Club of Retford’s new president, Dorothy Bastow, is active in a number of different ways. During August, Dorothy, a volunteer at Bassetlaw Hospice, arranged a fundraising cream tea, with all the necessary distancing etc, in her garden. She was not daunted by the pouring rain and through her efforts raised £250 for the hospice funds. She has been an active member of other women’s groups and they look forward to her leadership in Retford’s Inner Wheel club.
Dorothy has chosen two very worthwhile local causes as the charities for Inner Wheel support. One is the Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance. Due to the pandemic, this very worthwhile service has lost so much of its funding through the cancellation of events and the closure of its shops. Even in normal circumstances it relies on donations, but now even more so. Some of its doctors had to return to NHS duties and its 24/7 service had to be reduced. Now they urgently need help and Inner Wheel will try to fundraise for them.
For the club’s members, the pace of life slowed down and life became quieter over the last six months, but in the midst of all this members took to the open air allowing them to notice nature and wildlife around them. From abundant blossom in spring to the nurturing and growing of flowers and produce, now being enjoyed on their tables, they began to find a peace within and also to capture on camera, wildlife including hedgehogs, birds and even a timid grass snake.
The second local charity is Muddy Fork, who use the peacefulness of nature to help improve wellbeing and mental health, through volunteer conservation and wildlife gardening. They do this at the Muddy Fork garden in Idle Valley Nature Reserve with supportive company. Inner Wheel will continue to be active for those who need help locally and overseas. Find out more at www.innerwheelofretford.co.uk.