A GROUP in Chard enjoyed a celebrating their 70th anniversary in June - nine months late.

The women of Chard Inner Wheel held the event - which should have been in October 2020 - at Hornsbury Mill at the end of June this year.

They welcomed district chairman, Maureen Nethaway, who lit the candle of friendship.

President Anne cut the cake and presented Maureen with some flowers.

Retiring members, Margaret and Anne, were presented with pot plants.

Chard Inner Wheel has raised money for local and national causes over the years, including the Corn Exchange (Guildhall), Chard Carnival, St Margaret’s Hospice and more.

The group, alongside many other Inner Wheel clubs, promotes friendship, personal service and international understanding.

They host monthly gatherings at Hornsbury Mill, often with a speaker.

These range from local people, charity speakers, to the late John Julius Norwich and Baroness Cox.

“Needless to say this year has been decidedly different,” said a spokesperson for Chard Inner Wheel.

“We have been unable to carry on with our fun and fundraising although members have recently been donating to the Lords Larder, WATCH and the Lebanon appeal.

“Members have been embracing modern technology and enjoying Zoom calls.

“This step has been easier for some than others, but they are gaining in popularity because you can be sitting in your sitting room with your cuppa or glass, chatting away with your friends on screen, without having to worry about driving or being late home.

“Last summer saw an after lockdown tea party at Hornsbury Mill (where we have been gathering monthly since 1993) but otherwise until the weather ‘changed’ we met in groups of up to six in gardens or local establishments.

“This summer has seen gatherings of six in gardens and this small celebration at Hornsbury Mill.

“We, of course, follow all the guidelines and look forward to the future with hope in our hearts.

“We now have a Facebook page and a District 20 website and would love to welcome more ladies over 18 years of age to our gatherings in whatever form they have to take place. This is a great time to meet new people and have some fun whilst building new friendships.”

There are 535 Inner Wheel clubs in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. And the Chard club was formed in 1950.