Inner Wheel Clubs throughout the world Comprises the Womenfolk of Rotarians.

Inner Wheel concentrates upon friendship and personal service. It is not what is termed a money raising organisation but each club selects its own Charities and Channels of Service.

One of the greatest features of Inner Wheel is the opportunity given to members the world over to get to know one another thus contributing to International Friendship and Understanding.

To be a member of Inner Wheel is a privilege that can usually only be enjoyed by the wife, widow or member of a Rotarian's household.

History

Prior to 1924 for many years wives of Rotarians had been helping their husbands in Rotary Service, many of them united in Clubs using various titles such as "Rotary Ladies" or "Wheels of Service" and then, under the leadership of Mrs. Oliver Golding, the MANCHESTER Club adopted the title of Inner Wheel

Inner Wheel was conceived on 10th January 1924 when Rotarians' wives met in Manchester, England where Mrs Oliver Golding was elected as its first President. Thus 10th January is now World Inner Wheel Day.In 1934, the Association of Inner Wheel Clubs in Great Britain and Ireland was formed with 79 founder clubs. Like Rotary the Inner Wheel is divided into local clubs and Districts.

Mrs Jean Thomson Harris (the wife of Rotary founder, Paul) was made an honorary member of Edinburgh Inner Wheel Club in 1946, in fact, its first honorary member.

Founder President of the Edinburgh Inner Wheel Club, Mrs W Winkler and her Committee, knowing that Jean was born and bred in the city decided that she should be invited to become an Honorary Member.

Replying to Mrs Winkler, Jean wrote from her home in Chicago in 1946 immediately accepting the honor. She said: "I have been keeping in touch with Inner Wheel activities through the Rotary Service Magazine. Paul and I are amazed and thrilled at the magnitude of its benefactions. It seems miraculous after all you have been through. (A reference to WWII) May God bless your endevour".

Source - Inner Wheel - A History by Jay French [1977]
 

Paul & Jean Harris

Jean returned to Scotland eight years after Paul's death and is buried in Edinburgh.

Jean's gravestone in Edinburgh.

World-wide expansion led to the success of Inner Wheel. The International Inner Wheel was formed in 1967 which covered some 9 countries. Inner Wheel now stretches throughout 84 countries. The importance of InnerWheel can be seen from its consultancy status it has with the United Nations (NGO).

Service takes many forms such as overseas projects, emergency aid and domestic charity support. All is dependent on the clubs personal choice - this can be locally or District projects. Service combined with friendship is often found in assisting Rotary projects.

The Inner Wheel is a charitable organisation which is committee run based on annual elections. Like Rotary Clubs, Presidents hold office for one year only. Other officers hold office for up to three years.

Calum Thomson

Source: http://www.longniddryrotary.org/innerwheel/hist.htm