Margaret Oliver Golding Founder of Inner Wheel “The Candle that lit the flame of Inner Wheel”
Margarette Owen, later Mrs. Oliver Golding the wife of a Manchester Rotarian, was born of Welsh parentage at Hey-Brecon. She was trained as a nurse and had served during the First World War. This triggered off a deep desire to help all ailing, deprived humanity. She was an extremely capable business woman and a great philanthropist; her chief social interest being the Manchester Girls’ Orphanage & amp; Ancoats Hospital, for which the Inner Wheel of Manchester provided and furnished a mortuary chapel. She also did a great deal for the Girl Guide Movement, in which she held the Office of Commissioner.
She formed, directly and personally, numerous Clubs and several Districts and her inspiration is remembered to this day; she successfully achieved even harder task in persuading Members to look beyond their local concerns and become part of a greater whole and serve the Society.
Here was a vital personality combined with a clear brain and the ability to convey ideals to others. She was an excellent speaker and had a lively sense of humour which enriched her words. Nature had bestowed her with gift of inspiring friendship and devotion. Her greatest attribute was courage and courage was what Inner Wheel needed in the beginning. Inner Wheel was firmly established during her lifetime upon the path which it was to follow thereafter. Mr. Paul Harris started the first Rotary Club in 1905. In 1920, the wives of Rotarians in Great Britain and Ireland joined hands to help their husbands with social work undertaken by Rotary. The friendship resulted in forming the Inner Wheel. In 1924, the Manchester Club of England was formed and was provided the name Inner Wheel. As time passed, many Inner Wheel Clubs came into being and in 1934 the Association of Inner Wheel Clubs in Great Britain and Ireland was formed with Mrs. Oliver Golding as the founder President and Mrs. Nixon as the Secretary.
The roots from which International Inner Wheel has grown, was established in 1934, when the association of Inner Wheel Clubs in Great Britain and Ireland was formed with Mrs. Oliver Golding as the founder President And Mrs. Nixon as Secretary. Both of them were members of the Manchester Inner Wheel Club of England. They realized the need for unity and strength and had the wisdom and foresight, first to group Clubs into Districts and subsequently bring the district together to form an Association.
They realized that unity is strength and had the wisdom to group Clubs into Districts and then later to bring the Districts together to form an Association. Since then the movement has grown rapidly and spread all over the globe.
Why January 10th ?
Inner Wheel Day is celebrated on January 10th because it was the day in 1924 when the first Inner Wheel club, in Manchester, officially adopted the name “Inner Wheel”. This date was chosen by Inner Wheel’s inspiration, Helena Foster, to create a special day for members worldwide to connect and act together. This celebration first started from 1970.
History records the Celebration of World Inner Wheel Day
The Executive and Honorary Secretary, Adelaide Lack were sitting in Berners Hotel, London, late one night after an Executive Meeting, when President-Elect, Helena Foster said ‘I would like to have one day in the year when all Inner Wheel members would do something special and think of their fellow members around the world.’ Treasurer, Margaret Cross said, ‘Do you mean something like the Guides ‘Thinking Day’? Helena replied ‘In a way, but as well as thinking of other members, to do some kind of personal service’.
This was discussed and it was decided the day should be January 10th (our foundation day in 1924). On that day in each year all members throughout the world of International Inner Wheel should unite in personal service and celebration, the idea being one of unity. That night we had an embryo World Inner Wheel Day.
The response to the first celebration of World Inner Wheel Day was magnificent – and we were filled with pride and happiness as the letters poured in, describing so vividly the infinite ways in which members had brought joy and comfort to so many – old and young alike.
Hundreds of letters from Clubs all over the world testify to the success of President Helena Foster’s challenge.
Clubs have continued to celebrate World Inner Wheel Day throughout the years with extra personal service as well as social events.
The Origin of Inner Wheel Day
Foundation Day:
January 10th was chosen because it is the foundation day of Inner Wheel, which was founded in Manchester, England, in 1924.
Founder’s Vision:
The day is a tribute to Margarette Golding, who established the organization as a platform for women to serve their communities.
Idea for a Global Day:
The concept for a special, worldwide day to celebrate Inner Wheel was inspired by Helena Foster, a Past President of International Inner Wheel.
How Inner Wheel Day is Celebrated:
It is now celebrated in many diverse ways, each of them reflecting the aims of Inner Wheel; friendship, service and international understanding.
Friendship:
The day is often filled with activities that foster friendship, a core principle of Inner Wheel.
Unity in Action:
Members worldwide unite in personal service and celebration on this day.
Community Service:
Activities often include service projects like donating warm knitted rugs to those in need or sponsoring educational fees for underprivileged students.
Membership Growth:
A common theme is the “Each One, Bring One” initiative, encouraging members to invite new people to join Inner Wheel.
Celebratory Gatherings:
Districts and clubs hold events that highlight Nepal’s rich heritage through traditional dances, songs, and games, reinforcing unity among members.
Recognition and Appreciation:
Members and officials are often felicitated to acknowledge their invaluable contributions to the organization.