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ONE HUNDRED YEARS — a century of laughter shared, hands reaching out in times of need, and a global network woven through threads of compassion and camaraderie. This book is a testament to that extraordinary journey – the journey of Inner Wheel.
As you turn the pages, you will hear the echoes of laughter from meetings, witness the tireless hands working on service projects, and feel the warmth of the global network that unites women across borders. This book is an invitation – an invitation to join Inner Wheel, or simply to be inspired by a century of remarkable achievement. The journey continues, and this book serves as a beacon, guiding Inner Wheel into its next hundred years of friendship and service.
History of the Inner Wheel Rose of Friendship
In 1957 the Inner Wheel Club of Kalmar in Sweden was chartered. This celebration took place in a church. The President from a Swedish Club gave her congratulations to the new club with one red rose (that was all the club could afford).
The President from a Danish club participated in the celebration. She became so enthusiastic about this idea that she brought it back to Denmark and started to give one red rose at special occasions such as membership admissions and changeovers.In 1964 there was an Inner Wheel Conference in Scarborough, England. A Danish District Chairman, Astrid Holck, represented the Danish districts (at that time three).
She passed on her greetings from the three districts, and then gave three red roses to Association President Mrs Helena Foster, one from each district. Astrid Holck explained to Mrs Foster that this Inner Wheel Rose was a Danish tradition to express best wishes.The International Inner Wheel President loved the idea of the Inner Wheel Rose, and promised to take it with her around the world.
The Origin of the Flame of Friendship
In October 1979 at the Australian National Association Conference held in Kiama, New South Wales, the Association President, Von Bellizia, introduced the Flame of Friendship into Australia. She presented each District Chairman with a beautiful long blue candle to take back to their Districts.
Von explained that the flame symbolised the warm feeling of pride we all feel in being members of Inner Wheel. The rays of the candle typify the friendship and understanding that will always exude from our Clubs.
The first Club to adopt this Flame of Friendship was the Inner Wheel Club of Bendigo South at their First General Meeting on 5 February 1980. Members agreed unanimously that the “Flame of Friendship” would become their very own Club symbol and, on that day in February, the Flame of Friendship was born.