THE pre-rally supper held at the home of Consett Inner Wheel Club president Colleen James' home was a very friendly, happy night with a beautiful meal prepared by the district chairman's daughter who is a trainee chef.

Inner Wheel members and officers from six districts assembled at the Derwent Hotel for District 3 rally, many wearing lovely hats, a rare sight these days.

District chairman Nora Scott is a member of Consett Club so Consett members, with help from Stanley and Chester-le-Street clubs, hosted the tables, one lucky member from every table winning the centre piece of a vase of flowers.

There were many good speeches, but in her speech the Association president Alma Smith remarked that she was amazed how few people really knew about 'our association.' She added: "Inner Wheel Clubs contribute to many charities here and overseas. For the past three years we have been working. to buy a second lifeboat."

Members were proud to learn that the lifeboat has been bought and will be launched soon with the name, Inner Wheel. The district chairman paid tribute to the friendship and help she had received during her year of office.