By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
IT MAY have been raining outside but Kay Rankin was all smiles inside Holm Park Reserve last month when she was appointed the 20th chairman of the A62 Inner Wheel District.
About 140 guests gathered at the Beaconsfield venue on Saturday 28 June to see Ms Rankin take over from outgoing chairman June Nicholas, inducted by Casey Senior Citizen of the Year Margaret Sansom.
“It is indeed an honour and a privilege to serve you and I will do my utmost to do it with encouragement, humility and inclusiveness,” Ms Rankin said at the changeover.
“This year will see some new initiatives while encouraging the ideals of personal service and, above all, promoting true friendship.
“Fostering international understanding is even more important today and I feel as an organisation we have the ability and resources to help.”
Inner Wheel Australia president Beverley Crowe and husband Adrian made their way from Brisbane to attend the induction at which guests also included La Trobe MP Jason Wood, Casey councillors Amanda Stapledon and Mick Morland and his wife Kay, a former chairman of the district.
Pakenham councillor George Blenkhorn also attended with his wife Sue.
Ms Rankin’s new board for 2014-15 will include Yvonne Ramp, Lynne Davine, June Nicholas, Cynthia Merrill, Lois Hateley, Kim Ellis, Loorain Hope, Maria McEwen and Christine Wickes.
“Congratulations to you all, and I look forward to a wonderful journey of friendship, much fun and laughter,” Ms Rankin said.
“And also sobering times as we embark on our journey together where we learn together, be tolerant of each other and most of all encourage each other as we ‘Light the Path’.”
The A62 Inner Wheel District extends from Narre Warren as far as Bairnsdale and includes Lakes Entrance.
For more information, or to join the group, contact Ms Rankin on 9769 4459.
