Meeting at Oake Manor 4th October 2107

Taunton Vale Inner Wheel meeting at Oake Manor, 4 October.

We were fewer in number than usual but still had a good time with our friends and a super meal.  Our newest member, Jenni Barham, was presented with her IW  badge by Liz Wood, joint President. See the photo below. 

New Member Jenni Barham with Joint President Liz Wood

Our speaker was Nicola Orchard, Eileen Powers' daughter, who has recently taken early retirement from her role at Charlton Farm Children's Hospice. Eleven Years ago Nicola began creating  the hospice, from old barns and other farm buildings, from this shell of newly plastered rooms,we now have Charlton Farm Children's Hospice. What an achievement. The staffing has risen from 30 to 70 and the children cared for from 30 to 200 now. 

Nicola spoke proudly of the army of Volunteers who help at the Hospice. Perhaps an opportunity for some of us?

Please,see the website for more detail,

Our Hospices - Charlton Farm - Children’s Hospice South West

Nicola's expertise and compassion were obvious and the anonymous stories she told were a mixture of sadness and joy.  Sadness, because the children have life-limiting conditions and joy at the support given to all the family of the child.  Many an eye was seen to be wiped while she spoke.  This is clearly a wonderful choice as our Presidents' Charity of the year.

Our next meeting is at Oake Manor November 1st.  Speaker is, Jenny Fawle "A way to Santiago".