Jean Harris and the Inner Wheel

Mrs. Oliver Golding

First President of the Inner Wheel Clubs

Prior to 1924, for many years wives of Rotarians had been helping their husbands in Rotary Service setting up Ladies Committees under the Chairmanship of the Rotary President's wife. We know that ‘Rotary Ladies’ of Liverpool was established in 1916. Such groups used various titles such as “Women’s Auxiliary or "Wheels of Service" and operated freely in the 1920’s. Other nations, such as the USA, have adopted the name of “Rotary-Annes.”

Inner Wheel was conceived on 10th January 1924 when Rotarians' wives met in Manchester, England where Mrs. Oliver Golding was elected as its first President. Thus 10th January is now World Inner Wheel Day.  In 1934, the Association of Inner Wheel Clubs in Great Britain and Ireland was formed with 79 founder clubs. Like Rotary the Inner Wheel is divided into local clubs and Districts.

Inner Wheel Clubs throughout the world Comprises the Womenfolk of Rotarians.

Inner Wheel concentrates upon friendship and personal service. It is not what is termed a money raising organization but each club selects its own Charities and Channels of Service.

One of the greatest features of Inner Wheel is the opportunity given to members the world over to get to know one another thus contributing to International Friendship and Understanding.

To be a member of Inner Wheel is a privilege that can usually only be enjoyed by the wife, widow or member of a Rotarian's household.

Mrs. Jean Thomson Harris (the wife of Rotary founder, Paul) was made an honorary member of Edinburgh Inner Wheel Club in 1946, in fact, its first honorary member.

Founder President of the Edinburgh Inner Wheel Club, Mrs W Winkler and her Committee, knowing that Jean was born and bred in the city decided that she should be invited to become an Honorary Member.