President Patricia Phillips lit the candle of friendship and welcomed members to the Raven Hotel for their January meeting.

An enjoyable World Inner Wheel Day had been held on January 10 at the home of overseas service organiser Lesley Mackenzie, who reported that knitted teddies were still arriving by the sackful and members had been very busy completing blankets, mittens and baby clothes for disaster areas.

Our speakers for the evening were Alison and Michael Cardy, from the Cannock Team working for International Aid Trust. For several years the trust has been helping needy people in Sri Lanka and eastern Europe and Alison was able to describe the very valuable work being done in these countries.

Fifty per cent of the charity's income comes from their 25 shops but they are constantly striving to raise funds. The Rotary Shoebox Scheme is a partnership success story and the trust's transport and distribution network, which is geared to send containers of aid, has meant that more than 100,000 children have received these gifts.

The trust has been quick to respond to the south Asia earthquake disaster and within the first week of January a container lorry was dispatched with items most needed.

They will continue to help and in the future will be looking at various ways to support the rebuilding of the infrastructure in the villages.

The tsunami disaster has been in everyone's mind since Boxing Day and our speakers were able to describe in detail the practical help the trust could provide.

Hopefully our blankets and teddies will offer a little comfort for the victims of this tragedy.

Members will meet again for lunch at the Old Chequers in Crowle on February 15 to celebrate 61 years since the formation of the Inner Wheel Club of Droitwich Spa.