Chain from the train to the Inner wheel at Workington

The Inner Wheel Club of Workington asked for help from members of the West Cumbria Guild of Model Engineers in order to make a socially distanced handover of the club's chain of office.

Engineers set up a train and two carriages on the track outside Curwen Hall to make the event a safe change-over.

Outgoing president Marlene Johnston rode the train around the track with a basket containing a red cushion and a freshly sanitized Inner Wheel Club of Workington chain.

Marlene then left the train and incoming president Roz Dickinson accompanied the chain of office in the basket around the track to do her lap of honour, while she was applauded by fellow club members Inner Wheel District 19 chairman Margaret McIntyre, Phil Taylor, Lynn McCullough, club secretary Ruth Stamper, club treasurer Ann Wareing, Jackie Ferguson and Eileen Sacre.

Members came equipped with masks, sanitizer and umbrellas, to witness the change over. Marlene said: “It was Zoom with a difference.”

Vice-president Celia Tibble was also welcomed into her new role and Irene Hemming was thanked for her many years of loyal service on the club committee. Other members of the club took their turn to have a ride on the train too.

Retiring president Marlene Johnston said: “The idea came about on one of our many WhatsApp chats, but we were hoping for better weather and a socially distanced outdoor picnic in the centre of the train track.”

Celia said she was looking forward to taking up the role and would be turning her attention to increasing membership for the club.

She added that they want to help charities, which is a challenge at the moment, and they have been using zoom and social distancing to keep people involved.

Members then took up the Eat out to Help out scheme offer and enjoyed tea and cake at the Café Carnegie.

For more details on how to join the Inner Wheel or further details on their activities go to their website at: innerwheeldistrict19.org.uk