A garden party in Kirkby raised money for a rehabilitation centre that helps military personnel.

Retiring Kirkby Inner Wheel Club president Susan Smailes hosted the fundraiser.

Numbers were restricted because of Covid-19 restrictions, but special guests included retiring district chairman Margaret Day and members of Susan’s family.

Partygoers were entertained by Susan’s nephew, Andrew Smailes, who sung many old favourites.

Andrew is a member of staff at The Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Stanford Hall, which provides occupational therapy intervention for military personnel.

Susan presented him with a cheque for £1,100, which was raised during her year in office. Susan also raised £365 for the district chairman’s charity, MIND. 

During the garden party Susan handed over her chain of office to incoming president Barbara Williams.

Barbara will be raising money in the year ahead for Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a charity for bereaved British Forces children, and also local homeless people.

ABOVE: Committee members at the garden party. BELOW LEFT: Susan Smailes and Andrew Smailes. BELOW RIGHT: Barbara Williams and Susan Smailes.