The Inner Wheel New Zealand Lower South Island Balclutha District NZ298 club is celebrating 50 years’ servicing the Clutha district.
Members will be having a celebratory meal at Rosebank Lodge and a presentation with members of their own club, members of other clubs which have been invited and the district chairperson.
Pam Henderson, one of the club’s longest-serving members, said the group formed with 32 members.
"It started off as a wives of Rotarians group, then slowly it became sisters and daughters of Rotarians too," Mrs Henderson said.
"We have always provided various assistance to our community, whether it be the nippers at Kaka Point Surf Club, training at St John, creating help packs for the hospital and much more.
"We have enjoyed being in this group because we have made great friendships and given plenty to the community."
There are now only six members in the group, but they are looking for more to keep the group going past the 50-year milestone.
"We’ve always been a great friendly group, and we definitely enjoy helping people where we can.
"50 years is a fantastic milestone, and I would hate to see us disband."
International Inner Wheel celebrated its centenary year this year, and its groups are celebrating the milestone of the largest women’s voluntary service organisation in the world.
"It is amazing to see us still around to this day, especially since we still tend to do services we did years ago," Mrs Henderson said.
"Our aim as a group is friendship, fellowship and international understanding, and we proudly show that as a group each day."
She had seen changes throughout her time as a member, she said.
"The world has definitely changed.
"We have become a digital world, which is a bit difficult for the older generation.
"Everything has become more expensive and so much has changed in everyday life.
"I guess we just have to keep going with the flow."
The group will be celebrating on November 30.
People interested in joining can contact balclutha@iwnz.org.nz or come along to the meetings held monthly on the fourth Wednesday of the month at Rosebank Lodge.
