THE Children?s Hospice South West is the chosen charity for this year?s president of the Tavistock Inner Wheel Club.

New president Denise Bacon (left) took on the chain of office from outgoing president Ruby Ditcher (right) at the club?s June meeting.

During Mrs Ditcher?s year, the club has enjoyed a variety of interesting speakers, including Brad Metcalf, who told members about research being carried out at Derriford Hospital into diabetes in young people.

Other speakers included Dr Alison Carr, a consultant paediatrician at Derriford, who set up the Plymouth Kidzzz charity in an effort to make operations and theatre visits less intimidating for children.

Cheques for £450 were presented to both the Early Birds and Plymouth Kidzzz charities, plus donations to Inner Wheel charities and Water Aid. The Inner Wheel aims to promote friendship and service to others ? any ladies with a close family relationship to members of Rotary International are eligible for membership.

Tavistock Inner wheel is already making preparations for one of its biggest charity events of the year ? the Christmas Bonanza, to be held in Tavistock Pannier Market on November 29.