Thoughts of our dear Stella Ward It would be fitting if I could do this tribute to our dear friend Stella in verse. We all know how much she loved her poetry and how she enjoyed quoting it from an immense memorised repertoire. However, I also know that she will be looking down saying “please don’t, please don’t “as she was a stickler for making the lines scan and rhyme properly! She was a wonderful lady and a great friend. Her humour and sense of fun were always at the forefront of anything she did. Being with her and working with her was always a joy. I have so many happy memories as I know our members will. Working with her for our 65th Charter was rewarding if hard work. Stella researched our history and the result was the brilliant programme for the evening (the hottest one on record I think – the evening not the programme!!) and I am sure it will give you all great pleasure to read once again the song/hymn she wrote which I have printed out below. Next time we meet I will bring the photo book which we did. One of Stella’s many attributes was being wise. She was always someone to discuss ideas and problems with and you knew she would make a worthwhile contribution to any debate. Stella loved her books and took great pleasure from her extensive collection – and yet she was always willing to lend you a treasured volume – generous to a fault. Stella was always there with the ready donation and to encourage others to do the same. We all know how much she loved her family, and it is fitting that she was able to spend some quality time with both Jean and Liz before packing them off to their respective homes and once more becoming independent in her own home. I think we were all in awe at the way she would jet off round the world to visit them, and always undertook the journeys in a positive manner. She was also very content to be at home and was more than happy to be there. She embraced new technology which she sometimes found challenging but made great use of it to keep in touch with her family and friends. Her contribution to our Inner Wheel club was immense and her support was always guaranteed. She could always be relied on for a meaningful vote of thanks or to take part in club discussions. She was always quick to ensure that our club dispensed with any pomposity! I have a lot to thank Inner Wheel for and one of the most enduring and best reasons is for introducing me to lots of lovely friends but in particular giving me the opportunity to get to know the wonderful lady who was Stella Ward. What a privilege and a pleasure it has been. Musical Farewell For four and sixty years now This club has marched along The spirit of its founders Is still alive and strong At this our celebration Proclaim it clear and loud Through friendship and through service We’re bloody but unbowed. Gone are the cake and candles Which once adorned our feast We’ve ditched the silver teapots The frilly hats – deceased We’re cool and enterprising Despite our greying locks And tolerate a big wig Enforcing SILLY SOCKS In early 1990 A new club came to town It took the name of Burghley A link of some renown We meet for socialising Enjoy their youthful zeal But bras outside our sweaters Undignified, unreal Go on your way rejoicing Our friendship we extend Our birthday celebrations Reach their appointed end But if you care to join us New friendship you may forge There’ll always be a welcome On Mondays at the George Words by Stella Ward May 2018 Tune: The Church’s One Foundation One of our members I think (or it could even have been Stamford Burghley) penned the following. Stella There is absolutely no one like Stella Who is really a jolly good fellow She is bold and brave And writes like a slave When we’re given a task – we shout STELLA There is absolutely no one like Stella Who keeps us on track in all weathers She picks up her pen Always witty again Keeping Inner Wheel laughing, with pleasure! Stamford Club is so proud of its members Past and Present, we’ll always remember Our Association Pres And others in res. Thank you all for your skills but especially our STELLA! Zena Coles