MEMBERS of Darlington Inner Wheel have raised valuable funds for a charity which makes innovative use of horticulture to help people with mental and physical disabilities.

A group of Inner Wheel ladies met with Dr Satinder Faulkner at her lovely home, Woodside, at Killerby, in North Yorkshire, where she runs her charity, Serenity Social and Therapeutic Horticulture.

Members were told about the project and given a tour of the garden, where clients work on a variety of gardening projects with the support of volunteers.

Darlington Inner Wheel President Carole Sculthorpe was delighted to present Dr. Faulkner with a cheque for £905.00, which was raised at a President’s Coffee morning held in November 2018. The money will enable the charity to purchase new raised beds and cages for the plants. Carole said: “It was such a pleasure to be able, through the generosity of the supporters of Darlington Inner Wheel, to make this donation to help with this worthwhile charity.”

The beautiful garden and the clients hard work will be on view on August 3 when the garden opens as part of the National Garden Scheme.

Darlington Inner Wheel was founded in 1947 for the wives of Rotarians, and this International organisation has progressed to welcoming ladies from all walks of life.

Just over 40 members meet for lunch and hear a guest speaker on the first Friday of the month at Bannantyne's Hotel in Darlington. The group raises money all through the year for different charities, mainly local, such as Women's Refuge, CAB, and Guide Dogs for the Blind.

The main fund raising event is a coffee morning in November and the President chooses her charity to benefit from this event. The “very friendly” club is hoping to to attract more members. Anyone interested should contact Pauline Chisman on 01325-722095.