(updated 16 January 2025)

 

44th Annual General Meeting (DGAM) of Inner Wheel District 330 and Retro Night the top event for 2024-2025

 

After 9 years, Ipoh once again proudly hosted the installation of the 44th District Chairman and the District Annual General Meeting. The event was held over two days, beginning with the Installation on the 27th of September 2024 at 7:00 PM, followed by the District Annual General Meeting on the morning of the 28th of September 2024.

Inner Wheel Club of Ipoh East being District Chairman Vimalavathi Thayaman Pillai’s home club, this prestigious event took place at Hotel Excelsior Ipoh and was celebrated with a lively and nostalgic "Retro Night" theme with decorations that transported everyone to the bygone era.

Inner Wheel members from all over the country travelled to Ipoh and made themselves comfortable by checking in at the hotel before the event. The evening saw Inner Wheel members resplendent in vintage inspired outfits from the 20’s to the 2000s and were busy taking photographs with friends in the brightly decorated Retro themed photo booth.

After the emcee warmly welcomed all the attendees and the protocols were attended to, the event began with a speech by the outgoing District Chairman, Madam Kamala A. Yeap, followed by a PowerPoint presentation by District Secretary Lucy Barrock on the visits of the outgoing District Chairman to all the clubs.

The highlight of the Retro Night was the ceremonial and symbolic installation of the new District Chairperson. Outgoing District Chairperson Madam Kamala then donned the collarette on incoming District Chairperson Madam Vimalavathi Thayaman Pillai. This act of passing on the collarette represented not just a transition of leadership but also the continuity of the District’s values of friendship, service, and dedication.

The newly installed District Chairman took to the stage and expressed her gratitude for the trust and support she had received. She thanked the outgoing District Chairman for her exemplary leadership and acknowledged her contributions to the District.

Her speech focused on empowering members, promoting collaboration between clubs, and driving impactful service projects that address the ideals of Inner Wheel and the needs of the community. She also spoke about her commitment to growing the Inner Wheel community, engaging younger generations, and ensuring that the values of Inner Wheel remain at the heart of everything the District does.

Following the installation ceremony, the Retro Night continued with a celebration filled with music, laughter, and a sense of community.

We were entertained by music and dances performed by our own talented members from Inner Wheel Club of Kuala Lumpur, Inner Wheel Club of Taiping and Inner Wheel Club of Ioras who captivated the audience with their enthralling performance.

The dancers from Kebudayaan Negeri Perak led the participants in dancing the night away which elevated the Retro theme with their performance that brought members back to golden days and prompted many to let their hair down, while the DJ belted classics from the 70’s and 80’s.
The event was spiced up with a catwalk which was performed by supportive members who put their best foot in front in grooving to the rhythm. As a motivation there were gifts for members who were attending both events for the first time as well as gifts for” best dressed” for the some of the members who had taken effort to dress up for the night.

The Retro Night served as a wonderful opportunity for members to come together, share stories, and celebrate the Inner Wheel bond in a fun, relaxed setting while enjoying an extensive buffet dinner. All the Past District Chairmen were honored with cake cutting to celebrate International Inner Wheel and Friendship.
The following day, 28th September 2024 morning, saw the Inner Wheel members in business mood. The 44th DAGM saw a fantastic turnout, with over 100 members from all the 20 clubs in District 330 were in attendance. Each participant received their souvenir bags upon registration. The rehearsal and briefing of the roll call of clubs was led by District ISO Merlin whilst District Webmaster Jaya Ranjitham Samuel and District Editor Parmeswary Sithamparapillai guided the official photographer to capture all the important events of the morning. District Secretary Lucy Barrock announced the Roll call of clubs while DISO Merlin checked on the walk in of club delegates and their respective club banners which were displayed accordingly.

The DAGM began with the National anthem, followed by the lighting of the candle by District Chairman Vimalavathi Thayaman Pillai who then led the recitation of the poem, “The Candle of Light”.

One of the standout features of this year’s AGM was the constructive and inclusive discussions that took place throughout the meeting. Members actively voiced their queries which was well attended and shared their opinions on matters discussed. Several members took the opportunity to seek detailed explanations on budget allocations and these healthy discussions allowed for a thorough understanding of the district’s financial position and the priorities for future spending.

A notable feature of this year’s AGM was the announcement of setting up an Advisory Council which had been discussed in the recent Past District Chairmen Meeting. The creation of The Advisory Council will serve as a resource for current leadership, providing guidance and mentorship ensuring continuity and stability within the district. As the meeting concluded on time at 12:00 noon, members gathered for a group photo.

The 44th District AGM was a resounding success, marked by healthy, productive discussions. It provided an open space for all members to contribute their thoughts and ideas. District Chairman Vimalavathi Thayaman Pillai thanked all present who then adjourned for lunch and more fellowship before saying their goodbyes.

~ by
Parmeswary K Sithamparapillai,
District Editor 2024-2025

Click on the image to view photos.

 

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Pre-event Announcements

Retro Nite, the top event of District 330 for 2024-2025
and the 44th District Annual General Meeting

The event is hosted by the Inner Wheel Club of Ipoh East and co-organised with the District 330 Executive Committee. In conjunction with the fun and friendship, it is the celebration of District Chairman Vimalavathi TP Thayaman Pillai's installation (on 27 Sep 2024) and the 44th District Annual General Meeting (on 28 Sep 2024).

 

Read or download the brochure (PDF) for details and participation information. Please RSVP using this form. For general enquiries, please contact Ipoh East Club President Anne Edwin. For payment matters, please Whatsapp (only) to Club Treasurer Kanimozhi. (Details in the Form.)