Moggie Morrison, right, is installed as the new Inner Wheel club district chairman by the outgoing chairman Liz Bandey. DA5842P1FOR the sixth time in 20 years, an Amesbury woman has become chairman of one of the Inner Wheel's district branches.

Moggie Morrison, who lives in Countess Road, was installed as chairman of the organisation's district 11 branch, which covers Wiltshire, Hampshire and Dorset, at a ceremony in the grounds of Amesbury Abbey, on Wednesday last week.

This was also the first time the event had been held in Amesbury, despite the fact that five previous district chairmen have been local.

Mrs Morrison (66) now has responsibility for 39 clubs throughout the three counties and will visit them all at least twice throughout the coming year.

She will also have to attend various functions at a national level, with the first a conference for district officials in Leicester this month.

"My first district meeting is at the end of this month, but it won't start to get really busy until September," said Mrs Morrison, who is married to former Amesbury mayor Neil Morrison.

"You really give up a year when you become chairman of a district.

"I am a mother and grandmother, with two more grandchildren coming this autumn, and I'm wondering whether I shall have time to go and see them!"

Mrs Morrison has been an Inner Wheel member since 1979, when she joined the Amesbury branch.

She has since been president of her local club once and secretary five times, and has served on several district committees.

"It has all been great fun," she said.

"There is a great sense of friendship and fellowship, especially at the ceremony yesterday.

"It was cloudy and wet and it felt as though the marquee was going to take off, but still there was this wonderful friendship."

Apart from the Inner Wheel, Mrs Morrison is secretary to Amesbury Stroke Club and a driver for the Dolphin Swimmers.

She will also be supporting the Simply Holistic Endometriosis Trust during her year in office.

"I can promote a charity as district chairman and I've chosen to support this trust," said Mrs Morrison.

"Endometriosis is a horrendous disease, which about two million women suffer from.

"It is difficult to diagnose and treat - so it's a very worthwhile cause to support."