The Inner Wheel Club of Frodsham and Helsby enjoyed glass-chinking and thigh-slapping at their Bavarian Oompah Evening in aid of the Hospice of the Good Shepherd.

The club’s charity committee members transformed Frodsham Community Centre into a bierkellar.

More than 100 people donned dirndl dresses and lederhosen for a night of traditional toasts, dancing and entertainment by Klaus Encounters’ Oompah Band.

A Bavarian supper of pork goulash was cooked and served by club members, two of whom made a staggering 360 dumplings to accompany the dish.

It was followed up by typical German desserts including Black Forest Gateau and apple strudel.

The event raised more than £2,000 for the Chester hospice, which was chosen in memory of late member Jean Morris, who was a popular teacher at Helsby High School.

Frodsham Community Centre was transformed into a traditional bierkellar for the fundraiser
Frodsham Community Centre was transformed into a traditional bierkellar for the fundraiser

Club president Vanessa Williams thanked everyone for coming and all those local businesses who donated groceries for the meal and prizes for the raffle.

Club correspondent Ann Daniels said: “Inner Wheel is perhaps not as well-known for its raison d’être as Rotary.

“Like Bavaria in reverse - once an entity in itself and yet now part of Germany - Inner Wheel Clubs were originally founded in 1924 in England just for Rotarian wives, but now exist world-wide in their own right, attracting any likeminded women who are willing to work to promote the aims of friendship, personal service and international understanding.”

The Inner Wheel Club of Frodsham and Helsby’s fundraising for the hospice will continue with members assisting at its grotto at Gordale Garden Centre and helping Father Christmas on Frodsham Round Table’s Christmas float.

For more information about the club, visit www.innerwheel.co.uk.