Club of CHEPSTOW & DISTRICT
Welcome to the website of the Rotary Club of Chepstow & District
Next Event
Business meeting
Tuesday
01 July 2025
Beaufort Hotel, Chepstow
Contact
Richard Wickham
CHEPSTOW & DISTRICT ROTARY CLUB GARDEN PARTY CELEBRATES A SUCCESSFUL YEAR
Members of the Chepstow & District Rotary Club, along with their spouses, enjoyed a delightful garden party hosted by the current President, Rtn. Chris Wilson. The event took place on Tuesday, 17th June 2025, in the president’s immaculate and beautifully maintained garden.
The garden party provided an excellent opportunity for members to relax and reflect on a highly successful year of service, during which the Club continued its dedicated work supporting disadvantaged individuals within the local community.
Guests were treated to an outstanding buffet supplied by Abbey Mill, Tintern, complemented by a plentiful supply of liquid refreshment. The celebrations unfolded under a warm, cloudless June sky, creating a relaxed and joyful atmosphere.
It was a perfect Rotary occasion—full of camaraderie, appreciation, and good cheer—to mark the year’s achievements.
President Rtn. Chris Wilson will formally hand over the chain of office to President-Elect Rtn. Guy Wilson at a special event to be held at Abbey Mill, Tintern, on Tuesday, 24th June 2025
YOUNG ARTIST ACHIEVES MORE!
Earlier this year, Eva Cleverly, a student at Wyedean School and Sixth Form, became the winner of the local heat of the Rotary Young Artist competition, organised by the Chepstow & District Rotary Club.
Following her local success, Eva’s work was entered into the Rotary GB&I District heat, where she also won. Thanks to her continued success, Eva has now progressed to the National heat of the competition. We wish her the very best of luck!
This achievement reflects Rotary’s ongoing commitment to supporting youth, which is a core part of Rotary International’s mission to invest in future generations.
The photograph shows Rtn. David Burr, Chepstow & District Rotary Club, Youth Officer presenting Eva with her District winner’s certificate and voucher.
Rotary competitions are open to all children and young people.
For more information, visit the Youth pages on the Rotary GB&I website or contact the Chepstow & District Rotary Club directly.
PRESIDENT Rtn. GUY WILSON
CHEPSTOW & DISTRICT WELCOMES NEW PRESIDENT RTN. GUY WILSON
Chepstow and District Rotary gathered at the beautiful Abbey Mill, Tintern, on 25 June 2025 for its annual Presidential Handover Ceremony. The event was attended by fellow Rotarians and their spouses, with special guest District Governor Anne Bartholomew, who was accompanied by her husband.
Outgoing President Rtn. Chris Wilson ceremoniously handed over the leadership to his son, Rtn. Guy Wilson, marking what is believed to be a truly historic moment in the club’s history.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rtn. Guy Wilson as our new President,” said Chris. “Guy has shown exceptional dedication and leadership, and I am confident that his passion will continue to drive our mission forward with integrity.”
Under Rtn. Chris Wilson’s leadership, the Chepstow & District Rotary Club achieved significant milestones, including a number of impactful donations:
Funding to enable the provision of a new classroom at Undy Primary School
Contributions to ShelterBox emergency disaster relief
Support for St John Ambulance
Assistance for home-educated school children
Donations to Source of Life – Gist Cancer and Clean Up Wye
Provision of mobile solar banks for use in Ukraine
Responses to appeals from youth organisations including Scouts & Guides
Ongoing community support initiatives
Funding kitchen equipment for Rogiet Community Hub
Sponsorship of Rotary Young Generation competitions and prize awards
The club is committed to continuing its strong tradition of service and community engagement under Rtn. Guy Wilson’s guidance.
The new President expressed his gratitude and excitement for the year ahead.
“It is an honour to step into the role of President. What can I say? I don’t suppose many Presidents share the bond I do with the outgoing one—it’s quite unusual for a father to pass the presidency to his son. I’m sure I speak for everyone in thanking him for his leadership and all that’s been achieved. It is a great honour to present him with a name clasp for the Rotary Chain of Office.”
He added, with a smile:
“I suppose we’re setting a few records at this year’s handover—a father handing over to his son, a new President with a baby just a few months old, and one who doesn’t qualify for free prescriptions!”
Rtn. Guy Wilson also outlined his plans for the year, including:
Monthly pub supper evenings (alternating between members-only and evenings with partners)
Three speaker events open to partners
Celebrations of key dates such as Valentine’s Day, St. David’s Day, and St. George’s Day
He also shared his strong personal connection to Ukraine, announcing two major fundraising events to support the country. Additionally, the club looks forward to welcoming its twin club from Westerwald, Germany during their visit in April next year.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Sapphire Paul Harris Award to Rtn. Chris Wilson, recognising his exemplary service and deep commitment to Rotary’s principle of Service Above Self. The award, presented on behalf of the Westerwald Rotary Club, was announced via a video message and formally awarded by District Governor Anne Bartholomew, who praised Chris’s exceptional contribution.
Rtn. Chris remarked:
“Receiving this award is a tremendous honour. I am deeply grateful for the support of my fellow Rotarians—and especially my wife Dee, who has had to put up with quite a lot over the years.”
The handover evening was one of joyful fellowship, honoured achievements, and a reaffirmed commitment to Rotary’s enduring values in service to others.
More photographs click on any photograph