Club of CHEPSTOW & DISTRICT
2024 CHEPSTOW ROTARY - THE 22nd WYE RUN
Wow, after all that rain what wonderful weather we enjoyed for the 22st Rotary Wye Run that the Chepstow & District Rotary Club staged on Saturday 04 May. There were a record 88 cars parked in their slots ready to g
o ….but no occupants. Oh, yes, they were in the Chepstow Garden Centre munching away on their traditional pre-run bacon sandwiches and mugs of tea to fortify them as they toured the scenic roads of Gwent and Powis.
What a wonderful line up of cars there were too. A 1937 Standard Flying 10 stood next to a 1951 MG TD. A clutch of Jaguars were parked close by including an XK150, 2 burgundy XJ40R’s, and a XJ6, together with a brace of E Types, one a convertible. Plenty of MG’s, Morgans, Triumphs and that unusual 1962 Lancia Appia. When did you last see one of those? The driver of the single Ferrari was heard to say “I planned to bring the E-Type, but it wouldn’t start and so I decided on this instead”. As the smell of bacon receded the teams started their cars as their navigators started to panic. “How do I do this” and “I’ve never done this before” was heard as they oriented their ‘Tulip Diagrams’ that illustrate, in very simple way, what to do at the next intersection. So, a fabulous range of treasured cars from the year 1935 right up to 2021. The Rotary marshallers in their dayglo surcoats ensured that the cars queued in age order with the Standard 10 in the lead. At the drop of the chequered flag each car departed on The Run and photos were taken.
And so began the 22nd Wye Run of some 105 miles. North west through the Wentwood forest to Llandegfedd reservoir where drivers took a moment to enjoy the view over the very-full waterscape in a beautiful setting. Then it was through Llantrisant and Pontypool and north through Nantyglo situated deep within the South Wales Valleys between Blaina and Brynmawr. “Nantyglo” translates as “coal brook" referring to the stream near where coal was extracted. The famous book about the turbulent times of the Industrial Revolution in 19th century Wales, ‘Rape of the Fair Country’ by Alexander Cordell, was set in this very town.
Very abruptly the scenery changed. The industrial terraces were suddenly replaced by wide expanses of high ground around Llangattock mountain with the spectacular heights all-around of the Brecon Beacons national park. Continuing north the cars arrived at Llangorst Lake, near Brecon, the largest natural lake in mid and south Wales. Here there is a Crannog, an ancient lake dwelling in the form of an artificial island of timber and stones, used up to 5,000 years ago. While the views over the water were uplifting there was also plenty here to quench your thirst, although most settled for coffee and cake.
As lunchtime approached it was noted that several cars were parked outside local hostelries where they were enjoying a leisurely lunch and a pint of something cool. The next point of interest was Tretower Court with its massive circular tower, it’s walls 9 feet thick, built in the 14th century. After those narrow mountain roads drivers could relax on the final leg, joining the A40 through Crickhowell to Abergavenny, then taking to back road to Monmouth and the finally the beautiful Wye Valley. While The Run was planned to end at The Anchor Inn, Tintern, the extreme wet weather had made parking on grass impossible and so the cars continued to park at Chepstow Leisure Centre where they finished to be marshalled by the Rotarians in their Day-Glo jackets. It was clear that everyone had enjoyed the drive, the waypoints and meeting the other competitors. And they also spoke of the magnificent Monmouthshire and Powis scenery that everyone had enjoyed in the bright sunshine.
All but one of the teams completed the 105-mile Run and received their Finishers Certificates that included a photograph of their car as it started the event. Rotarian Mac McCARTY then awarded the prizes. Paul Hudson won the prize for the oldest car at the finish with his 1951 MG TD, while the Presidents Choice was the sporty 1960 Jaguar E Type driven by Ben Sanchez. The Ladies Choice, chosen by the organisers daughter, was awarded to the beautiful Jaguar XK150 of Mike Brown.
Much discussion, both social and technical, followed the Run but all involved spoke of the great organisation, our beautiful location, the splendid cars and those narrow lanes. The event was a great success with £2,500 raised to be donated to Rotary charities. The 2025 Rotary Wye Run will take place on Saturday 03 May and so put the date in your diaries.
If you are interested in joining or supporting Rotary or seeking more information please see
www.chepstowrotary.co.uk or Chepstow Rotary Facebook
Chepstow & District Rotary Club Supports
St. Mary’s Clock Repair
Chepstow, June 10, 2024 - The Chepstow & District Rotary Club has made a sizable donation to support the repair off the historic clock at St. Mary’s Church, Chepstow. Responding to a request from St. Mary’s, The Rotary Club’s generous contribution has enabled the clock to be fully restored to its former glory.
The restored clock now stands as a testament to the community spirit and dedication of the Chepstow & District Rotary Club, who continue to make a positive impact in the local area.
For more information, please contact: chepstow.rotary@btinternet.com