Club of CHEPSTOW & DISTRICT
WYE CLASSIC CAR RUN – 3 MAY 2025
On 3 May 2025, the Rotary Club of Chepstow and District held its annual Wye Classic Car Run. This year marked the 23rd Wye Run and the largest event to date, with entries capped at 95 vehicles.
The run began at Chepstow Garden Centre and took participants on a scenic journey through the stunning Welsh countryside, passing through areas that many had never driven before. The first stop was at the charming Hen and Dot Café in Goodrich, near Kerne Bridge.
Despite the arrival of nearly 90 classic cars, the atmosphere, venue, and refreshments at the café were excellent and warmly appreciated by all. This year also saw a new finishing point at Caerwent Village Hall and Playing Field, which proved to be a popular choice. Many participants have already expressed their intention to return for next year’s run.
All funds have now been collected, verified by our treasurer, and expenses have been settled. We are pleased to report that substantial funds have been raised to support Rotary’s ongoing work in helping the local community.
ROTARY CLUB OF CHEPSTOW AND DISTRICT – FELLOWSHIP EVENING AT THE INDIAN EMPIRE
On 29th April, members of the Rotary Club of Chepstow and District, along with their partners, gathered for an evening of fellowship at The Indian Empire in Chepstow.
The group enjoyed a delightful evening sampling a variety of traditional Indian cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable night, filled with good food, good company, and great conversation – a perfect example of Rotary fellowship at its best.
Some members enjoying fellowship and food
CHEPSTOW & DISTRICT ROTARY CLUB – THREE‑DAY DEVON ADVENTURE 17–19 MAY 2025
The Rotary spirit was well and truly afloat last weekend as members of Chepstow & District Rotary Club enjoyed three days of discovery, fun and friendship on the beautiful South Devon coast.
Day 1 – Friday, 17 May
Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth
Our adventure began with a privileged, behind-the-scenes, 2½-hour tour of the world-renowned Britannia Royal Naval College. Guide Ben—a walking encyclopaedia of naval lore—took us from the spectacular Quarterdeck to the historic chapel and state rooms, weaving in stories of leadership, courage and innovation that have shaped Royal Navy officer training since 1863.
A special highlight came when we were shown the exact spot where Princess Elizabeth (the late Queen) first met Midshipman Philip Mountbatten—the future Duke of Edinburgh—during the royal visit of July 1939, a poignant reminder of history walking hand-in-hand with tradition.
Afterwards, members dispersed into sunny Dartmouth, which was in full swing for its Annual Music Festival. Cobblestone streets echoed with jazz quartets, sea shanties and choral harmonies while Rotarians sampled local cafés, art stalls—and a well-earned drink
Evening brought us, by car convoy, to our seafront base at Dawlish Warren. Over a superb three-course dinner we shared highlights of the day, Rotary fellowship at its best.
Day 2 – Saturday, 18 May
Steam, River & Rail
Cars whisked us to Paignton station, where heritage 2-6-2 tank locomotive “Goliath”—built at Swindon Works in 1954 for the former Great Western Railway—waited resplendent in chocolate-and-cream livery. The Dartmouth Steam Railway puffed along the English Riviera, offering postcard views of red-cliff coves and turquoise sea.
At Kingswear we transferred straight to the water for a leisurely River Dart cruise. Sea-kayakers, yachts and an obliging seal provided the entertainment while the skipper pointed out Agatha Christie’s Greenway estate and the castle guarding the estuary mouth.
Back in Dartmouth we refuelled with crab sandwiches and a glass of wine. before retracing our route to Paignton behind “Goliath”. A contented car-pool returned to Dawlish for another relaxed evening of fellowship.
Day 3 – Sunday, 19 May
Homeward Bound
After a hearty breakfast, bags were packed and spirits high as we left Dawlish Warren by car for the journey back to Chepstow, wishing all safe journey and farewells.
The consensus? A weekend that perfectly captured Rotary’s ethos of Service Above Self through shared experience, camaraderie and a hearty dose of Devon charm.
Thanks to
Ben and the staff of Britannia Royal Naval College for an inspiring tour.
Dartmouth Steam Railway & River Boat Company—especially the crew of “Goliath”—for seamless travel by land and water.
Rtn. Richard Wickham for meticulous planning and organisation.
President Rtn. Chris Wilson for keeping us in line—and for keeping us very amused with his after-dinner jokes!
Closing Thoughts
Trips like this remind us that while Rotary is committed to service, it is fellowship that fuels our energy to serve. Here’s to the next adventure—wherever the tracks, tides and terrific company may lead us!
