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George Beale is a Rotarian and keen local historian. You may have read his articles in the Abergavenny Chronicle or found him in Abergavenny library, generously sharing his knowledge. George gave an interesting and fascinating talk to Abergavenny Rotary club members, partners and guests, " A Walk Down Memory Lane". When asked about his talk George said: "I have always taken a great interest in local newspapers as they make a huge contribution to our community. But sadly,

Did you know we have an International Committee? Since 2023 we have sponsored 8 Ugandan children. This sponsorship primarily supports their education. This is a story close to Judy Cave's heart: "I spent five years in the early 1980s working at Kisiizi Hospital, a small hospital in southwest Uganda. During that time, my husband and I got to know a couple called Alice and John Tumusiime because Alice came to the hospital to deliver her babies. When we left Uganda, AIDS wa

At the Annual Rotary Club Assembly meeting on Tuesday 23 June 2026, the outgoing President Keith Willard presented a Paul Harris Fellowship Certificate and medal to the Club Treasurer Geoffrey Ball: “in recognition and appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world”. Geoff has been a member of the Club since 2017 and became Club Treasurer in 2020. Since then, he has work

On the first Saturday of July, members of Abergavenny Rotary Club once again joined forces with the South Wales Shire Horse Society for their much‑loved Annual Shire Horse Show in Bailey Park. It’s a tradition that has grown over many years — one built on friendship, teamwork, and a shared commitment. Abergavenny Rotary Club was out in force from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, welcoming visitors at the gates with warmth and good humour. This support is part of a long‑standing reciprocal

Abergavenny Rotary’s 2025/26 year was one defined by growth, renewed energy, and a deepening commitment to the community. In his end‑of‑year reflection, President Keith Willard looked back on a period filled with new faces, successful projects, and meaningful connections — all driven by the club’s spirit of service. A Year of Impact Keith closed with a simple but powerful message: Abergavenny Rotary has once again shown the community the positive impact that dedicated volunte

Abergavenny Rotary Club recently came together at Monmouthshire Golf Club for its Annual Club Assembly and President’s Handover, celebrating another fantastic year of service while looking ahead to an exciting new chapter. The evening marked the end of Keith Willard’s successful year as President and welcomed Trevor Morgan into the role from 1 July 2026. Looking back, there’s plenty to be proud of. From welcoming new members and celebrating incredible achievements in our yout

The Club round of the 2026/27 Rotary Young Chef Competition, hosted by King Henry VIII School, was a vibrant and inspiring showcase of youthful creativity, confidence, and culinary flair. Held on Friday 19th June 2026, the event welcomed 18 talented young cooks who stepped into the school’s bustling food technology department with determination and enthusiasm. 🌟 A Day Filled with Energy, Skill, and Creativity From the moment the competition began, the school’s food technolog

Abergavenny Rotary Club was recently joined by Andrew Lewis, Abergavenny Defib Guardian and First Responder, who spoke to members, partners and guests about the vital work taking place across our town to protect lives in the event of cardiac arrest. Sometimes a single moment changes everything. In 2011, a man collapsed just yards from a defibrillator — yet it went unused. That tragedy sparked a movement in Abergavenny. Three people — Andrew Lewis, Martin Phillips, and John Ba

Rotary International – working with refugees They are ordinary people, who refuse to look away. Alongside short term solutions the work is long term and practical. Fleeing families often have nothing with them other than what they can carry. Across Europe clubs have delivered essentials to people escaping the war in Ukraine. In Uganda’s Nakivale Refugee Settlement Rotoractors hand out sugar, soap, clothing. No fuss, just there and getting on with what needs to be done.

Rotary Club Abergavenny welcomed speaker, Andrea Hague, the Director of Velindre Cancer Centre. She spoke to Rotarians, partners and guests about the New Velindre Cancer Centre. For nearly 70 years Velindre has been a life line for people across South Wales. Generations of patients have walked through its doors seeking treatment, reassurance, and hope – Velindre has been there for every one of them. That legacy matters, as does the future. The demand for specialist ser

Some projects entertain. Others inform. But every so often, a project comes along that has the power to shift attitudes, open conversations, and change how a community understands itself. Happy Dragons Theatre and people First Abergavenny's new short film, Big Night Out, is one of those projects. Rooted in the lived experiences of adults with learning disabilities, the film is far more than a creative endeavour. It is a statement of visibility, dignity and belonging. 🎥 Why T

Let’s Talk Rotary Fellowships: The Hidden Gem of the Rotary World If you’ve ever wished Rotary had even more ways to meet interesting people, learn new things, or dive deeper into your favourite hobbies… good news. It does. They’re called Rotary Fellowships, and honestly, they’re one of the most delightful corners of the Rotary universe. Think of Fellowships as little communities built around shared passions, whether that’s hiking up mountains, photographing sunsets, writing

🌍⚡ Powering Hope: Rotary’s Solar Revolution in Kharkiv, Ukraine In the midst of war and uncertainty, one question rises above the chaos: How do you keep saving lives when the lights go out? Rotarians across 15 clubs, together with the Rotary Club of Kharkiv International, answered that question with innovation, compassion, and a whole lot of teamwork. Their mission: install solar panels at emergency medical service facilities to ensure uninterrupted care — no matter what. ☀️

ROTARY CLUB PRESIDENT KEITH WILLARD, Ralph Jones, & Acting Headteacher Richard Aylett. Jonathan Watson (Head Teacher), Keith Willard (President, Abergavenny Rotary Club), Seth, Mrs Ellie Davies (Assistant Head Teacher, Middle Phase), and Anthony Davies (Chair of Rotary Youth Services). Abergavenny Rotary Club is celebrating outstanding success in this year’s Rotary District Young Writer Competition, with two talented young writers achieving top honours across the

Over 140 volunteers - Individuals, people from Community groups and Rotary came together over the May Bank Holiday weekend to bring you the Abergavenny Steam Rally. When people gather with a shared purpose, something almost electric happens — a sense of momentum, of community, of we’re doing something that matters. This weekend carried that spirit in every conversation, every early start, every laugh shared over a job well done. What our volunteers helped create wasn’t just

The week before the Abergavenny Steam Rally is always one of our busiest times of the year. But even with preparations in full swing, Abergavenny Rotary Club knows the importance of taking time to enjoy one another’s company, strengthen friendships, and celebrate the people who help make our community so special. Recently, more than 30 Rotarians and partners came together for a wonderful evening at Fuzion Restaurant, Abergavenny, enjoying great food, plenty of laughter, and t

Across Great Britain and Ireland, young people are stepping up, speaking out and shaping their communities for the better. The Rotary Young Citizen Awards shine a spotlight on these inspiring under‑25s whose compassion, courage and commitment make a real difference. These awards honour young people who demonstrate positive citizenship, take on meaningful responsibilities, lead community action, or simply stand out through their exceptional character. Whether they’re suppor

Abergavenny Rotary Club is proudly supporting Abergavenny Cricket Club in its mission to make cricket more inclusive, accessible, and welcoming for women and girls. 🙌 👧🏽👩‍🦰 Women & Girls Are Changing the Game Cricket, once seen as a male‑dominated sport, is evolving fast. Over the past five years, the number of women and girls stepping up to the crease has grown significantly. One inspiring figure is Eve Jackson, Glamorgan CC Women’s Team player and a role model with clo

Community spirit isn’t just an inspiring idea — it’s the engine that keeps long‑running events alive. Few examples show this better than the wonderful partnership between The Border Counties Steam & Country Show and the Abergavenny Rotary Steam Rally. Together, volunteers from both groups keep these much‑loved local traditions thriving year after year, raising money for local communities. 🔥 A Show with Nearly Half a Century of Heart The Border Counties Steam & Country Show

Every young person has leadership potential — sometimes it just needs the right environment to grow. The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) provides that environment for young people, helping them build confidence, discover their strengths, and develop the leadership skills they’ll carry into school, work, and community life. Whether you’re a young person looking for a challenge, a parent, guardian, carer wanting to support your child’s development, or a school or commun