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Rotary Recognises Youth Achievement

The Rotary Club of Chepstow and District congratulate Aled Frost for achievement of gaining the Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA)

Each year a student from Chepstow is given the opportunity to take part on the RYLA course which is held at the Dean Field Studies Centre at Parkend, Forest of Dean.

This year’s course was held from 26th to 31st July. The successful candidate sponsored by the Chepstow and District Rotary Club is selected from those that apply, following a short interview.

The RYLA course is designed to teach leadership and communication skills in a friendly and challenging atmosphere.

This year we asked Aled to tell us what he gained from the course, these are his words:

“Before RYLA 2011 I was anxious about what the course entailed and the people I would meet. The wide range of activities on the course was fantastic; they ranged from rock climbing to kayaking and different leadership exercises.

We were split into four teams and each team really bonded as I guess a family. The best thing about the people that attended the course was that we were all different but we all came together as a family at the end.

I really enjoyed the course as it gave me the chance to expand my range of leadership skills and to be able to put different leadership styles to the test as a team leader for a day which I really enjoyed.

Overall the course was very tiring but I achieved so much out of it, from really good friends to widening my horizon with the new leadership styles I have gained over the week.

I would like to thank the Rotary club of Chepstow for allowing me the opportunity to attend RYLA 2011”.

The Chepstow and District Rotary Club are now seeking candidates for next year’s course; any 16-18 year student can apply. All expenses are paid for by the Rotary club.

Tintern Torchlight Carol Service is great success despite the weather

CHEPSTOW and District Rotary Club held a successful Torch Light Carol Service, as locals turned out despite the wet weather.

Up to 250 residents donned their wellies and umbrellas to experience a magical Christmas walk amongst the ruins of Tintern Abbey.

This open air carol service is a true highlight in the Tintern calendar, and makes use of the spectacular backdrop of the Abbey to celebrate Christmas in style.

Families and people of all ages gathered along the route, which started outside the Anchor Inn and proceeded to Tintern Abbey for the carol service. The parade had 45 torches between them and many people also wore glow sticks around their necks.

Joining them were Tintern Abbey's Martin Singers, who carried candles and performed carols.

The parade then made their way through the abbey until they reached the front of the east wall where the 12 person choir was standing.

Reverend Nora Hill led the service which included carols sung by the choir and the public, two bible readings by members of the Rotary Club and another two readings by local parishoners.

This year's event was organised for the first time by the Chepstow and District Rotary Club and it hopes to put on the event next year as well.

David Burr from the Club said: "It was not a bad event considering the weather. It's our first attempt and we're quite pleased with how it went."

He added: "It was a bit of a damp event but people seemed to be enjoying it nonetheless."

Mr Burr said the lantern parade covered its expenses and that any profit will go back into the local community.

South Wales Argus 13 December 2011

Aled Frost- RYLA 2011