Cowbridge Rotary Celebrates Presidential Handover and Honours Dedicated Members

The Rotary Club marked the start of the 2026–27 Rotary year with a memorable Presidential Handover evening, celebrating the achievements of the past year while welcoming a new leadership team.

The evening began with members and guests enjoying entertainment from singer Isabella Collins, followed by a warm welcome from President David Morris. Grace was given by Past President Huw Davies PHF before guests enjoyed dinner.

Outgoing President David Morris was thanked for his dedicated service before formally handing over the chain of office to Caryl Thomas, who was installed as President for the 2026–27 Rotary year. During the evening, President David also recognised the outstanding service of Rotarians by presenting Simon Gottschalk with a Paul Harris Fellowship and Michael Long with his second. The Paul Harris Fellowship is one of Rotary's highest honours.

Following her installation, President Caryl Thomas inducted her new officers for the year ahead, welcoming Lisa Hopkins as President Elect, Huw Davies PHF as Secretary, and Paul Tromans PHF as Treasurer.

The formal proceedings included a series of traditional Rotary toasts celebrating both the incoming and past presidents. The evening concluded with President Caryl Thomas delivering the Rotary Toast, marking the beginning of an exciting new Rotary year.

The Club looks forward to another year of fellowship, community service, and fundraising under President Caryl Thomas's leadership, building on the strong foundations laid by her predecessors.

Primary Schools 6-a-side Football Competition

Six local primary schools recently came together for an exciting 6-a-side football competition, sponsored by Cowbridge Rotary and held on the all-weather pitch at Cowbridge Comprehensive School.

The tournament provided an excellent opportunity for young players to demonstrate their footballing skills, teamwork and sportsmanship in a series of competitive and enjoyable matches.

After a morning of high-quality football, St. Brides Major Church in Wales Primary School celebrated a remarkable double success. The school's "A" Team were crowned champions of the Winners Cup, while the "B" Team secured victory in the Plate Competition. All players received a celebratory medal.

Congratulations to all six participating schools for their enthusiasm and commitment throughout the event, and special congratulations to both St. Brides Major teams on their outstanding achievements.

Rotary would also like to thank Cowbridge Comprehensive School for providing excellent facilities for the competition and Duncan Mottram and Nathan Nurton for organising the event.

Follow this link for lots more photos.

Installation of a Peace Pole

On a wet Monday morning before classes, the Cowbridge School Interactors, together with a group of Rotarians, assembled in the Jack Griffiths Memorial Garden at the school to erect the first Peace Pole in Cowbridge.   A Peace Pole is an internationally recognised monument that displays a Peace message in multiple languages. Acting as a silent prayer and visual beacon of hope, they are planted in public spaces, schools and parks to unite people and promote global harmony.

Cowbridge Rotary is a Peace Builder Club recognised by the world-wide Rotary Action Group for Peace. The Cowbridge School Peace Pole has the message "Peace throughout the World" in English, Welsh, Ukrainian and Pashto, reflecting the languages spoken by pupils in the school. Click here for more photos.

Recognition for Cowbridge Rotary Club

On Monday, 18th May, District Governor Ian Hughes presented the club with a "Unite for Good" banner and certificate in recognition of the support given to Rotary's own charity, The Rotary Foundation. Cowbridge were one of only 1,520 clubs out of the 36,000 worldwide that achieved this level of support. 

Time for some environmental work

Young Photographer Competition

Hattie Osborne, a pupil from Cowbridge School, has won the Senior Southern Wales District Young Photographer Competition with her photograph of a young girl in a field. Her entry will now go forward to the national competition. The theme for the competition is "Happiness in Nature" which is reflected beautifully in Hattie's image.

The runner up in the District competition was Reuben Davis whose entry below, which was sponsored by Llantwit Major Rotary, was taken whilst on holiday in Japan.

Young Photographer is one of many competitions run by Rotary for young people. Click the link for more details.

Presentation to Monday Club

President David and his wife, Gayna, attended the Annual Party and AGM of the Monday Club on the 9th March. The new chair of the club, Adrian, was presented with a donation of £350.

 

The Cowbridge Gateway Monday Club provides a sociable monthly evening of varied activities, from 7.30pm till 9pm, for adults with learning disabilities. Run by volunteers for over 40 years and supported by Mencap, they welcome people from all around the area.

 

 

 

 

 

Charity Country & Western Evening