Latest News and Press - 2026 1st.Quarter

Borderland Rotary News Reports in January, February and March 2026

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V Reported 29.3.26

Local English whisky maker announces introduction of Welsh Whisky

Borderland Rotary welcomed Chris Toller from Henstone Distillery to give a talk and a whisky tasting at the Sweeney Hotel. Chris announced that his company plans to start distilling a Welsh Whisky after reminiscing about visiting the club back in 2016 when he was just setting up his business. He explained, “It seems a lifetime ago when I last visited as at that time, we were in our very infancy and were trying to learn the government alcohol duty rules as well as how to make a first class English whisky. We now have a range of whiskies, gins, vodka, rums and even an American style bourbon and I’m proud to say we have earned several awards in many classes. However, the latest hot news is, we plan to launch a Welsh whisky.”

Henstone Distillery is now based at Dingle Farm, Trewern, near Welshpool where it straddles the English Welsh border and the new whisky will be distilled on the Welsh side of the border.
Chris continued, “I still find the whole process very exciting and I’m very lucky that my wife Alexandra, my son Henry, and daughter Flo, are all part of the business – a real family affair, helped by our one, non-family member, Dave. I hope I can introduce you to our Welsh whisky in four or five years’ time. The distillery will, of course, continue to produce its award winning English spirits too”.

V Reported 31.1.26

Borderland Rotary has Haggis piped in on Burns Night

Borderland Rotary Club celebrated ‘Burns Night’ with dinner at the Sweeney Hotel and there were two celebrities on hand to complete a great evening, Andy Young on the bagpipers and, of course, the Haggis. (Ah Wee Beastie!)
Cathy Osselton, who organised the event said, “There’s nothing more evocative than to hear the pipes as Andy first led our club members to dinner and then piped the haggis in. I spent much of my early life in Scotland on holiday with my grandparents, and it was wonderful to enjoy the famous, ‘Address to a Haggis’ again - in the Gaelic”.
Rabbie Burns is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland and is celebrated worldwide. He is best known for the poems and lyrics he wrote in the Scottish dialect with the most famous work being, Auld Lang Syne, which is sung at the turn of the year on New Years Eve.
“A great evening was had by all, and I’d like to thank everyone for their help in making it such a success”. Continued Cathy, “Although we’re on the border of England and Wales it’s good that we don’t forget Scotland”.

V Reported 25.1.26

Are you looking for a role with a difference ?

Borderland Rotary was introduced to this opportunity by their guest, Sophie Anscombe from the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) who gave an insight into a world that few people see.
Ms Anscombe said, “Most people have little idea of the goings on inside our prisons and even less are aware that inside every prison in the country, there’s an IMB made up of members of the public doing an extraordinary job – and we’re currently recruiting – so if you want to join a team to monitor life in prison and the fair and humane treatment of prisoners, now’s the time to come forward”.
IMB members have full access to the prison to monitor the day-to-day life of those held there and, you could be talking to a prisoner who’s worried or vulnerable, who isn’t able to access the support they need, or who needs help to sort out some practical problems.
“So, if you are looking to develop your skillset”. Continued Ms Anscombe, “Gain practical experience or just wish to volunteer and give something back to the community as a whole, this may be the place for you. I’ve found my work with the IMB very interesting and extremely rewarding”.
Discover how you can make a difference at www.imb.org.uk