MADAM,

I just wanted to publicly thank Chepstow and District Lions for the difference they continue to make to Chepstow and the surrounding communities.

As Consort to the Mayor of Chepstow, I was fortunate enough to be invited to the Chepstow and District Lions’ 45th Charter Dinner on Saturday 18th February, at the Best Western Royal George in Tintern. This was an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the outstanding commitment of Lions’ Chepstow and District to the local community.

Lions Clubs International is a network of more than 1.4 million volunteers in more than 200 countries, who work together to answer the needs that challenge communities across the world. As Lions Clubs International enter their centenary year and celebrate their achievements over the past 100 years, they look to the future and the difference they hope to continue to make over the next 100 years. They cannot do this without the support of volunteers from the local community and I know Chepstow and District Lions would welcome anyone who wants to join them to make a difference.

As a professional fundraiser for the past 15 years, I have been fortunate enough to experience first-hand the incredible difference Lions Clubs make within communities across Wales. They volunteer tirelessly to provide support to the local community. The fundraising carried out by Chepstow and District Lions alone has supported organisations locally including Severn Area Rescue, the Berkeley Centre (Mencap), Chepstow Community Hospital, Caldicot Health Clinic, Guides, Scouts and sports clubs.

A huge thank you to all the Lions locally for their hard work and commitment to making a difference to Chepstow and the surrounding communities. The motto of the organisation is ‘We Serve’ - long may it continue.

Louise Pavia

(Consort to the Mayor of Chepstow)