CHEPSTOW has welcomed foreign delegates on a whistlestop visit to Monmouthshire. 

Senior diplomats from embassies across Europe were hosted by local MP David Davies, who showcased a number of success stories in the town. 

The visit on Friday (24 May) started with a presentation from the Monmouthshire Ukrainian Group in Chepstow (MUGiC). 

MUGiC secretary Kateryna Khodzhhaieva explained the background to the group’s community launch and the challenges facing Ukrainians as war continues in their homeland. 

She outlined the help provided to Ukrainians who have settled in south Monmouthshire, alongside the “warm welcome we feel from the local population”. 

Chair Viktoriia Bandur baked traditional korovai – a welcome bread. 

The Welsh Luxury Hamper Co. in Welsh Street was the next port of call, where Abi Chamberlain shared how she has built her flourishing business after dropping out of university due to a learning disability. 

Voted Best Luxury Hamper Company in Wales, Miss Chamberlain exports high-quality Welsh food and drink around the world and strives to inspire other neuro-diverse entrepreneurs as a young ambassador for The Prince’s Trust. 

Independent café The Cwtch in Rifleman’s Way saw owner Marion Smith greet the diplomats, who enjoyed coffee and Welsh cakes while Tim Ryan gave a talk on the work of The Severn Princess Preservation Trust. 

The group finished with a trip to the bank of the River Wye to see the Severn Princess ferry, with 23 May marking the 65th anniversary of the iconic vessel’s 1959 launch before a seven-year tenure of service across the River Severn between Aust and Beachley. 

Famous faces transported by the Princess until the Severn Bridge opened on 8 September 1966 included Bob Dylan, The Beatles and royalty. 

Mr Davies said: “It was fantastic to welcome senior foreign diplomats and highlight some of the positive things happening in Chepstow. 

“The delegation spoke highly of the Ukrainian ladies, who left a lasting impression. 

“Abi is a shining example to us all and hopefully there will be a few embassies stocking up on her hampers after this visit! 

“I also wanted to show what can be achieved by volunteers and the story of the Severn Princess inspires people everywhere.”