Our News and Stories....

On the evening of 3 November 2025, about 50 Rotarians and their guests gathered to enjoy a special wine-tasting hosted by the family-run, organic winery VINO CIBULKA near Mikulov. Known for its 16 hectares of vineyards and a production philosophy rooted in organic viticulture and careful maturation in wood, stainless-steel and barrique barrels, the winery brought its signature style of wines to the tasting. 

Participants enjoyed a curated flight of VINO CIBULKA’s white and red wines, each reflecting the terroir of the Mikulov region and the winery’s commitment to environmentally-sensitive production. The atmosphere was warm and congenial, with guests sharing impressions of crisp whites, hearty reds and the finesse of a few barrel-aged selections.

As a highlight of the evening, a bottle of the 2018 vintage (a special red from the winery’s archive) was auctioned off, to enthusiastic bidding. The auctioned bottle underscored the rarity and ageing-potential of the winery’s offerings.

The event offered more than tasting – it celebrated craftsmanship, shared fellowship, and the pleasure of discovery. VINO CIBULKA’s organic credentials and dedication to low-intervention winemaking added depth to this convivial gathering of the Rotary community.

On the outskirts of Vestec near Prague, a new Avenue of Czech–Slovak Statehood has been established to commemorate the founding of independent Czechoslovakia. During Tuesday’s ceremonial planting, around 250 participants gathered to plant one hundred trees — five lindens and ninety-five fruit trees — transforming a once-unused field path into a vibrant walking trail.

The planting was organized by the municipality of Vestec in cooperation with the Partnership Foundation (Nadace Partnerství), Rotary clubs from Czechia and Slovakia, and the BIOCEV scientific center.

This year’s event held special significance, marking the 100th anniversary of the first Rotary club founded in the former Czechoslovakia. The new avenue serves as a living reminder of the shared history and statehood of both nations, as well as their joint responsibility for the landscape and climate. Many of the newly planted trees will bear the names of notable Czechoslovak Rotarians, including Jan Masaryk, Tomáš Baťa, and Václav Havel.

The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of a memorial stone bearing the Rotary emblem.

 

On September 13, 2025, Rotary in Czechoslovakia marked its 100th anniversary with a grand celebration at the historic Lewkowicz Palace in Prague. The event, attended by about 250 guests, honored a century of Rotary’s presence, service, and fellowship in Czechia and Slovakia.

The celebration was divided into two parts — a Conference and a Gala Evening. The morning conference brought together Rotarians and distinguished guests from across the United States of America, United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Ukraine, and other countries to reflect on Rotary’s legacy and its ongoing role in supporting communities, education, and international understanding. Speakers highlighted the early beginnings of the first Rotary Club in Prague in 1925, its resilience through historical challenges, and its revival after 1989.

In the evening, the palace came alive with the Gala Dinner, a festive occasion filled with music, speeches, and moments of remembrance. Guests enjoyed an elegant atmosphere befitting the milestone, celebrating not only Rotary’s century-long history in Czechoslovakia but also its enduring spirit of “Service Above Self.”

The centennial celebration at Lobkowicz Palace stood as a testament to Rotary’s commitment to fostering goodwill, leadership, and humanitarian values — principles that continue to unite Rotarians across generations and borders.

On September 8, 2025 evening meeting, we had a very special guest - Pavel Jonáš Krejčí, one of the Czech Republic's most accomplished cellists from Pražák Quartet. During his interview with Alan Rassaby, he shared with us his passion for music and treated our members with a short recital.
Pražák Quartet is one of today's leading international ensembles and is renowned for its distinctive Czech sound. They are regular guests in many European and North American countries and has released over 60 CDs.
We invite our members to the inaugural Pražák & Friends Quartet's festival of chamber music, that will be held from September 28 to October 25 in the magnificent Hlahol Hall in Prague. Tickets can be bought at prazakquartet.com/boom.
 
The stories above are only the most recent stories of what we have been getting up to. To see the full list of stories click HERE
Our mailing list...
Subscribe to our eBulletin and stay up to date on the latest news and events.

Club Directors
President
President Elect
Treasurer
Secretary
Immediate Past President
Executive Secretary
Sergeant-at-Arms
Community Service
The Rotary Foundation
Vocational Services
International Service
Public Relations
Programme/Speaker Coordinator
Youth Exchange Officer
 
Sponsors
Upcoming Events / Meetings
News from Rotary International
Rotary’s History in Korea

Rotary’s History in KoreaThe first Rotary club in Korea was chartered in Seoul on 10 November 1927. Since then, Rotary members in Korea have maintained their commitment to fellowship, service, and leadership through difficult times —

What is Rotary....