Welcome to the Spring 2026 Bransgore Rotary Newsletter
As we step into another busy year, Bransgore Rotary CIO is delighted to share some of the projects, events and community support with which we have been involved.
Supporting Our Local Community and further afield
When you have attended one of our events, you might wonder where all the money we raise goes:
Bransgore Rotary has supported 27 charitable causes across local, national and international needs, including Heartstart Bransgore, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, The Colourworks Foundation, Stepping Stones Nursery, The Rotary Foundation, Wessex Rotary Shoebox Scheme, Aquabox, The Fortune Centre, local war graves maintenance, Cancer Research UK, Bransgore Community Church, Honeypot, ShelterBox, Purple Community Fund, Dictionary 4 Life, Julia’s House, Mercy Ships, Minstead Trust, Tree Aid, Christchurch Foodbank, Global Giving, Cancer Research Christchurch, DEC Middle East Appeal, Lend With Care, CARE International, and the provision of Christmas trees and lights for the Bransgore Shopping Parade. The range of organisations that we support shows our commitment to our community, education, emergency response, international development and humanitarian relief.
Upcoming Bransgore Rotary Events
Bransgore Rotary Fun Day – Monday 4th May, 12pm
Preparations are well underway for our annual Fun Day, packed with stalls, food, entertainment and the second year of the Greatest Hat in Bransgore Competition. Whether you created your hat yourself, found it in the back of your wardrobe, ventured out to buy yourself something new or made your own creation at our hat making stall on the day, join our hat parade for a chance to win a rosette and prize.
Bransgore Rotary Barn Dance – Saturday 13th June
Our Annual Barn Dance at Harrow Wood Farm and Caravan Park will commence in the afternoon for youngsters and families from 2pm to 6pm then in the evening from 7pm. All proceeds will support the Bransgore Rotary chosen good causes.
Bransgore Rotary New Forest Car Show – Sunday 5th July
Forest Car Show 2026 will take place at The Playing Field in Bransgore. This year we are inviting modern classics alongside traditional classics and expanding the autojumble section even further. To register a vehicle or book an autojumble pitch, please visit our website: www.bransgorerotary.com
Bransgore Rotary Beer Festival – 25th – 27th September
Our popular Beer Festival returns on the last weekend of September, with around 80 beers to choose from and live music from: We Are Robot, Ratrace, The Rocca to name but a few, more details on www.bransgorerotary.com Bransgore Gold will return by popular demand. Watch out for advance tickets which will be available online soon.
Social Activities
Rotary isn’t only about fundraising; it is also about friendship. We spend time together at different events including theatre trips, games nights and a Safari Supper.
Where it all began
One of the most fascinating pieces of Rotary history dates back to 1905, when the very first Rotary meeting took place in Chicago, not in a hall or an office, but in the modest back room of a coal merchant’s shop. Four people gathered with a simple idea: to create a circle of professionals who could support one another while doing good in their community. They rotated their meetings between each other’s workplaces, which is how the name Rotary was born. From that small, practical arrangement grew a global movement that now spans more than 200 countries, proving that even the most world‑changing ideas can begin in the unlikeliest of places.
Thank you to everyone in our community for your continued support, kindness and enthusiasm. Whether you join us at events, volunteer your time, or simply stop for a chat when you see the Rotary wheel, you help make our work possible. Together, we are always doing something good and we look forward to sharing many more moments with you in the months ahead.