Winter Newsletter 2025

The final weekend of September saw the grounds of The Three Tuns come alive with the vibrant spirit of Bransgore BeerFest 25. Glorious weather set the stage for a spectacular celebration, drawing crowds from near and far to savour award-winning beers and ciders from top brewers across the UK.

Guests were treated to a feast of flavours, fantastic live music, and delicious food throughout the weekend. None of it would have been possible without our incredible team of dedicated volunteers, who kept the good times and the pints flowing across three unforgettable days.

Bransgore Rotary CIO BeerFest 25 is one of our cornerstone fundraising events, playing a vital role in supporting the ongoing work we do in the community. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who made it possible, whether you volunteered your time, joined us for the festivities, or helped spread the word. Your support is invaluable to us, and we simply couldn’t do it without you.

Remembrance Sunday provides a poignant moment for us all to pause and honour the courage and sacrifice of those who have defended our freedoms and way of life. The red poppy stands as a powerful symbol of remembrance and a shared hope for lasting peace.

This year, our club was proudly represented by President Les Abbott, who laid a wreath of poppies at the Bransgore memorial service in tribute to the fallen.

As Christmas draws near, we’re delighted to share the success of this year’s shoebox appeal. Each year, we distribute empty shoeboxes to local schools, which are lovingly filled with gifts by children and their families. These boxes are then collected and sent to children in countries such as Ukraine, Romania, and Moldova—many of whom might not otherwise receive a present during the festive season.

This heartwarming initiative wouldn’t be possible without the incredible generosity of our community. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who took the time to support us to bring smiles to children across the globe.

In Rotary’s early days, rotary founder Paul P. Harris believed that true service began with friendship. It is said that, One Christmas, he welcomed fellow Rotarians into their Chicago home for a simple Christmas meal. There were no grand gestures, just warmth, laughter, and the shared company. This festive evening captures the essence of Rotary: connection, compassion, and community. The same spirit lives on in every shoebox appeal, festive hamper, and sleigh run organized by Rotarians around the world. As Paul once said, “Friendship was the foundation rock on which Rotary was built.” At Christmas, that foundation glows a little brighter.

As the year draws to a close, we extend our deepest thanks to everyone who has supported us throughout another incredible year. Your generosity, enthusiasm, and community spirit make all the difference. From all of us at Bransgore Rotary CIO, we wish you a joyful Christmas and a healthy, prosperous New Year!