The Bransgore BeerFest 24 was held over the last weekend of September in the grounds of The Three Tuns. Fine weather during the weekend helped us to gather people from far and wide to enjoy beer and cider from prize winning brewers across the UK. Talented musicians entertained whilst Bransgore and Burton Scout Groups kept everyone fed. Over 100 volunteers put on their BeerFest T shirts and took to the barrels to keep the drinks flowing over the weekend.
The event is reporting to have achieved profits of around £31,000. This funding has already helped us to provide financial assistance to local charitable causes with donations to Burton Scouts, Bransgore School, Bransgore First Responders and sponsorship of Edward Sault’s sponsored swim for the Ian Pratt M.N. Foundation. We of course would not be able to do any of this without the support of you all, whether you volunteered, attended or shared the event – A massive Thank You from everyone at Bransgore Rotary CIO.
Remembrance Sunday offers us all an occasion to reflect on the service and sacrifice of individuals who have protected our freedoms and way of life. The red poppy is a symbol of both Remembrance and hope for a peaceful future. The club was represented by President Les Abbott who laid a wreath of poppies at the memorial service in Bransgore.
Christmas is fast approaching and in preparation, we have been successful in completing this year’s shoebox appeal. Each year we distribute empty shoeboxes to local schools, these are taken home by the school children and filled with gifts. The boxes are then collected and sent to children in countries such as Ukraine, Romania and Moldovia, who otherwise may not have received gifts. Without the generosity of families in the area who fill the boxes this would not have been possible.
Starting with the first club meeting in 1905, Rotary began their founding years focusing on building an organisation that encourages community connections based on friendship and service. In 1907, The Rotary Club of Chicago met with civic groups to discuss the need for comfort stations (public toilets) to improve sanitation in the city. Years later, although local community needs have changed, clubs across the world are still delivering community projects, small and large, to make a difference. As Christmas approaches, we are reflecting that we continue to deliver change 119 years after that first club meeting in Chicago. Without your donations, time and support none of our projects would be successful.
A massive Thank You and we wish you all a Merry Christmas and healthy and prosperous New Year.