When Bristol Breakfast Rotary Club asked me if I would consider being their President, I did not feel worthy of this most responsible role. It had been only 9 short months of my joining them with the intention to make a difference to those in need by using my skills and resources, and this invitation came as something of a surprise.

A club with a history of long standing members, many of whom have known each other for decades, all united in their quest to make a difference in their city and further afield, so familiar with Rotary that they have forgotten more than I will ever know, I wondered if my acceptance of the role was too much of a risk and beyond my capabilities.

In the time since I accepted this task and the gravity of its responsibility, I have learned so much about the power of Rotary. The members of this incredible club have welcomed me with open arms and without judgement. They have taught me so much and given me a path to integrate into the wonderful City of Bristol that I love so much and that I have come to call my home. For that I am grateful and so it is my turn to pay it forward.

This club makes it’s mark to improve the lives of so many people. From enabling children in the most poverty stricken areas in South Bristol to eat breakfast and encouraging them to believe they can have a successful future though our mentoring initiatives, to investing in electric cooking projects in Nepal, which ensures effective nutrition and prevents life changing injuries. Our reach spreads far and wide.

The message of Rotary International for 2025/26 is ‘Unite For Good’. To me, at this point in time, there is no greater example to illustrate this than how this Club has allowed me to unite with them to help them with the amazing work that they have done long before me, and to help them continue this ambition for many years to come.

As President of Bristol Breakfast Rotary Club, I look forward to sharing our journey over the coming year, telling the stories of the impact that we make for so many and inspiring the minds of the Rotarians of the future.

With best regards,

Elaine Milne

President

Rotary Dragon Boat Festival 2026

Raise money for your team’s chosen charity & Rotary selected projects. An opportunity for everyone to have a great day out.

WHAT IS DRAGON BOAT RACING?

Dragon Boat Racing has become a popular water sport in Britain. It caters for all ages in one crew, male and female, mixed abilities and people with disabilities. It requires no previous experience and above all it’s great fun. A Dragon Boat is similar to a long canoe, which requires a crew of 17 including a drummer to participate in each race. The sport organisers provide all the boats, instruction, paddles, buoyancy aids and safety systems.

TEAMS REQUIRED

Each team is asked to provide a crew of 17 including a drummer to participate in each race (must be a minimum crew of 13). All team members should be able to swim 50 yards in light clothing and the minimum age is 16. There will be a series of heats over a course of approximately 200 metres.

Each team will race in at least three heats and the fastest six teams will then go through to the semi-finals and finals.

SUPPORTING ACTIVITIES

There will be a professional Race Commentator on the day. Teams are encouraged to enter into the spirit of the Festival by wearing fancy dress or team hats & T shirts. Prizes will be awarded for the best fancy dress. It is strongly recommended that teams bring along their own gazebos, barbecues, food and drinks. The day will conclude with a prize giving ceremony.

RAISING MONEY FOR CHARITY

Teams will be raising money for their nominated charity and Rotary selected causes on a 50/50 basis unless otherwise agreed.Rotary Dragon Boat Festival 2026

AWARDS

Prizes will be awarded to:

1 The winning teams

2 The best fancy dress teams

3 The team that raises the most sponsorship money

4 The individual who raises the most sponsorship money

5 All individuals who personally raise over £250 in sponsorship

BOOKING FORM AND ENTRY COSTS

To reserve your team’s place please complete the booking online entry form available at:

www.peoplesfundraising.com/campaign/rotary-bristol-dragon-boat-festival-2026

As we can only race 36 teams in a day, registration will be on a first come first served basis.

The entrance fee of £550, which is good value for a day’s fun and Team Building, is due to be paid by 30th April 2026. This covers event running costs. Any surplus from the event will be donated to Rotary selected charitable projects.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available, for example sponsoring one of the Dragon Boats, the final or a complete sponsorship package for the whole event.

LOCATION

Baltic Wharf, Cumberland Road, Bristol BS1 6XG - close to the Cottage Inn.

DATE AND TIME

Sunday 28th June 2026. The first race will start at 10.00 a.m. 36 teams racing would be a full day with the final at around 5.00 p.m.

ANY QUESTIONS

Should be directed to:  derrick.rotary@outlook.com Tel 07747 125924

Event website: www.bristolrotarydragons.org

Millfield Pianist Hannah Yap Wins 2026 Rotary (Greater Bristol) Young Musician Competition

Millfield School student and pianist Hannah Yap has been crowned winner of the 2026 Rotary (Greater Bristol) Young Musician Competition following the final held on 23 January at the Bristol Beacon.

The Year 10 musician impressed judges with performances of three contrasting piano works, securing first place and progressing to the regional and national stages of the prestigious Rotary Young Musician Competition.

The event, organised by seven Rotary Clubs across the Greater Bristol region, featured instrumentalists and vocalists aged 13–17 performing at Grade 7 standard or above. Judges praised the overall standard as exceptionally high, highlighting the performers’ potential for future professional musical careers.

Key results

• Winner: Hannah Yap (Piano, Millfield School)

• Runner-up: Emilia Eggers (Violin)

• Third place: Tsz Wan Wong (Flute)

Hannah, from Street, began learning piano at the age of four and now practises for around two hours each day alongside regular violin and vocal study.

Speaking after the final, she said:
“Winning the Young Musician Competition meant a great deal to me. It was incredibly rewarding to see my hard work recognised, and it gave me confidence and motivation to continue developing as a performer.”

She credited Millfield’s structure for helping her balance academic studies with intensive practice:
“I plan my practice around my schoolwork and make good use of free periods and weekends. Millfield’s supportive environment has made it much easier to manage both at a high level.”

Hannah also praised the school’s music department for providing performance opportunities and mentorship:
“The programme really allows students to grow both technically and musically.”

Kirsty Barry, Director of Music at Millfield, added:
“This is just one in an amazing array of successes, demonstrating her love of music-making and hard work through practice and commitment.”

Looking ahead, Hannah hopes to perform more concerto and solo repertoire and to compete internationally, with ambitions to pursue music at a higher level and share it with wider audiences.