Today marked the eighth Rotary Networking event, bringing together a diverse group of local professionals, community leaders, and business owners. The meeting was opened by Tony Stubbs, President of Gordano Breakfast Rotary, who welcomed everyone and spoke about the value of both individual and corporate membership. Tony highlighted how Rotary membership isn’t just about supporting good causes but also about fostering strong business and community connections.

We then went around the room, each attendee sharing a little about their work and projects:

• Mark Terrell – author of a book on motivation, supporting businesses to understand what truly drives people.
• Tracy – runs an initiative in Portishead Marina, providing reusable bags around the harbour for people to borrow, use, and return.
• Bryan Pycroft – Director of the much-loved Portishead Christmas Lights, a project that brings joy and community spirit every year.
• Jason Sharpe – offers tuition and also spoke passionately about the Little Bag initiative, encouraging people to “grab it, fill it, and bin it” to help reduce litter locally.
• Jane Geldart – an independent celebrant in North Somerset.
• Funso Ojo – provides branding and business services, helping organisations strengthen their identity.
• Garry Hughes – local mortgage advisor.
• Marina Sabolova (Inner Gym / OK Talk) – founder of Inner Gym and host of the Chatty Café in Portishead, creating community spaces to connect and support wellbeing.
• Jo Gay – also representing the Christmas Lights project.
• Chris Briggs – massage therapist focusing on corporate massage, with a mission to “give back” by helping people overcome stress and tension.
• Roger Harper – President of The Grateful Society, supporting elderly people in Bristol.
• Xander Wikld (River Arts Media) – videographer offering creative video services for businesses and organisations.

The meeting also featured Tracy’s reusable bag project, where she showed her handmade bags and explained how they are now available around the Marina. This simple yet powerful initiative encourages everyone to be mindful about waste and take part in keeping our community clean.

The session closed with plenty of networking and conversations about how we can all support one another, both in business and in community life.

Rotary continues to provide a platform where local professionals can connect, collaborate, and contribute to the wider community. The success of today’s event shows the growing value of these networking sessions—building relationships that matter.

Our next Rotary Networking event will take place on Friday 26th September 2025.
Make sure to book your place early and join us for another inspiring session of business and community connections.