Businesswoman elected to become president of Rotary club in Redland

A businesswoman who has supported charities and communities in need is set to become the president of the Bristol Breakfast Rotary Club.

 

Elaine Milne, of Milne Wealth Management, has been elected to the role and will take office in July – marking over a quarter of a century since women were first admitted into Rotary clubs worldwide.

 

Women in Rotary

Elaine, a financial adviser with more than 25 years’ experience, said: “I think women bring compassion and it’s good to have a balanced interaction.

“It helps to have people from diverse backgrounds with different ways of doing things. It brings varied viewpoints and more balanced interaction.”

Rotary was founded in 1905 by an attorney in Chicago, USA, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas. But women were only allowed to join in 1989 – after years of lobbying.

One year later there were 20,000 female members and today, with more than a tenfold increase, women make up nearly 25 per cent of membership. Rotary continues to diversify its membership to reflect the communities it serves.

Elaine, who joined in 2022 and has been junior vice president before becoming this year’s president elect, will be Bristol Breakfast Rotary Club’s third female president.

 

Giving back

Elaine, who more than 20 years ago experienced financial ruin to the point she was nearly made homeless, joined the club because of its charitable work.

She said: “I believe we each have a social responsibility and can do something for our local community. I am now fortunate to be able to help others, not just financially, but with time.”

Elaine, who delivers free financial guidance to people at the Hartcliffe and Withywood Community Partnership (HWCP) once a month, has raised tens of thousands of pounds for charity over the years.

She is also a member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), the premier association of financial professionals, which donates millions of dollars to good causes around the world each year through the MDRT Foundation.

One of her first projects with the Rotary was to help a Lego club at HWCP – set up by nine-year-old Landon Maynard, who was later given Rotary Young Citizen of the Year Award – arrange a trip to Legoland. The initiative helps get children and parents away from screens, as well as supporting those with conditions such as autism and ADHD.

 

 

Future

While serving as president, Elaine plans to boost fundraising efforts, grow membership and promote the work of Rotary more widely.

She said: “The club does a lot of work in South Bristol, where the need is huge, and I would like to see more fundraising initiatives to support local causes.

“There are so many good news stories to shout about and I’d encourage more people to get involved.

“It’s a friendly, supportive group with a broad range of expertise. We help each other out, from advice to introductions.”

Outgoing president Bernd Langheim said: “Elaine will bring a dynamic blend of proven leadership, a genuine passion for community service, and her well-established financial expertise to her presidential term.

“Her skills in mentoring and international experience are also expected to be valuable assets in guiding the Bristol Breakfast Rotary Club’s charitable and community-focused initiatives.”

The next fundraising event is the annual Dragon Boat Festival (DBF) on Sunday, June 8, at the Harbourside, in aid of three local charities: Lifeskills Learning for Living Bristol – promoting safety education to help people make safer choices; HWCP – supporting local community initiatives; and Unseen UK – working to end slavery.

 

Longstanding member and Dragon boat organiser Derrick Royall said: “This is a chance to have fun and raise money for charity. It’s open to everyone – from seasoned crew to first timers.”

He added of Elaine’s tenure: “Elaine is an infectiously enthusiastic person with an inspirational story. Her dynamic approach to life and caring spirit will stand her in very good stead to be President of our lovely club.”

 

· Bristol Breakfast Club meets from 7am to 8.30am every Wednesday at Redland Green Club, Redland Green. Guests are welcome to attend for free. For more information, visit: https://bristolbreakfastrotary.org.uk/

 

 

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For more information about the Dragonboat Race, visit https://www.bristolrotarydragons.org/

 

· For more information about Milne Wealth Management, visit https://www.milnewealth.co.uk/

 

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