Thursday’s lunchtime meeting at the Downs Club was well attended, noisy, and full of laughter—a fitting way to mark our first proper meeting of the second half of our Rotary year. There was a great energy in the room and plenty of conversation across the tables, which is always a healthy sign for our club.
It has already been a busy start. Last Friday (16th) we held our first Bunnings BBQ of the year at Toowoomba North. The timing was slightly unusual being a Friday rather than our usual Saturday, but it was very pleasing to see the roster full. According to Tony J, who coordinated the event, it was a successful day of fellowship and camaraderie, even if a little light on the fundraising result. That said, it is important to have our foot back in the door at this site after being out of the rotation for too long. The club’s thanks go to all members - and two partners - who put in a shift.
At Thursday’s meeting, Ronnie B circulated a volunteer list for a clean-up at Flexi School on Saturday the 17th. When I put my name down, I admit I was a little concerned by the short list. As it turned out, we had thirteen on the day, and despite a wide range of abilities on display, we smashed through the tasks Ronnie set for us in no time. It genuinely warms the heart to see the enthusiasm our members bring to these working bees. You may feel you cannot contribute as much as others, but everyone’s participation is truly valued.
Our speaker on Thursday was Danny Rush, who gave his Member’s Profile. New members often approach this with some trepidation, I know I did; but it soon becomes evident that we are genuinely interested in the backgrounds of those joining our ranks. We are a large club with busy members, and these profiles are an effective way for us to get to know one another properly.
This Thursday’s meeting (22nd) is again at the Downs Club, with VP/PE Peter holding court. I also look forward to catching up at our social gathering at The Fed on Friday (23rd) evening.
See you then.
(Apologies to Geoff K and Conor M – on a tip run when working bee photos taken).
Club News
Mark your diaries, phones or calendars!
Two upcoming social events are booked in.
Friday 23rd of January from 5pm at the Federal Hotel in James Street for a drink and or dinner. No cost and RSVP will be required in January. A good opportunity to bring a friend who maybe interested in Rotary along.
Sunday 15th February from 3pm to 5pm at Matho’s place, 11 Belgium St, South Toowoomba. A gin tasting to answer questions like tonic or soda, is there a sipping gin, how is gin made etc. There will be snacks provided. Cost to be confirmed in January and numbers will be limited to 22 people. Club members get priority, but the event will be opened to non-members in early February if not full.
Cheers Craig
Good morning all,
Barney & Lea, Danny, Geoff K, Henry & Sue, Rod Brilliant (good to see you again), Mark, Rod Brown, Gav (you made it), Rob, Eddie (Thanks for visiting the better Club), John C, John L, Ron, (hope I did not miss anyone).
First and foremost, a BIG thank you all for giving up part of yesterday’s, to assist in our Club’s experimental and FIRST Friday at Bunnings North.
YOUR support was overwhelming to say the least and yes, we had more hands than necessary, that’s part of the unknown at times, but You all turned up.
To me personally, the Fellowship, Camaraderie, and our Social interactions at these events, far outweigh the, other, purpose of our FUN- raising.
For general Information, we have raised a net of about $800.00 on the day. Thank you for your individual efforts and contributions. I believe it was a good result!
Again, please accept my personal and the Club’s THANK YOU!
PS I also forgot to take photos! Our webmaster will not be happy, well next time!
A fee will apply to any member late with an apology regardless of whether the number attending on the meeting day of the meeting is over, under or equal to what the Club Secretary submitted to the Downs Club. This fee will only apply to meetings at the Downs Club or any other club meeting where attendance numbers have to be stipulated prior to the meeting.
A Club member will be charged a meal fee of $20 if they
fail to submit any apology before 11am on Tuesday for the meeting the following Thursday (48 hrs later)
need to submit a late apology due to changed circumstance.
Fail to show up after indicating they would be present.
The members owing a fee of $20 will notified by the Club Secretary and Club Treasurer via an emailed
Late apology fee notice.
The fee can be paid by direct credit into the RCTE Club account or by adding $20 to the $35 meal fee at the next club meeting
Apologies 15.01.2026
Cam Ashmore, Wayne Barnett, Dave Birrell, Rod Brilliant, Andy Burke, Peter Burrows, Phillip Charles, Jim Charlton, Bob Cheesman, Col Davidson, Shane Fisher, Dave Groves, Peter Hardwick, Andrew Kratzmann, Peter McLoughlin, Toby Sandell, Alan Schefe, Doc Smith, Ross Watt, Mark Winter
Apologies 22.01.2026
Cam Ashmore, Wayne Barnett, Dave Birrell, Rod Brilliant, Jim Charlton, John Creedon, Shane Fisher, Peter Hardwick, Andrew Kratzmann, Peter McLoughlin, Toby Sandell, Doc Smith, Mark Winter
