As we move into the final stretch before Christmas, the past week has been a reminder of what makes our club special - fellowship, service, and looking out for one another.
Our Christmas party on Saturday night at the Cobb & Co Museum was a wonderful evening, shared by 48 members and partners. Unfortunately work commitments prevented me attending but by all reports, it was a relaxed and enjoyable evening. It was especially meaningful to have Bill Klaassen there on the night. Bill is a founding member and an anchor of this club, and for him to attend despite the sad passing of his wife of 68 years on Wednesday meant a lot to all of us. Bill, your presence was appreciated more than you know.
A big thanks to Tony J for doing much of the heavy lifting in organising the night, to Andrew K for the table decorations, and to Rob and Liddy B for supplying the raffle prizes; and of course, to Matho for marshalling the troops.
It was a busy weekend all round. Several members travelled out to Dalby to support the Dalby Rotary Club at the Dalby Stockhorse Sales, their major fundraiser. Over four days, Craig M, Tony J (again!), Alistair W, Peter H, Geoff S, John L, Phillip C, and David G put in the time to help fellow Rotarians. Thank you Men - it’s the sort of support that strengthens Rotary across our region.
In between all that, Tony J and Geoff S collected another load of books from Downlands College for RAWCS, and on Monday Henry C, Geoff S, and Phil G will be collecting 70 boxes of books from Glennie for the same program. A lot of behind the scenes organisation, and a spell of steady work goes into these pickups, and it doesn’t go unnoticed. Your efforst are appreciated, Fellas.
Finally, our condolences again to Bill on the loss of his wife, and to Roger on the passing of his mum. The Klaassens are important to this club, and your loss saddens us. Please know you are in our thoughts.
See you Thursday.
Club News
KLAASSEN, Sophia Maria Johanna,
Late of Middle Ridge, passed away peacefully in loving hands, on 3rd December 2025, aged 89 years.
Dearly loved Wife of Bill. Much loved Mother of Frances, Michael, Roger, Wendy, Michelle and their families.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend Sophia's funeral, to be held at the T.S Burstow Chapel, 1020 Ruthven Street (south) Toowoomba, service commencing at 2:30 pm, Monday, 15th December 2025. Please wear bright colours.
"Forever in our Hearts"
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.
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 27.11.2025
Cam Ashmore, Wayne Barnett, Dave Birrell, Ron Bowden, Rod Brilliant, Andy Burke, Alex Burrell, Peter Burrows, Phil Charles, Jim Charlton, Bob Cheesman, Graham Christensen, Col Davidson, Steve Davis, Shane Fisher, Andrew Kratzmann, Russell Manns, Peter McLoughlin, Mark Redmond, Toby Sandell, Doc Smith, Matt Wentzel, Mark Winter
Apologies 11.12.2025
Cam Ashmore, Wayne Barnett, Dave Birrell, Ron Bowden, Rod Brilliant, Andy Burke, Pete Burrows, Jim Charlton, Bob Cheesman, Shane Fisher, Dave Groves, Peter Hardwick, Andrew Kratzmann, Craig Mathieson, Brett Motton, Peter McLoughlin, Mark Redmond, Toby Sandell, Allan Schefe, Doc Smith, Mark Winter
