The Tamborine Mountain RSL Sub Branch gathered at St Bernards Hotel on November 27 for its end of year Christmas celebration.
The event recognised long-standing members, centenarians and one particularly special contributor, their volunteer bugler, Freddie Fenton.
Freddie began playing the bugle for the Sub Branch as a schoolboy and, more than a decade later, continues to sound the solemn calls at Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and local commemorative ceremonies.
Tamborine Mountain RSL president Phill Hunter thanked him for his years of service to the RSL.
“Every time in the 10 years I’ve been president, whether it be Anzac Day or Remembrance Day, Freddie made himself available,” he said.
“Freddie was only a young schoolboy when he started, and now he’s 27, married, and still playing for us, so for that, we are so thankful.”
The Sub Branch formally presented Freddie with a symbolic bugle statuette, honouring his service not only to the RSL but to schools, Masonic lodges, bands and wider community groups. “It’s about time the RSL stood up and recognised Freddie properly,” Phill said.
The afternoon also included recognition of organizational service and leadership. Current president Phil Hunter and former presidents Geoffrey Baldwin and John Brookes, who could not be in attendance, were formally acknowledged for their cumulative 30 years of membership and dedication to the RSL.
There was further applause for Ian Hart, who is turning 100 on December 4 and marking 50 years of RSL membership.
Members also paid tribute to long-serving volunteers, past presidents and the role of the Sub Branch in keeping community connections strong.
Mr Hunter reflected on their long association with the RSL.
“We do a reasonably good job of holding this sub-branch together and keeping our communities connected,” he said.
