Rex Coombes, Harry Pregnell and Michael Muir planning the Manly-Lota
RSL Christmas Party, with potential Father Christmas Col Pickering looking on. Photo by Harvey Shore.
BY HARVEY SHORE
Harry Pregnell, President of the Manly-Lota RSL, remembers the first big Christmas Party his sub-branch organised for its members and their families at the Wynnum Manly Leagues Club over a decade ago.
“It was a modest affair, with just 15 or so people sitting around two tables”, he recalled. Since then, Harry Pregnell and his team – immediate past president Michael Muir and Senior Vice President Rex Coombes – have worked hard to lift the Christmas spirit up several notches, and enfold every member of their RSL.
As a result, this year’s Christmas Party (on Saturday December 6) will be the biggest ever staged by the small sub-branch in Manly. Over 160 members have already booked to attend the event.
“Our planning for this year’s event has been ongoing for months. As always, our focus has been on friendship and support, in accordance with our motto: Mateship In Practice,” Mr Pregnell said.
“Our Christmas aim has always been to foster a community atmosphere, and to support veterans and their families, especially those who are battling. This year, our Christmas party is being held as usual at the Wynnum Manly Leagues Club. The response from members has increased five-fold. We intend matching it with an increase in festivities. For example, every member attending this year will receive a specially designed Christmas present.
“Our Christmas plans this year have been supported by many community organisations, which is greatly appreciated by our Veterans. In response, our executives are holding an additional Christmas BBQ at our Manly Hall on the weekend before Christmas, for all members and their families, and our supporters, to spread the Christmas cheer. We’re working hard to make 2025 a very special merry Christmas for all.”
