Community & Business
11 December, 2025
A touching tribute to Joffre Bell
The memory of Joffre Bell was honoured by a poignant parade and RSL memorial service held in Clifton on Monday morning.
Mr Bell, a World War II veteran, passed away in November at the age of 105.
A crowd of over 100 people lined King Street for the parade held prior to the service, making their way to Edward Street surrounding the cenotaph.
The Clifton RSL Sub Branch led the service.
Sub Branch President Anne Glasheen served as M.C. and spoke of Mr Bell’s background and contributions to the Clifton community, which spanned many decades and many organisations.
The Clifton Cenotaph was a fitting host of the service, given Mr Bell’s role within the Clifton RSL Sub Branch, being involved with Anzac Day services for many years.
Fellow Sub Branch member Chris Burgess spoke of Mr Bell’s military service.
Wreaths were laid, including by President of the Old Southportonians’ Association Craig Hobart and Councillors Carol Taylor and Edwina Farquhar on behalf of Toowoomba Regional Council.
Past and current service members, family, friends and members of the wider community were invited to place a poppy on Mr Bell’s coffin.
Part of the service was a flypast by Royal Australian Air Force C-27J aircraft followed by a flyover of four aircraft from the Southport Flying Club in Missing Man formation, with one plane peeling off as they passed overhead.
Local police led the procession down King Street having closed off King and Edward streets to traffic.
Family and friends attended a service at the T. S. Burstow Chapel in Toowoomba later in the day.
Everyone who contributed to the parade and RSL memorial service should be proud of what they have done.
