10 INTERCLUB • VOLUME 28, ISSUE 1 - 2022 REACHING CLUBS SINCE 1995 The famous Bluff signpost - all roads do indeed lead to (and from) Bluff, although in recent times visitor numbers have been curtailed by the pandemic. C L U B S : B L U F F M E M O R I A L R S A New Zealand’s first recorded RSA-owned clubroom and our southern-most RSA, Bluff Memorial RSA, proudly provides a safe and sociable venue for locals, while the locals contribute to the successful running of the club with their voluntary donation of time and skill. Built on the main street of Bluff by Eunson and Jackson Builders of Invercargill in 1938/39, Bluff Memorial RSA was officially opened by Invercargill mayor Abraham Wachner, Bluff mayor John Cameron, MP J. Ralph Hannan, and Bluff RSA’s first ever president Norman McGorlick in June 1939. Less than three months later, the national RSA would mobilise to suppor t the government and the armed forces with the outbreak of WWII, with many RSA members taking a leading role in home defence, and more serving again overseas. Bluff Memorial RSA was there in 1945 to welcome home a new generation of returning servicemen and women, who joined the association that was begun by the generation before. With Phil Dickens now president of Bluff Memorial RSA, Peter (Robbo) Rober tson is suppor t advisor/manager, Hamesh Wyatt secretary for 11 years, and Craig Morris manager of this thriving small town club. Membership is about 280 and most Friday nights see a good turnout of about 60 to 80 members, some coming for dinner at the bistro. Members band together when something needs doing at the club. In 2016, the bar with one set of taps was challenging to run during and event day or a big weekend. With help from the members and donations of materials, craftsmanship, and a beautiful large macrocarpa bar top, the bar was extended to two sets of taps and plenty of room for two staff behind the bar. “There are a lot of people who come to the RSA and will help out when we need them,” Phil says. “We get things done through a huge amount of voluntary work.” A recent renovation and extension project to the club’s restrooms and the passageway leading up to them was completed in the same way. Proud to be a supplier to the Bluff RSA Liquorland Centrepoint - 252 Dee St, Invercargill | 03 211 3650 Centrepoint FOVEAUX COMMUNICATIONS LTD A Southland owned & operated company. Covering the Southland & Lakes District area. SPECIALISING IN: • FREEVIEW AERIALS & SATELLITE TV • VOIP PHONES / SYSTEMS • WIFI • SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS • ALL CABLING Contact us on 03 214 4700 or visit us at 49 Eye Street, Appleby, Invercargill MEDAL MOUNTING Full Size and Miniature Orders, Decorations and Medals. Court Mounted or Swing Style. If necessary medals cleaned and new ribbon supplied. Duplicate groups made up to order. Registered with the New Zealand Defence Force as an Approved Medal Mounter. Quality work guaranteed. Contact: Russell Barker, PO Box 4104, Whanganui 4541 Phone: 06 348 7336 Email: rmbarker@xtra.co.nz Website: www.kiwimedalmounting.com Long-running club a big part of community Kelly Deeks “We had to pay for some building work of course, but because it was done by our in-house people it was very reasonably priced.” Bluff RSA is missing some of the regular crowd-drawing events this year due to Covid cancellations, including the celebrated Bluff Oyster and Food Festival and the Bur t Munro Challenge. Takings are already about 40% down with the pandemic and on these event days, Phil says the club will see takings down about 80%. “We are getting through this Covid period and hoping things will turn around. "Some people have changed their habits now, they socialise at home a bit more, and I don’t think we will see some of them again. "There is also a bit of a divide in our community at the moment, between the anti-vaxxers and the anti anti-vaxxers.” Nonetheless, those still coming the the RSA are still very active. The ladies section in par ticular under takes not only their own social activities, but is also willing and available to provide catering services for par ties and other events held at the RSA. Likewise Robbo Rober tson is doing an outstanding job with Bluff Memorial RSA’s welfare services, which are well patronised and well received in the community. "There are a lot of people who come to the RSA and will help out when we need them." 195 Foreshore Rd, Bluff 9814 Ph: 03 212 8663 e: info@bew.co.nz Established in 1965 BEW ( Bluff Engineering & Welding ) have a long-standing reputation as first class Marine Engineers, Welding Specialists and suppliers of Maritime Services. B L U F F E N G I N E E R I N G & W E L D I N G C O • Specialist Welders • Maritime Engineering • General Engineering • Fitter & Turners • Fuel Management • Shipwright Services • Mechanical Engineering
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