RSA Review Spring 2020

13 RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2020 Proud to Support Whangarei RSA Level 2, 2 James Street, Whangarei, TEL 09 470 2244, FREEPHONE 0800 100 633, www.adamstrimmer.co.nz AROUND THE TRAPS - WHANGAREI RSA The Whangarei RSA’s move to brand-new premises has been several years in themaking. And the new location (16 Hannah St) is prov- ing very popular, says Angela Thomas from Whangarei RSA. “It’s nice, new and modern. Everyone is loving it.” The new building has history – it has been a nightclub, a tinting shop, and a garage. The RSA has made huge changes inside and out. Spreadover two levels, thedownstairs houses five offices available for day or weekly rent with a shared lunchroom and toilet facilities. Each office has air conditioning and wifi. There is also a function room that can seat 50 people for a meal or 100 theatre-style. The RSA can provide catering. Downstairs is also home to thewelfareofficeand the ever-changing memorabilia display from the RSA collection. Upstairs,membersareenjoyingthenewbistro. It is open for lunch Wednesday to Friday and for dinner Wednesday to Saturday. The RSA takes care of all meals in-house. Themenu includes tried-and-true favourites such as lamb shanks, roast of the day, burgers and chips, with children’s meals also on offer. Desserts include lemon and lime cheesecake and ice cream sundaes, and you can folow up with barista coffee. It all adds up an upmarket feel for the new facilities, says Angela. The bar is upstairs, andAngela saysmembers are enjoying the intimate cosy atmosphere where they can meet friends and make new ones over a drink and a bar snack. Pool tables, dart boards and a gaming area are all part of the mix, and the new dance floor is kept busy with line dancing on Tuesdays, ceroc on Thursdays, livemusic on Friday nights and salsa on Sundays. Club nights are held on Wednesdays and Fridays with raffles starting at 4.30pmand door prize draws from 6.30-6.45pm. A lift makes the venue easily accessible. Angela says the RSA is going strong with around 1200 members. The need for repairs at the previous venue (9 Rust Ave) prompted the move, she says. It made more sense to release capital and invest in a new location. The new facility has been open since early August, but a grand opening has had to be delayed because of Covid-19 restrictions. However, there are plans for a weekend of frivolity, celebrations and live music. Keep an eye on the RSA website (www. whangareirsa.co.nz ) for this andmore upcom- ing events. wHanGarei Moves – and ‘everYone is LovinG it’ PHOTOS: Top left: The Whangarei RSA top brass...from left, vice-president Bruce Abbott, bar man- ager Donna Mewett and president Kevin Peachey. Above: Club members gather for a meeting. Below/ lower left: The new dance floor is kept busy by groups and performers.