Blenheim RSA dedicates new home base

ADRIENNE MATTHEWS

There was no mistaking the sense of celebration at the Blenheim Bowling Club last Friday, as Blenheim RSA members finally walked through the doors of a place they can call home.

The packed opening marked the beginning of a new chapter and celebrated a partnership being hailed as a win-win for both organisations. The event attracted Marlborough District Councillors, the local Chief of Police and Chief of the Airforce.

Opened by Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor, the new facility provides the RSA with a dedicated base after the closure of its previous premises when the Clubs of Marlborough collapsed in 2022.

RSA president Sandy Snell said the new home brings relief and renewed opportunity, noting: “We will continue our work supporting RSA members and their whanau, while also encouraging younger veterans and community members to become involved.”

Blenheim Bowling Club President Lloyd Gallop says the project began when John Capill, RSA’s then-president, approached with a simple idea: to join forces and give the RSA somewhere to belong.

Local builder Andrew Pope of APH Design and Build won the contract for the addition which includes an RSA office, memorabilia room, storage room, expanded kitchen and much improved facilities.

Passionate about the project himself, he did everything possible to keep the price affordable by approaching his subcontractors and suppliers and asking if they could support the venture with their best pricing or donated materials.  “We had a great response,” he said.

The project was made possible through strong local financial support, including from the Hec Thornley Trust, Crafar and Crouch, Pelorus Trust, Jim Findlay, Burleigh Memorial Olive Grove, John Capill, Trillo Metals, Cuddons, Pub Charity, Greg Tomlinson and the Blenheim Lions Club.

Friday nights will be RSA nights at the Bowling Club, with raffles from 4pm and meals restarting when the kitchen opens on May 22.