Rising costs force Picton RSA move

Picton’s Returned Services Association (RSA) is moving from its current home of 80 years.

Rising rates and insurance costs means staying put at their Wellington Street venue would come at the expense of helping local returned veterans.

With the RSA losing money for the last decade, it just wasn’t sensible to stay, says committee vice president Greg Childs.

The move to the Texas Tea Bar & Grill will benefit the RSA, he adds.

“The Picton RSA has been losing money for the last decade at least, and while the premises was sold in 2016 to (former District Councillor) David Oddie who’s been a godsend of a landlord, the numbers and attendances reducing and bills rising, mean it wasn’t sustainable or sensible to stay.

“We need money in the bank to support our returned servicemen and women but at the current rate, we’d be out of funds by the end of the year.

“While it’s very sad to move on from our home building, it is just a building and we’re not losing the spirit and support of the RSA.”

After doing an audit of 30 other possible venues before making the final decision to move, committee members found an eager partner in Texas Tea Bar & Grill on the High Street.

The owners there have been very supportive, Greg says.

“Louise and Paul at Texas Tea have been so welcoming, and it was a no-brainer for us as they’re allowing us to create our new home.

“They’re completely on board, from allowing us to keep all the funds from our quiz nights and raffles, giving discounts to all RSA members all the way to us installing a flagpole to raise and lower each day, and applying for an Anzac Day morning special license.”

Some items, like pool and snooker tables, will need to find new homes.

However, discussions are already underway with the Marlborough District Council and Defence Force personnel to rehome the howitzer to another place of pride in Picton, it is hoped.

While the final food will be served and pints poured on Saturday, Greg says there’s little downtime for RSA members. The new premises will open for the traditional Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 5pm next week.

The new space will free up funds to help more members, Greg says.

“With our new space, we’re going to avoid the rates and bills that have been limiting what we can do for our members with the Welfare Fund.

“This will open up so many new possibilities like having welfare officers at the Picton Library fortnightly.

“Moving is also going to be very handy for members for Anzac Day or coming off the ferries, as we’re right in the centre of town now which is a huge positive for us having more people coming along.”

“While we are going to have to spend some time moving in and moving out, there’s no drop off for our members in the services we have every week.

“It’s the next evolution of the Picton RSA, a new location because home is where the heart is.”

Lease offers for the Wellington St site are required by 5pm March 21.