Tauranga RSA opens new chapter

The mood matched the dark and gloomy weather as the flag was lowered for the last time at the old Tauranga RSA clubrooms yesterday.
But as emotional members wiped away tears, they looked to the future as the club's new venture becomes a model for others around the country to emulate.
It was standing room only as hundreds of members turned out in their finery, some wearing uniforms, medals and poppies, to farewell the Cameron Rd clubrooms which have been the RSA's home for 93 years.
On Thursday, a new era begins in the former Fahy's Motor Inn on Cameron Rd. The club made the decision to move after concerns about its long-term viability.
President of the Tauranga RSA John Holden urged members to look to the future.
"If any of you are feeling rather sad because it's the last of this particular era, I would ask you to reflect on the last two to three years, on the number of RSAs who have not looked to the future, and have had to close their doors permanently.
"This is not the closing of the RSA. The main thing behind the move was so that you could have a future for this RSA. Do not be sad, be quite happy we are on our way to a new premises."
National RSA president Robin Klitscher said Tauranga RSA was bucking the national trend of declining membership, with an increase of 9 per cent last year.
The club's move into a commercial venture could serve as a model for other ailing RSAs around the country, he said.
"It seems odd to be feeling good about the closure of an RSA. [But] this time we celebrate because the Tauranga RSA has recognised there was opportunity to change and improve its position.
"We are now gathered here in a glow of success. You are moving forward in such a way that the RSA movement as a whole are watching you with much anticipation."
The club's longest-serving member, John Pinkerton, reminisced about earlier days at the old premises.
"It's been great here for so long. I've seen it grow. When we first started it was a dry club. They've built it up."
But Mr Pinkerton, who served in Egypt, Italy and Japan in Word War II, was philosophical about the move, which he said was "life". The club would remain strong no matter where it was based.
 "It's friendship. You make friends with those that you served with. They are like brothers, that's the way I see it."
Veteran of the Korean War, Tai Butler August, read The Ode in Maori and said a prayer to mark the occasion.
The 80-year-old life member of the club said the tears being shed were not about the building, but for those lost at war.
"They are looking back, reflecting on their fathers, grandfathers, mothers, grandmothers. These thoughts are all coming back."
Mr Butler August was "glad" about the change, and pleased the club was looking to a viable future. "I'd like to see it carried on for our grandchildren."
Vietnam veteran Erik Kristensen, 77, likened the occasion to Anzac Day.
"It's quite emotional. When you remember the fallen it brings a certain sadness to you. The same thing happens on Anzac Day."