Ron Frith from the Terrace End Bowling Club is given the tin hat trophy from RSA trust chairperson Leith Rowe. PICTURE: DALE WICKEN
Ron Frith from the Terrace End Bowling Club is given the tin hat trophy from RSA trust chairperson Leith Rowe. PICTURE: DALE WICKEN
A World War I German helmet is back in the possession of the Terrace End Bowling Club after spending years in RSA storage.
The tin hat trophy was presented back to the club by RSA trust chairperson Leith Rowe on Friday night, much to the delight of bowling club members.The trophy was rediscovered during an RSA inventory by stand-in welfare officer Evan Torrance but was never meant to be placed in storage.
"We didn't want to see it away under lock and key," said Ms Rowe.
The helmet was converted into a trophy in 1937 and has been played for since then with various RSAs across the Manawatu district having their name etched on as winners. Ms Rowe believes it was put away for insurance purposes but wanted it to be back at the bowling club for everyone to enjoy.
A number of historical books were also discovered in the inventory process and donated to Massey University library.
The RSA was placed into receivership at the end of last year due to rising debt. Mr Torrance attributes the downfall to the dwindling number of active members, which made the business unable to trade profitably.
The trust is still actively providing support to members. Welfare officers are stationed at the city library twice a week to assist returned services members. RSA members in hospital are also visited weekly by trust members.
"We want people to know that we're still around - the RSA might be gone but the trust and members are still active," said Ms Rowe.
