Trish Stone (left) and Rachael Watts enjoy being part of the Rotorua RSA. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER
Trish Stone (left) and Rachael Watts enjoy being part of the Rotorua RSA. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER
Rachael Watts isn't your typical RSA member.
She isn't an ex-service person, she's under 60 and what's more - she's a woman. But Miss Watts is exactly the type the Rotorua RSA is encouraging to join.
"I just basically love the friendly atmosphere. I can come here by myself andas a single female, it feels safe, it's like a home.
"They say, 'We like giving you a warm welcome because we're nosy,' and I really like that, everyone is so down to earth."
The 40-year-old chef said she originally joined with former workmates a year ago and as a group they enjoyed a few after-work drinks on a Friday afternoon.
"They loved it, it's in the middle of town, and we could pop down have drink and there wouldn't be any worries. It's a lot cheaper here than in a lot of bars and places in town.
"Everyone is relaxed and even if people don't know you they will say hello. I usually come down after work, have a tutu (play) on the pokies, have a yarn to a few people, have a game of 8-ball, it's great."
Miss Watts said she enjoyed being able to talk to long-service members who fought for their country.
"You can sit down and have a conversation with them and hear their life experiences, what they've done and even what their kids are doing, it's so interesting.
"This place is also a war museum so it's a work of art in itself. "It's different to going to other places, you can be here by yourself or even if you're in a group of females, you can sit and have a chat without being hit on.
"I will always encourage people to join the RSA, just trying to break down that old-fashioned belief that it's only for older people. Those in their 20s and 30s can come, have a good time while also supporting what the RSA stands for," she said.
