When Denis Dorgan became secretary-manager of the Wanganui East Club almost two decades ago, membership was a modest 400.
Today it's about 1500, including Mayor Annette Main, a tribute to the hard work Mr Dorgan and his "excellent" committee have put into taking the club forward.
But Mr Dorgan's time out East
is about to go West. At 52, he's decided to move on.
From June, he'll be looking for a career change.
"I feel it's time for a change. The June deadline gives me plenty of time to see what's out there. I haven't a clue what I want to do next but I feel I've still got plenty of working life left in me."
One thing he won't be doing again is running a bar. The unsociable hours just don't sit well with him any more. In fact the only clubs he'll want to know about from June are the ones he'll be taking to his favourite golf course.
Then there's all the paperwork that goes with the territory. The Gaming Act requires club and pubs to ensure patrons are betting responsibly while there are endless liquor licensing requirements to consider as well.
In this day and age, publicans have to be parents too, he laments.
On what it takes to run a good club, Mr Dorgan is adamant: a good manager working in harmony with a top committee. "It takes a top team effort."
One of his proudest achievements as manager was coming up with the $1.2million that went towards renovations at the club late last year - a new bar, new fittings, restaurant etc. Members have embraced them enthusiastically, he says.
Enjoying the creature comforts is Mayor Main, who likes nothing more than sharing a drink with her father Bill on the odd night.
"We claim her," Mr Dorgan said.
