Members of the Canning Districts RSL Sub Branch are celebrating a major milestone – the 70th anniversary of the opening of the club.
It was on February 27, 1955 that the club was officially opened at its current site, 162 Wharf Street in Cannington. Members celebrated wit a 50s music and dress theme last Saturday, March 1, with more than 80 attendees.
Club secretary Eleanor Wilkins said it was a special day, with members having a lot to celebrate.
“The sub branch started as a small house and has developed greatly over the years,” Ms Wilkins said.
“In 1984 an extension was added to give the building the dining and events hall. It was again added onto in 1996 with the addition of a bar, the outdoor patio and garden area. The Cenotaph and memorial garden, dedicated to the memory of those who passed in 1917, were developed I 1975. At this time, we were the Canning Districts Victoria Park RSL, later becoming just Canning Districts. More recently we have updated the internal dance area and had a beautiful mural painted on the front of the building and have added some commemorative fence panels.”
There are currently 65 veterans enrolled, 27 affiliate members and a social membership of 120. There are also four life members some of which have been members for about 40 years.
Anzac Day is the biggest event of the year, with 600 attending last year’s Dawn Service. Remembrance Day is also high on the list of importance, as well as Vietnam Veterans Day.
“As much as these events are important, so too is the comradery, support and welfare for our veterans,” Ms Wilkins said.
“We are now in the process of planning another extension, hoping to raise enough funds to upgrade the toilet facilities to make them more compatible for the disabled and the elderly. We hope to improve the frontage to make the entrance more attractive. The committee constantly strives to improve the sub branch for our veterans.”
The club is open Thursday through to Sunday from 3.30pm and serves meals to members on a Friday night from 6pm. There are also regular social events such as dance nights, quiz nights and dart competitions.
