Is this their last march? Bruce Rodgers, John King, Marcus Gillespie with Newport RSL President Jim Gresty. 80599 Picture: VANESSA CHIRCOP
By VANESSA CHIRCOP
FOR members of the Spotswood Kingsville RSL last Anzac Day was bittersweet.
The handful of the sub-branch’s members that turned out for the service – some of the last remaining members, were only too aware that it may be the last time they march under their beloved RSL’s name.
It has been rumoured for several years that the Spotswood Kingsville RSL’s time would soon be up, with the club losing many of their members after a fire tore through and destroyed the club in 1999.
The remaining members, not ready to throw in the towel, kept it going for another 12 years.
Despite not having enough numbers to hold their own Anzac Day services the members were welcomed by the Newport RSL to take part in their celebrations.
But last Wednesday may have been their last march.
President Bruce Rodgers said they would know more in the next few days.
Secretary and World War II veteran Marcus Gillespie said the few remaining members would probably join the surrounding RSLs.
“Since the fire in 1999 a lot of our members went their different way,” he said.
But Marcus didn’t let the possible closure ruin his day.
“It’s our day,” he said.
Anzac Day holds an extra special meaning for the 87-year-old with his uncle being one of the few lucky soldiers to come home after serving in Gallipoli.
As reported by Star in March, the Victorian RSL Chief Executive Officer Michael Annett confirmed the sub-branch is facing closure if circumstances don’t improve.
“It’s a story of a declining veteran demographic… and just whether they can keep going with an aging committee that has really done its best,” he said.
“But without new blood or without new members it’s very hard to keep going.”
