OFFICIALS from Rathmines Memorial Bowling Club have made an extraordinary plea for community support in the wake of declining patronage that threatens the venue's survival.
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Club president Bob Boxall put it simply: "Our message to the local community is please come down and support us, because if you don't, we won't be here."
The club is not your average licensed venue.
The heritage-listed building was originally the officers' mess for the RAAF's flying boat base at Rathmines from 1941.
It is adorned with memorabilia from the Catalinas and the defence force personnel who lived and worked at the base during World War II.
Senior vice-president Ron Tomlinson-Smith, the veteran of 24 years as a board member of the club, said the history of the building had national significance.
"The defence of this country once depended on this base," he said.
"There were 3000 defence force personnel based here."
But he conceded that history alone was not enough to preserve the club's future.
"We need to stir up some loyalty from the locals - young or old, we don't care - but we need them to support us."
Declining revenue in recent years has forced the club to make tough decisions.
"We've made a big effort to cut back on costs," Mr Boxall said.
The nine staff had been cut to five casuals, he said.
"Club volunteers are cleaning the place five days a week, and even helping out behind the bar at times."
In the three months to June this year, the club made savings of $30,000 on the same period in the previous year, he said.
But the catch is the club does not have the money to spend on features that might increase patronage.
The club once offered a courtesy bus service, but it was dropped because of a lack of use.
The site is owned by Lake Macquarie City Council.
"We're still negotiating with council in the area of assistance, and we hope to meet with them again in the near future," he said.
The future
BOB Boxall conceded that without a turnaround in patronage, the club could cease to operate.
The prospect of a takeover, or amalgamation with another club, was also possible.
‘‘This area and this club has too much history and ambience to be allowed to disappear,’’ he said.
The club is a hub for bowlers, has a bar and gaming room, bistro and snooker room with a jukebox, and the grounds – which are surrounded on three sides by water – are the perfect spot for a picnic or barbecue with the family, he said.
‘‘If you come down here on a sunny day, the ambience is unmatched,’’ Mr Boxall said.
