As State Coordinator for RSL Day Clubs NSW and living on the Far North Coast, I try to visit all our local clubs at least twice a year, and last Thursday was Grafton’s turn.

So, taking my Assistant Area Coordinator Bev Daley with me we headed for the Big River RSL Day Club, and its new meeting place, the Grafton District Services Club, and upon entering, what a surprise, with such a pleasant room welcoming us, with its new carpet and freshly painted. It was warm and cosy, with plenty of laughter around the room. We were welcomed by the Coordinator Dianne Vine, and I knew then it was going to be a worthwhile visit.

Dianne introduced us to her volunteers and members and as we moved around the room, I caught up with the oldest member of the Day Club, Joyce Morrow who is 97 years old and has been attending the Day Club for the past 15years. Joyce remarked that Thursday was the highlight of her week, catching up with old friends enjoying a cuppa and a fantastic, cooked lunch every week. 

Morning tea was served with freshly cooked biscuits and a warm cuppa, followed by a quiz and plenty of conversation… all this for just $10 per day.

The afternoon was taken up with a game of Bingo and there were great prizes to be won. The RSL Day Club is opened to all the community, not just RSL members.

The Big River RSL Day club commenced in 2003 and always met in the Joan Muir Hall, but because of Covid, things changed, and a new venue was sought, hence the GDSC.

So, if you are lonely and or isolated, looking to make new friends, enjoy great company, then the Big River Day Club is for you. Please contact Dianne on 0412 484 917 and transport can be arranged.

 Tom Barnsley

(State Coordinator RSL Day Clubs NSW)