TRUNDLE SERVICES & CITIZENS CLUB
In 1947 the returned servicemen of Trundle decided to form a social club where they could relax and enjoy each other’s company. Originally the Club was formed purely as an Ex-servicemen and women's club, but was one of the first clubs in NSW to realize the importance of admitting non-service citizens to membership without any discrimination as to voting rights.
W.J. Grant donated a block of land in Forbes Street for the construction of such a club and H.R. Mailer, J. Hogan, A.L. Atkinson, Brian Crowley and E.G. Sutton were appointed trustees.
A Committee consisting of E.G. Sutton, J. Hogan, Aub Hunt, Arthur Simpson, M. Curr, Joe Pritchard, Fred Stansfield, E. Curr, W. Hawkins, D. Barnes, J. Willmott and F. Logan were elected and set about raising the funds to purchase 2 old army huts from Cowra at a cost of $300 each. These huts were shifted from Cowra by Bill Hawkins and erected on the block by Jim Hogan and Joe Pritchard, who donated their services free. Other donations which helped the Club to get on its feet were from J.R. Burke who gave his legal services, the Trundle Electrical Company who donated the cost of connection to the electricity supply plus all electricity consumed, and the Berry Family who donated the billiard table.
The Club was opened on October 1, 1948 by Major Chanter and has served the town and its citizens ever since. G. Barnes was appointed as the first caretaker.
In l961 the Club undertook a programme of extensive structural renovation and expansion at which time a new kitchen, offices and common room were added.
In 1967 further additions and alterations were carried out at a cost of $55,000. Included in these additions were a spacious dining room, a dance floor, ladies lounge and air conditioning. The builder was J.P. Fullerton of Trundle and the architects were, T.A. Daley & Associates of Sydney.
The new additions were opened on July 10, 1967 by the Governor of NSW, Sir Roden Cutler. It was with great pride that the people of Trundle welcomed this eminent Australian, himself a distinguished ex-serviceman. Sir Roden was welcomed at the Memorial Hall by children of the district and a Guard of Honor formed by the local ex-servicemen and then proceeded to lay a wreath at the Shrine of Remembrance. At the Civic Welcome which followed he was addressed by the Shire President, Ken Turner and the President of the Trundle RSL, E.R. (Roy) Grellman
Sir Roden then proceeded to inspect local school children, Scouts, Cubs, Guides and Brownies. Children from outlying centres also travelled into town for the occasion.
At the Services and Citizens Club Sir Roden was welcomed by Mr L.A. Johnstone, MLA, and Mr Ken Turner, President of the Club. He then declared the Club officially open. Another pleasant duty was the presentation of a Life Membership Badge to Mr George Shaw. The day's programme was concluded with a luncheon at the War Memorial Hall.
In 1973 the Club entered a new stage in its history when it became incorporated under the Companies Act and now operates under that act. At the time of this incorporation the new Chairman of the Board of Directors, Cr. Ken Turner, paid tribute to the many citizens of the town who had laid the foundations of the Club, specifically mentioning the contributions of Geoff Sutton, Ted Curr, Mick Buckley, Jim Hogan, Gundy Guy, Jack McCarron, Simon Jenkins, Bill Hawkins and Joe Pritchard.
