A Sub-branch of the Returned Serviceman's League was first formed at South
Arm in 1952.
The South Arm RSL Sub Branch was first formed at a meeting arranged by
the late Mr F.C.George on the 20th July 1952. This was a meeting of exservisemen
in attendance, Mr F.C.George Mr A.Cripps, Mr A.Drury, Mr C.O.Calvert, Mr
H.Hutton,Mr E.Kallend, Mr A.Ryan,Mr R.Woods,Mr L.C.George,Mr R.Fletcher,Mr
C.L.Morrisby,Mr E.Oleszkiewicz,Mr.V.Wheeler jnr, Mr M. Howard, and Mr E.G.Wordle.
Because of
the low number of members the Club operated as a Sub Section of the Clarence
R.S.L. and in September 1953 the required number of members was reached
and was accepted as a official Sub Branch. Membership slowly increased
over the next two years,an approach was made to the Licensing Branch for
the Club to operate as a Registered RSL, this was granted in August 1955.
Below Mr Eddie Marlowe (Oleszkiewicz)the remaining member of the original group of Returned Serviceman who formed the RSL Sub-branch of South Arm.
(Formally the South Arm RSL Club 1955--68)
The name change 27TH -MAY-1968
The RSL Sub Branch operated from the Calverton Hall under an agreement
with the owner Mr Alma Calvert o.a.m. until such time as a Club room could
be built.
During this time funds were raised to build the Cenotaph. Over the next
seven years the Club grew and the Committee decided that land had to be
found to build a club House.After deliberation between Committee and its
members it was decided to purchase land that was owned by the late Mr Les
Alomes who at that time lived at what is now known as Blessington St. And
Which was previously occupied by the late Mr Murrum Sweet. Soon finance
was arranged and the plans drawn up, it was then started by the members
and working bee's.Once the concrete slab was poured it was then handed
over to a Building Contractor to finish the new Club facing onto South
Arm Road.It was opened October 1962
Over the next few years the club was operated very successfully and
made several changes to the building to cover the growing membership. Around
1989 it was proposed that the club should expand and incorporate a Golf
Club. The land was purchased from Mr Don Calvert along the South Arm Road.It
would combine the Sub Branch, The RSL Club and the Iron Pot Golf Course,
all combined under the one roof. This all went ahead and the last function
in the old Club was in the form of a members and guests Luncheon on the
12th February 1995.The old Club closed and the new one opened on the Wednesday
1st March 1995.
Life Members of the R.S.L.
On the left is the old RSL Club
building. The Members of the R.S.L. started the construction and the building
was opened in 1962. The murial was painted by the Late Mr.Doug Howell.
Below the photo was taken around 1987
L-R:...John Bessier, Bob Barwick,
Des Fenton, John Lutterall, Alan Langley, Marshall Potter, Peter Bruce,
Doug Howell, Val Richards, Frank Milton, Rex Weeding, Peter Hawks, Ian
Street, Kel Pluncket John Higgins.
The mural was painted by the late
Doug Howell
CONSTRUCTION OF CENOTAPH
A group of very dedicated Exservicemen
that had already formed the RSL Sub Branch worked together with many of
the local residence to raise the funds to build the Cenotaph as a memorial
to those that had been lost in war. It was started in the year 1955 and
completed in 1956.Since that time a 6AM and 11AM Service has been held
each ANZAC DAY at this memorial.
In 1956 prior to Anzac day the Unveiling
and Dedication of the South Arm War Memorial was conducted by Marshall
Potter then a lay reader. An Address was given by Mr.M.J.T.Mertheimer and
followed by Mr.O.W.J.Falkinder M.H.A. Marshall was a returned Servicemen
himself and joined the Army at the age of 18 years. He was in the 160th
Battery 6th Field regiment based in Hobart.. Some training saw him in South
Arm in 1940 during which time he was active with the firing of the 4.5
inch Howitzer guns. Marshall also saw action in Borneo in the war.In 1957-58
Marshall became a Deacon. He has conducted the Anzac Service each year
since 1956. 48 years.
The photo here is the Wall of Remembrance
Dedicated to those that have lost their lives during the World Wars.
And to those that have passed on since returning Home
The Wall of Remembrance was opened by
HIS EXCELLENCY THE HONORABLE
SIR GUY GREEN, AC KBE Governor of Tasmania 9th March 1996
Canon Marshall Potter has conducted
the 6am service for 48 years
This plaque was unveiled on 25 April
2001 By Max Keal the Vice President of the South Arm RSL Sub Branch. It
is in remembrance of those men that came from the South Arm district for
the defence of their Country.
The Rev. Canon Marshall Potter conducting
the Anzac Service in the year 2001
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