1916 - 2023
Monthly Newsletter
December 2023
Artwork on club walls
President’s letter What’s up this week RSA club reports
Click here for Minutes Click here for quarterly Financial Report 43a Vipond Road, Whangaparaoa Tel. 09 424 9026
David Newman: president@hbcrsa.org.nz Bevan Edwards VP: bevan.edwards@achieve.co.nz Kay Chilman VP: maxandkay@xtra.co.nz Page 1
THE MADELEINES
Jazz & Swing Saturday 2 December 7.30-9.30pm Tickets on Sale Now From the Bar and from Eventfinda
$20pp Restaurant Opens at 5pm
Members Darts Tournament Great prizes
Members Tournament $200, Plate Winner $150
$20 Entry Entries now being taken
Sunday 3rd December
Club Opens 9.30am Bar Opens 10am - $20 Includes lunch (Fingerfood) Contact John Gillespie 027 4865 923 Page 2
Season’s greetings to all our members Update from President David Newman The lead in to Christmas is always busy and, at times, tricky with our various commitments and responsibilities. I apologise in advance for the timing in bringing up such an important matter when our minds are correctly on family, sunshine and barbeques. I am asking you to spend a bit of your holiday time to consider options for the future of our club by clicking on this link to a report on the subject, presented a week or so ago to the Executive Committee members for discussion and direction at our 27 November 2023 meeting. It is a very direct look at the options and consequences for the future of your club if we fail to act soon. I am looking for feedback from our membership about what you would like to see on offer at the club and what do you consider to be the ideal location. The submissions will be reviewed by the Executive Committee and then the achievable options presented and discussed at an Extraordinary General Meeting in February or March 2024. This may seem a sudden or huge burden at this festive time, but for over 14 years now, this club has not made a profit. Continuing in this manner will result in our cash reserves being slowly consumed over 5-10 years. To avoid this situation, we need to attract more people into the club on all days that we are open – Tuesday through to Sunday. RSAs were started in 1916 by returning service personnel, and we respect that fact as well as the determination of those first members. Our membership numbered around 3500 just 10 years ago. Over the years that number has fallen to 1100 and the make-up has changed considerably. Our returned and service members now account for just 24% of the total membership, with the balance being made up of associate members. We are asking our current members to consider what they would like from the club and what Page 3
would encourage you to come in more often. It is through increased patronage that we can put a halt to the losses. In my opinion, we would do better if the club was in a commercial area on the Coast, with high pedestrian traffic, offering the opportunity for more people to come in and see what we have on offer. Remember, we are a “community” RSA; it is in our name. Although relocating is an option, we will need to consider our memorial wall along the right of way, which contains some ashes buried behind it. Everything is manageable, so don’t let this matter bias your thoughts about the best location for the club. Please take the time to read the Options for the Future report and submit your thoughts for consideration by the Executive Committee. Please have a great Christmas and New Year break with friends and family. All the best
David Newman President
Wanted Participants For a Study
We are looking for Veterans who have served in deployments from the 1990 Gulf War and onwards to participate in a research workshop as part of a project funded by Veterans Medical Research Trust Fund. It will start from 12-4pm on 28 November at Auckland University. The project is looking at brainstorming solutions to decreasing harmful Veteran drinking behaviour. The workshop will be catered and participants will receive a $50 voucher from the University of Canterbury. If you have any questions about the research, please contact:
veteransresearch@canterbury.ac.nz or Ann-Marie Kennedy: ann-marie.kennedy@canterbury.ac.nz
Welcome to our New Members in the month of November Ms Vera Hill Mrs Lynne Dickson Mr Edward Porter Mrs Emma Porter Ms Kaye Davey Mr Peter Crawford
Mr Andrew Osborn Mrs Jennifer Osborn Ms Lana Levy Mr Colin Love Mr Rob Lorden Mrs Linda Campbell
Mr Brian Carter Mrs Joan Carter Mr Greg Van der Walt Mr Ramon Riggs Mr Richard Maud Mrs Lesley Drake
Ms Libby Graves, Mr Leon Mudford Mrs Carolyn Mudford
Women’s Section The Women’s Division has had a great year. Numbers have been reasonably stable although we would love to see more ladies each month. We have had a lot of interesting speakers and entertainers which were enjoyed by everyone. The recent Melbourne Cup Day was a lot of fun. Our birthday meeting in May was attended by members from a variety of other Auckland groups. In May the Committee assisted with the NWA Conference which was held at the Hibiscus Coast RSA and they have also helped with catering for Anzac Day and other events which have been held there. Our Sales Table and Raffles are always well supported, and we have been able to support a number of groups such as Victim Support, Stroke Club, Westpac Helicopter, Age Concern,
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Breast Cancer and Coastguard. As Christmas approaches we are all looking forward to our Christmas meeting for those who have purchased tickets. This is always an enjoyable afternoon with a lovely lunch and entertainment. On 17 February 2024 we will be hosting the Purple Poppy Day. This event remembers and honours the animals that have served (and still do serve) in war and conflict. We wish all of our members a very happy Christmas and all the best for 2024 and look forward to seeing everyone at our AGM meeting on 6 February. Hopefully some more ladies will come and join us during the year. Jennie Champion Secretary
Club activities
Tuesday Bar opens 12 noon Bar Snacks available Indoor Bowls: 12.45pm Names in by 12.30pm
Wednesday Bar opens 12 noon Restaurant 5-8pm
Line Dancing: Beginner & Intermediate 5.30pm Pool Club: 6.45pm Bronni 021 134 7029
Bingo: Starts 1pm Kay 09 424 9026 Raffle Draw: 5pm Members Draw: 6-7pm
Bob 027 339 9683 or Merlyn 09 424 8330
Thursday Bar opens 3pm Restaurant 5-7pm Indoor Bowls:12.45pm Names in by 12.30pm Bob 027 339 9683 or Merlyn 09 424 8330
FLexercise: 9.30-10.30am Last Class 14th December returning 8th February. Jennie 027 280 8165 Happy Hour: 5-6.30pm Snooker Club: 7pm John Walding 09 426 3742
Happy Hour: 5-6.30pm
Saturday Bar opens 1pm Restaurant 5-7.30pm
Sunday Bar opens: 3pm Restaurant 4-7pm
Social 8 Ball Games: 1pm
Darts Tournament 3rd December10am $20 Entry, Free to Spectators
Bronni 021 134 7029
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Friday Bar opens 3pm Restaurant 5-7.30pm
John Gillespie 027 4865 923
Happenings
JAKE PANCHO
HOEDOWN
Wednesday 29 November 6.30-8.30pm
Friday 1 December 6.30-9.30pm
FREE
FREE
THE MADELEINES
HOBBY HORSE DERBY
Saturday 2 December 7.30-9.30pm $20pp
Friday 8 December 7pm $20 per horse
From Bar and Eventfinda
ON SALE NOW
MONSTER XMAS RAFFLE TICKETS FROM THE BAR
$3 EACH ALL PRIZES WILL BE DRAWN AT OUR MEMBERS NIGHT WEDNESDAY 13th DECEMBER
Spectators Free
MEMBERS CHILDREN’S
CHRISTMAS PARTY
Friday 15 December 4-6pm
RSVP REQUIRED
FREE
Coming up soon
COMEDY GALA
Saturday 16 December 7.30-9.30pm
D E L EL
C N CA Page 6
$36.30pp
Tickets from Eventfinda
2OFUS CHRISTMAS SINGALONG Friday 22 December 6-9pm FREE
Club’s contact details Indoor Bowling
Womens Section
Bob Hill 027 339 9683 and Merlyn 09 424 8330 Meets Tuesday & Thursday 12.45pm
Golf Club Art Clarke 027 687 7331
Fishing Club Beth Kavanagh 09 426 6026 or 027 482 0610 Kay Chilman 021 176 0362 Meets first Tuesday every month 12 noon
Welfare Do you have mobility issues or have a Gold Card and are needing a little assistance in getting to and from medical appointments on the Peninsula, Orewa, Hatfields, Silverdale or Millwater? We may be able to help you no matter what type of member you are. We offer a driving service to take our members to and from health appointments when members are unable to assist themselves, for any reason. No distance is too small. Contact Sharon on 424 9026 or 022 069 5703 or email: welfare@hbcrsa.org.nz
Snooker Club
John Perris 021 287 3975
KEV Mark Harris 027 644 9122 Meets 2nd Tuesday of the month
John Walding 09 426 3742 Meets Thursday 6.45pm
8 Ball Club XMAS RAFFLE Drawn 2 December 2023 1st Prize Pool Cue and Case valued at over $200 2nd Prize Slightly imperfect Pool Cue and Case $5 per ticket available from the bar. Bronni 021 134 7029 Meets Tuesday 6.45pm Saturday 1pm
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60’s Up Frank Townley 09 424 3026 Gloria Marsh 027 386 2339 Meets every 3rd Wednesday of the month
Naval Club Vince Sturmey 09 428 5222 Meets 3rd Sunday of the month 3pm
Who are the artists that decorate the RSA walls? All art is for sale Vjekoslav Nemesh
(Featured on front cover) Nemesh is a world-renowned artist and inspiring art tutor based in Auckland. He paints mainly using oils. He was born in Petrovaradin, the former Yogoslavia (now Servia). He has become a multi-award-winning artist, with his work featured in in collections throughout Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, Asia and New Zealand. You can see more from Nemesh from this link Click Here
Tanya McCabe Art is Tanya’s escape from reality, enabling her to light and dark, patterns in nature or to cultural explore thoughts and emotions using colour, texture, patterns, delicious textures, mystical thoughts of and whatever else tickles her fancy. The paintings imaginary creatures, and magic are all but a few below have been painted using acrylics. things that make her. Creating is as important to her as breathing. Inspiration comes in many forms, from appreciating the colour of a stormy sky or the contrast between
You can find more of her work from this link. Click Here
Kay Evison Kay lives in Orewa and works here at the RSA. She photos. She redesigns, composits and then digitally enjoys all types of art but especially digital painting paints them to create anthropomorphic art. These using Photoshop, a wacom tablet and an Artpen. paintings are completely original. AI has not been used. She is a member of an Auckland Steampunk Group She is currently working on new characters which and enjoys dressing up in Steampunk clothing and meeting up with fellow Steampunkers. She enjoys are printed onto Chromaluxe Metal Circles. You can photography and creates fun characters from her contact her at artistsdenandgallery@hotmail.co.nz
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Club reports 8 Ball club from 1pm-5pm and This has been a busy time in the way of Tuesdays from tournaments. We had the Open Singles Championship which was won by Jason Danilo. 7-10pm. The cost is $5 and anyone There was also the Men’s Chosen Pairs from the RSA can tournament which was won by Peter Grimes participate in the and Toby Tobbeck runner up’s were Gordon 8 Ball games. Judge and Nicky Correia. We have four 7ft Our last Tuesday of the month has proven to tables and play be a success as the members pay $7 which either Singles $2 goes towards the lights and the rest of the or Drawn Pairs, money accumulated from the $5 is paid out! depending on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd pizes. number of players. We have come to the end of our ladies’ nights If you’re interested which are played on the 1st Friday of the in playing 8 Ball, month. Any leftover money will be spent on the we invite you to ladies when we gather next. come along and join in the fun. Just make sure As always, we welcome new members to join in to have your name on the board by 1.15pm on on our Club Days, which are held on Saturdays Saturdays or 6.45pm on Tuesdays. RNZAF The sad news for this year is the loss of one of most stalwart members, Patricia Noakes passed away earlier in the year and she is sadly missed. Our Patron Howard Monk turns 100 in November. A celebration for his centenary year was held at the Maygrove Village Lounge in Orewa on Sunday 26 November. The RNZAF Association HBC Branch meets for a sociable lunch on the second Friday of each month (except January) at 12 noon. Our
current lunch venue is the Bake and Brew Café in Orewa. Our December Lunch this year will be a change of venue to the Thai Orewa Restaurant on Hibiscus Coast Highway Orewa at 12 noon. The branch is now down to 13 members but we regularly see only about six or seven at our lunches. However, those that attend enjoy each others company so we will continue getting together as long as we can. Neil Rennie Secretary / Treasurer
KEV News Our final monthly meeting of the year on 14 November was attended by 11 members. This has been a reasonably consistent turnout for the past month or so and hopefully we can keep it up next year. We spoke of our forthcoming Christmas luncheon on 19 November, more about that below. We were entertained by Katrine McLean with her final instalment on the happenings of husband Ian following his discharge from the Parachute Regiment. Again the RSA did us proud with our Christmas lunch on 19 November with some 23 members and guests attending. Chef Ronnie produced a very tasteful three course meal and Vini and Page 9
Liz provided a great table service. We can’t thank the RSA team enough for making this a memorable occasion. Our thanks also go to Brenton Faithful for creating KEV styled table mats for our meal. I thank those who donated to our raffle prize table and by no means least of all I and members thank Secretary/Treasurer Mark Harris for his organisation of the day’s event. On behalf of the KEV and its members I wish all staff and members of the RSA a Happy Christmas and a successful New Year. Frank Townley President
Golf Club The November away trip this year had amazing weather. Both days were sunny and warm and very pleasant to golf on. The RSA bus made good time down to Paeroa and our first tee off was 10.30am. It was lovely to have Owen and Ric join us from out of town, and Blackie as usual from Matamata. We welcomed a new member - Bruce Forward, and our golfers had a cheering section of his wife Trish, and John’s wife, Wendy. Tweny two golfers headed out to compete for the weekend’s prizes, including overall low gross and low net winners. Paeroa golf course was in good condition, but the greens were very slow which caused a lot of high scores. In addition, it was very narrow in places and undulating. Saturday results: The longest drives were won by Dyan Baird and Michael Black. Nearest the pin in two was won by Janet Sharrock for the women, the men didn’t make the green in regulation to claim the prize. No man or woman made the green in one to claim the nearest in one prize either! Challenging greens to get to. The Stableford total was 600 - a low average and was won by Ric Bardsley with his guess of 578. NAGA of the day was Bryce Tippert with 16 Stablefords. This was despite Bob hitting the wrong ball - twice - in his round.
loved ones and good friends lost this year. Maramarua golf course was also in great condition and the greens were a better pace. The fairways were also wider and golfers were optimistic heading out. Sunday results: Longest drives on Sunday were Dyan Baird, once again, and John Marston. Nearest the pin in one was won by Shayne Webster. No ladies got on the green in one. Closest to the pin in two were won by our newest member, Bryce Forward, and Dyan Baird. The most two’s prize for the weekend was claimed by Craig Edwards, Dyan Baird and Mark Smith. The Stableford guess was won by Bob Warrington with 632, very close to the 635 actual total. Overall weekend NAGA was Bryce Tippert with his combined Stableford score of 39. The best Stableford prize for Sunday was won by John Marston with 37 points. The overall weekend best gross winner was Michael Black with a 2 day total of 172. The overall best net prize and the Jacket was won by Debbie Wylde with a total net score of 145. Mark Smith came
Best Stableford score was won by Dave Bolton with 36 points. The best gross score was won by Craig Edwards with 87. Michael Black shot 88 and Dyan Baird shot 89. Dyan won the best net score with a 71. Dave Bolton had 72, Debbie Wylde had 74 and Mark Smith had Jacket Winner Janet Sharrock 75. These top four made up the final group for Sunday, competing with Blackie and the others in the second group and further back chasing to win the Jacket. The golfers stayed at the Pedlars Motel in Paeroa which was an excellent choice, really lovely rooms. We had dinner and drinks at the nearby bar and restaurant. Some golfers’ choices impacted their golf game the following day. Sunday morning golfers headed out to various places to grab breakfast before the bus departed for Maramarua. Owen Smith said ‘The Ode’ for Remembrance Sunday before tee off and we all took a moment to remember the Page 10
November Jacket winner Debbie Wylde second equal with Michael Black, on 147. Congratulations to all of these prize winners. Great golfing. Dave Bolton was not present at the AGM so his ‘most consistent golfer for the year’ award was presented on Sunday. He golfed exactly 36 on Saturday, keeping up the average but Sunday was a bit more challenging for a
variety of reasons! Thank you to Arty Clarke, our President, who planned and organised this away trip. Great job. Thank you also to Arty for towing a trailer down for all of the golf clubs,
and thank you to Craig Edwards who drove the RSA bus for us. https://www.hbcrsa.org.nz/ RSA Golf Committe
Fishing Club The trip scheduled for 30 October was postponed with winds gusting in excess of 50knots. We were able to reschedule the trip to the following Monday (6 November) which dawned with clear skies and light winds. This was a “casual” trip with five new members on their first trip and a guest. One of the new members was so keen he turned up at 6.45am – an hour early. The skipper headed towards middle of the gulf. On the starboard side fishing was slow to start, however on the port side the fish were coming aboard regularly, with some nice sizes. However, not to be outdone Greg Magness (on his first trip) on the starboard side landed a whopping Kingfish weighing in at 12.3kg and is on the leader board for that species. From there on the fish were on the bite. Angela (also on her first trip) took the leader board for heaviest Greg Magness Snapper for a lady at 2.25Kg. Needless to say, the tag board had no tags left and we had to up anchor and return home early with our limit of Snapper and four Gurnard, five Kahawai and one Trevally. There was a “regulars” trip the next Monday 13 November and we headed out with high expectations and anchored in the vicinity of “Flat Rock”. The fishing was a little slow as we waited for the tide to turn, although the size
David Aicken & Bryan Meade Angela and condition of the fish were excellent. The skipper decided to try another couple of spots in the same region and by home time we had a good haul of five snapper each as well as half a dozen Gurnard and about 10 Kahawai. Paulette Jones caught a nice 3.4Kg Snapper so only missed out on the leader board by 0.1Kg. Don’t forget pre-Christmas drinks at the Club on Friday 15 December commencing at 5pm, with the first drink subsidised by the Fishing Club. Thanks again to all those who joined in and either purchased wine for themselves or had family and friends that participated. The promotion raised just over $700 for our kitty. For those not attending the Christmas drinks, the committee takes this opportunity to wish you all a very merry festive season John Perris
Club Captain
Snooker Club A special welcome to our two new members, Rob and Mervyn. We hope they will enjoy the game and become regular players. The Snooker Handicap Singles Competition has now been drawn and will start immediately. The Handicap Doubles has one more match to be played and this should be completed by 15 December. Page 11
The end of year dinner will be held at the RSA. This will benefit both the restaurant and the bar. We appreciate the support of the RSA Committee and are happy to support it. John Walding Snooker Captain
Have you thought about
HIRING THE FUNCTION ROOM
SEMINARS. CORPORATE EVENTS. WEDDINGS. BIRTHDAYS.
Great Food, Great prices & Great Service Contact Sharon on 022 069 5703 or Vini 021 0889 6795
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Medical Support Service
Indoor Bowls day, but we will see you on Thursday 7 December for more bowling. Our final bowling day for 2023 will be 14 December and we will recommence 2024 on Tuesday 16 January at the normal time with names in by 12.30pm.
Another month has past, and we continued to enjoy bowls with lots of socializing and camaraderie among team mates. We have welcomed several new players from Orewa club who are joining us over the next few months whilst the building they bowl in is having major repairs done. A reminder to bowlers there will be no bowls Tuesday 5 December as it is Women’s Section Page 13
During the break keep well, we wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year. To those travelling to family and friends out of the area we wish you safe travels and we look forward to another good year of bowling and friendship in 2024. Friends are the fruit cake of our lives, some are nutty, some are soaked in alcohol, some firm, some sweet but altogether they are great to have in your life… ‘Merry Christmas Everyone’ Merlyn Jacob Secretary
Wednesday Shuttle Service From the 25 October we began our shuttle service to and from the club. Giving all members a chance to attend the Wednesday night Members Draw and listen to a bit of music. Bookings need to be made by Tuesday 12 noon. A scheduled service will operate from Army Bay at one end and include Silverdale and Orewa at the other end. We expect to start from 3.45pm and the return trip from 8-8.30pm. The price is a very reasonable $15 return, whether you are just one person or a couple coming from the same home. The proceeds go into an RSA Welfare fund.
You can also hire us for your next event or outing The mini-bus is also available for hire to members. If you are planning on an outing, why not take advantage of the club mini-bus for the day. The bus has 17 seats and we have a driver who will accompany you on your arranged trips, outings or functions. Or it is availabe as a self drive if you have a “P” Class Driver. Subject to availability at the time. The Welfare Office is open for bookings on: Monday 8.30-4.30pm Tuesday 8.30-4.30pm Wednesday 9-5pm Friday 8.30-4pm Please contact Sharon on 09 424 9026 or 022 069 5703
Friday 15th December 4-6pm Free Entry
Santa will be making an appearance Please RSVP and bring a gift for your child up to $15 Page 14
Opportunity to Become a Sponsor at the Club Are you a business owner on the Hibiscus Coast Here is an opportunity to get your targeted message across to your fellow members for just a little cost per month Mini Bus A sign on the RSA bus is a great chance to spread your message throughout the district literally a moveable feast of promotion.There are limited spaces available and the major side panels have already been booked. There are three panels available on each side of the bus. 35cm x 47cm deep. Just $50 a month (both sides $85). There is a panel on the front and back of the bus 200cm by 48cm deep. Just $50 Just $80 a month (both front and back $125)
SEE YOUR ADVERT HERE
SEE YOUR ADVERT HERE
SEE YOUR ADVERT HERE
TV Screen Advertising Take advantage of the RSA TV advertising, we have seven TV screens around the club, which is a great opportunity to advertise six days a week at the best time when people are relaxing and more likely to see your advert.
Billboards We have opened three opportunities to have a double sided billboard between level one and two of the carpark. A great place to get your message across as members arrive and leave the club. Remember members like to support members - $80 a month. Newsletters An advertisement in every issue for a month in the weekly newsletter which goes out every Monday and is keenly read by members to find out what’s going on in the club this week and catch up with the latest news - $50 a month.
Great Packages Choose two for a 20% discount, three for 25% discount and all four for a massive 30% discount. For more information, please contact Sharon 09 424 9026 or 022 069 5703 or Vini 021 0889 6795
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Thank You to our Supporters Please Support Them
UR O Y E OR SE F E R HE T R E NTH O ADV M $50 A
Bouquets & Brickbats Got something to say or complain about Vini Rangihaeata-Stockman is Club Manager and looks after all club operations, which includes functions, events and activities, restaurant and bar operations and lots more 021 0889 6795
Memberships are looked after by Liz Dombroski & Sharon Edwards 09 424 9026 Kay Evison looks after club reports, the newsletter and promotions 09 424 9026
Christine Grove looks after administration and Cherie Bennett is a Duty Manager with a special accounts 0210 222 5816 focus on training and mentoring new team members Please remember - only Vini is a full time For Welfare services offered by the club to its employee. The rest of us are part-timers as are our members contact Sharon Edwards 022 069 5703 magnificent bar staffers.
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“What’s Coming Up” WEDNESDAY: No Bingo 6th December FORTNIGHTLY THURSDAY: 30th November 14th December WEDNESDAY : SUNDAY ENTERTAINMENT:
BINGO 1pm Doors open 12pm BINGO 7pm In Main Bar Area
November SAT 25th
SUN 26th WED 29th
DIVAS & DIAMONDS WITH BARBIE & GLYN KARAOKE JAKE PANCHO
Raffles from 5pm 4-7pm
7-10.30pm
$20pp
4-7pm 6.30-8.30pm
Free Free
6.30-9.30pm 7.30-9.30pm 10am
Free $20pp $20pp
December FRI 1st SAT 2n d SUN 3rd rd
SUN 3 SUN 3rd
WED 6th FRI 8th SAT 9th SUN 10th
WED 13th th
FRI 15 FRI 15th SUN 17th
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HOEDOWN THE MADELEINES DARTS TOURNAMENT Entries now being taken, $20 per person
(Free to Spectators)
COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB ANDREW CROZIER
1-4pm 4-7pm
Free Free
STEVE COPPARD HOBBY HORCE RACING
6.30-8.30pm 7pm
Free $20
Horses now on sale $20 each
(Free to Spectators)
KARAOKE SHARON BLOW
7-10.30pm 4-7pm
Free Free
MONSTER RAFFLE NIGHT
6pm Start
Tickets
CHILDRENS CHRISTMAS PARTY 4-6pm THE SONS 7-10.30pm KARAOKE 4-7pm
On Sale Now
Free $8/$10 Free
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