Springhurst full of heart |
 GET TOGETHER: Katrina Seager, Tammy Grounds, Lucie van Aken enjoy the get together. No pub, no matter.Community has the answer to unite the neighbors Written by ZOE RUDDER. Slim Dusty sang about the pub with not beer, but what about the town with no pub? For the residents of Springhurst, not having a local watering hole is no reason not to get together with your mates on a Friday for a few quiet drinks. Local CFA captain, Kevin Atteridge, a resident for almost 65 years, started the Springhurst Fire Brigade Social Club around two and half years ago with the aim of creating an opportunity for friends and family in the town to get together. "When it first started I thought it would be great if we could get just 30 people along," Mr Atteridge said. But he underestimated the desire in the local community, with the weekly gatherings at the Springhurst Community Hall going gangbusters - and the club having around 160 members. Each Friday night around 80 of the clubs members gather at the hall for dinner, a drink and a chance to spend time with their community. "We have members of all ages, right from families with their young ones through to older people," Mr Atteridge said. "I guess I realised it was a problem that the town wasn’t meeting and getting together just for a chat. "I think it’s important to have a relationship with your neighbors and to know you are part of a community." That commitment to the community goes further than just sharing a meal and drink. The club runs at a small profit and any money made is used to help club members who fall ill and may need financial assistance. "We try to look after each other," Mr Atteridge said. Some of that money is raised through weekly meals, such as barbecues, roasts and pizza nights. "We have a roster so that people take it in turns to be in charge of the food or serving the drinks," Mr Atteridge said. And none of it is done half-heartedly. Many of the club members have done training so they are qualified in the responsible service of alcohol and food handling. "It might just be a social club but we really make sure we do it all properly," Mr Atteridge said. "The community really wanted this so everyone involved works really hard to make sure it is there for them and that it works." |
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