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Club History
(The Story of the Lone Pine Cottage)
When people look at the imposing building on Strand Street,
Forster, and see the lavish interior complete with the
modern facilities that members and visitors expect in a
club, it is difficult to understand that, although not an
RSL Club, the Returned Sailors, Soldiers and Airman Imperial
League of Australia (RSS & AILIA) played a big part in the
history of the Forster Tuncurry Memorial Services Club Ltd.
(now known as Club Forster)
For those who may be aware of its early location in Wharf
Street Forster, they may recall that the move to Strand
Street which took place in 1976, was not completed without
incident, and with the feelings of many running high at the
time.
This story however is not about the Club, but about an
almost forgotten building that occupied the space where the
present Commonwealth Bank, Forster, is today.
It is the story of the Lone Pine Cottage that is behind this
writing.
Unfortunately RSL records for the period immediately
following World War 2 in 1945 are not available which made
it necessary to call on the memories and personal
experiences of a few remaining RSL members from the period,
and for their help the writer thanks them sincerely.
In the early days of the RSL in the Great Lakes area there
were two separate sub branches – Forster and Tuncurry.
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When first formed, the sub branch meetings were held at the
Lone Pine Cottage. After a time it was decided that it was
necessary to have a permanent venue at which meetings could
be held.
It was to become known as the Lone Pine Cottage
because there was a single pine tree in the front garden,
but it was somewhat coincidental that such a tree had become
synonymous with the Gallipoli Campaign.
The cottage itself comprised a veranda across the front, one
large room, and several small rooms at the back. |
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Lone Pine Cottage, Forster
(Date unknown) |
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With such a small membership (46), the money for the
purchase must have presented the sub branch with what would
have seemed an insurmountable problem, but by determination,
dedication, hard work and donations the aim was obviously
achieved.
It should be remembered that movement between Forster and
Tuncurry at the time was by means of a punt which ceased to
run at sunset each day. This was probably one of the reasons
why there were two separate sub branches so close to each
other which would have been a good reason for each to have
their own meeting places.
The cottage was used for meetings only. Its use as a social
centre was not contemplated.
During its life as a meeting place no alterations or
renovations were carried out. |
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As time went by and the Sub Branches expanded together with
the general populations, it was decided to build a club.
The
foundations were laid and the club officially opened by Lt.
Gen. Northcott on 3rd November, 1959. Having
decided on the club project, the need for the Lone Pine
Cottage no longer existed, and accommodation in the form of
office space, would be made available within the walls of
the club. As a result the cottage was dismantled and the
land became part of the club premises. |
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Forster Tuncurry
Memorial Services Club , Wharf Street - (circa 1960's) |
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During its existence the cottage was primarily a place for
meetings. There were no recreational facilities such as
billiard tables, however it seems certain that those with
enough initiative to see into and plan for the future would
have made provision for some liquid refreshment for members
following the closure of meetings.
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It should also be remembered that whilst they were working
for the RSL and its future in the area, these early members
had families and employment, think of not to mention the
fact that they were trying to readjust to life after a World
War.
These people knew what they wanted and went after it.
And everything was achieved as a result of voluntary and
unpaid effort.
Forster Tuncurry Memorial Services Club , Strand
Street - Under Construction (1975) |
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In the year 2006 it is hard to visualize Forster as it was
in the days of the Lone Pine Cottage when these difficult
decisions had to be made. It is to the credit of the RSL
members and the community at the time for their faith in the
town and its future. The Gallipoli “Lone Pine” was the scene
of courage, dedication, decision making and sacrifice. Those
who met at the Lone Pine Cottage, in their own way,
displayed those same attributes and the benefits resulting
from their efforts are here today – if we only care to
remember.
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Since decisions were made in a small rather insignificant
cottage, it is also worth considering the fact that having
served its purpose (ie. meeting place) it was demolished to
make way for “bigger things” with our only reminder being a
picture on a wall at Club Forster.
Just as “Lone Pine” at Gallipoli has faded into history, so
the Forster Lone Pine Cottage is just a memory for a few
older residents.
It is hoped that this writing will be a reminder of an
interesting part of Forster’s history
– LEST WE FORGET.
(This article was written in 2006) |
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