A $2.1 million almost total rebuild of the Oamaru Club three years ago using its own funding is an illustration of the strength of a club that also makes a major contribution each year in grants to the community.
The club was formed after two meetings in May 1961, not long after 55 years of prohibition ended in Oamaru.
Originally the Oamaru Men's Club and Mutual School of Arts (although no-one is quite sure where the arts came in), the club bought a two-storey house in Severn St in February 1962, and converted it to a bar with associated facilities.
Initially, the number of club members was limited to 500 and for decades it was difficult to get in as there was a long waiting list.
In 1981, its name was changed to the Oamaru Club and it now had about 2800 members, a number which remained relatively stable, president Steve Begley said.
Over the years, the club developed the site, buying extra properties between Severn and Reed Sts on which an extensive complex and car park now sits.
In 2010, the club embarked on the biggest and most expensive redevelopment in its history.
The renovations included a new roof, new gaming machine area, a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere, new bar and bottle store facilities, new furniture and fittings. All that was funded by the club without a loan.
Patronage at its facilities remained stable and the club was financially strong, Mr Begley said.
He puts the club's strong position down to a number of factors, one of which is the activities it operates.
Its sporting sections - darts, pool, snooker/billiards, table tennis, indoor bowls, outdoor bowls, golf, and cards - all play a part and usually have a presence at local, area, South Island and national levels.
In turn, especially with its new facilities, the club attracts regional, South Island and national chartered clubs' tournaments, which bring money into Oamaru.
Gaming machines have also helped maintain patronage.
Proceeds from its gaming machines are distributed back into the community to a wide range of organisations.
