Sign In / Register
The Trading Post is still doing good in the community.
The Warkworth RSA is a step closer to building its much-needed elevator thanks to a $5000 boost from the Mahurangi Community Trading Post.
RSA president Bob Harrison says currently aged members have to climb two flights of stairs from the Warkworth RSA carpark.
The stairs also make it difficult for mobility impaired people to attend community events that are held at the RSA.
“It is particularly a problem when we hold funerals, as the hearse often takes up the drop-off carpark at the front door.”
When the RSA was extended in the mid-90s, its design allowed for an elevator to be built in the future, and Bob believes the time has come to realise that ambition.
He says some members are in their 90s and stay home because they find it difficult to access the building.
The RSA has been quoted $51,000 for an elevator, and would face additional costs for building modifications prior to installation.
The RSA has some money for the project, but interruptions to fundraisers due to Covid-19 has meant there is a shortfall.
Bob has appealed to members and will be making applications for lottery grants.
He says community members who value the RSA as a venue are also invited to contribute.
“It is well overdue, and we need to prepare for population growth if we wish to continue to provide services to the community,” he says.
The Mahurangi Trading Post is still open for another six weeks. Chair John Carr says the phones have gone quiet in the wake of the announcement of its closure, but the store is still able to collect secondhand goods. He says the Trading Post wants to go out with a bang, and any proceeds made will still go toward community projects even after it closes. The official closing date is June 30 and there will be big sales before then.
