New name for amalgamating Whanganui clubs

Wanganui RSA vice president Alan Morris, president Geoff Chowles, Cossi Club president Nancye Thomson and vice president Peter Northway signing the memorandum of understanding. Photo/Stuart Munro

Club Metro is the new name of merging clubs Wanganui RSA and Wanganui Cosmopolitan Club.

Members of both clubs were invited to submit their suggestions for the new name in a competition organised by the Working Together Committee formed to oversee the amalgamation.

Bob Stanley's entry was selected from 126 submissions and he says the name came to him during a discussion with friends.

"I thought it had a nice ring to it and I'm really pleased that it was chosen."

His prize is a set of outdoor furniture donated by Bunnings and he says he has a nice spot in mind where he will enjoy using it in summer.

Competition winner Bob Stanley with committee chairman Darren Hull at the soon to be renamed Wanganui Cosmopolitan Club. Stuart Munro.

Working Together Committee chairman Darren Hull said Liquid Edge Creative has been contracted to consult on brand and marketing.

"The Club Metro name will incorporate both the Cossi and RSA existing brands."

The memorandum of understanding between the merging clubs was signed by presidents and vice presidents of both clubs at a small ceremony on Thursday.

"The Working Together Committee is currently in the process of appointing a new manager and interviews will be held next week," says Hull.

Current staff from both clubs have been invited to apply for the positions available.

Hull says the committee appreciates that the amalgamation is an unsettling time for the current staff of both clubs and the committee is aiming to complete the process as soon as practically possible.

RSA's liquor licence and gaming licence both expire in early September and the St Hill St building is on the market attracting strong expressions of interest.

"The committee is excited about the progress made to date and foresees a successful amalgamation to the benefit of both clubs," says Hull.

The membership of both the RSA and Cossi clubs voted for the amalgamation in May this year and RSA president Geoff Chowles said successful mergers between clubs in other towns have provided good guidelines for Whanganui.

Chowles said all RSA memorabilia will now be the responsibility of the club's welfare organisation.

"Some of the Air Force items will be displayed at the Whanganui Airport Control Tower museum where they will be well cared for and other items will be displayed in designated rooms at the Cossie Club premises."

He said he is still unsure about arrangements for a ceremony to mark the closure of the RSA premises but associates are planning a "Last Chance Blitz Party" with 1940s-themed live music and costumes to be held at the club on September 1.