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History In October 1939, following the outbreak of the Second World War, the Canberra Volunteers' (later Services) Welfare Association was formed. It quickly set out to provide comforts for local service personnel. The provision of comforts and hospitality to service men and women was a feature of the home front during both world wars. In July 1940 the Association proposed that a rest hut be constructed in Canberra for the use of people in the forces at a cost of approx 1000 pounds. Lady Gowrie, wife of Governor General Lord Gowrie, supported the project and played a major role in raising funds for the hut to be built, particularly at a garden fete in the grounds of Government House. The fete saw money raised from a variety of sources, including the sale of 2000 cakes made by Canberrans and also some of Lady Gowrie's personal belongings were sold. Funds were also raised by Canberrans through raffles, direct gifts and stalls. Furnishings were in many instances donated by members of the public. Construction proceeded and the building, known as the Lady Gowrie Services Club (colloquially as `The Hut'), opened on 13 March 1941. The club provided hospitality to service personnel providing a place where they could relax, have meals, enjoy billiards, dances(twice weekly), concerts and other social functions and have reading facilities. This was the club's role for the rest of the war and it has been estimated that over one million meals were served at the club during the war years. The club was staffed with volunteers from the Canberra community and over 500 women, in total, from Canberra and the region assisted. Initially the local units included personnel of the 3rd Battalion, the 7th Light Horse and Canberra men in the 6th Division but as hostilities continued hospitality was provided to anyone in uniform. This included United States armed forces. Personnel from local stations, eg RAAF Fairburn, were also included. Lady Gowrie was president of the club until 1944. The dance hall section(the main rear wing of the building) may have been added in 1942. Other organisations, eg YMCA,YWCA, at other venues also helped military personnel during the war. At wars end there was uncertainty about the buildings future as it had been built as a temporary structure and in fact had been sited on part of a gazetted public road. However the need for a permanent club was recognised as social opportunities for ex-service personnel were limited in Canberra at the time. Consequently in 1946 the Lady Gowrie Services Club Council was formed as lessee of the building and in 1947 it commenced sub-leasing most of the structure to the Canberra Services Club(CSC) which was formed in October of that year. Alterations and minor extensions, designed by Ken Oliphant, were carried out and the building was officially opened as the Canberra Services Club in April 1948. The Council sub-leased the the dance hall section to the RSL and with the rent paid by both the CSC and the RSL the Council paid its expenses and used the balance to make grants almost every year to the Red Cross, Legacy, RSL Distress Fund and the War Veterans Home. During the 1950's the CSC wanted to assume the head lease however this was resisted. Relations between the CSC and the Council were for the most part cordial. Finally in 1984 the CSC was given the head lease and the Council was dissolved. Documents indicate the CSC continued the Council's policy of donating funds to ex-service related organisations as noted above. Activities at the club through the years included billiard and snooker competitions, childrens' Christmas parties, social evenings and dances. A liquor license was granted to the CSC in November 1947 and gaming machines were installed from 1978. Further alterations and minor extensions were carried out in 1957(architect Robert Warren). |
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