Carrying on proud traditions of the Returned and Services’ Association (RSA) in Ashburton are what new president, Rob Aldridge of Ashburton, is all about.
The 46-year-old also has ideas he will be working with his committee to implement, including bringing in new members, especially younger veterans.
Originally from the United Kingdom, Aldridge has an interest in wars and military history, which was brought to life during a school trip to Gallipoli and surrounding battlefields.
Aldridge has been part of the Ashburton RSA for about 18 years. In recent times he has been on the committee and is a familiar face emceeing the Anzac and Armistice Day services.
While not having served himself, though he was a member of the army cadets in Britain in his teenage years, he is very proud of his late grandfather Bernard Wallington service with the British Legion.
He and his grandfather regularly visited the Ashburton RSA.
“We found the RSA was a great place, where people from all walks of life could just come together to enjoy each other’s company.’’
Aldridge has been a member of the RSA committee for about five years.
Recently retired president Merv Brenton had invited him to consider joining.
He said when he was asked to consider the presidency, he felt the time was right this year to allow his name to go forward.
He officially took on the role at the annual general meeting on March 30.
“I have big shoes to fill taking on the role from Merv who has done a great job,” Aldridge said.
“If it wasn’t for the work Merv, Allan (Johnstone) and the committee have done, the RSA may not still be going. It was challenging during covid times, but thanks to Merv and Allan’s work, we are still here,” Aldridge said.
At a Thursday club night prior to the AGM, it was a packed house as members were honoured including Merv and Allan and their partners Heather Brenton and Noella Talbot who were formally thanked for their service to the RSA, as president and secretary respectively. They will continue to be part of the RSA.
