Warburton RSL’s 60th anniversary

THE names of local men who made the supreme sacrifice in World War II formed part of the centrepiece of Warburton RSL’s 60th anniversary cake.
Members gathered for a celebratory lunch on Friday, 15 July and were joined by representatives of the Woman’s Auxiliary, Lyrebird Day Club and special guests Percy Leak and his wife, representing the Eastern Region Committee.
The Charter for the Warburton Sub Branch was signed on 17 July 1945, making the sub branch a separate identity in the Yarra Valley.
The first meetings were held in the Warburton Masonic Lodge until the purchase of land in 1951 and the erection of the Warburton RSL hall.
Keith Thomas, nephew of one of the RSL’s first presidents, Mr H E B Thomas, had the honour of cutting the anniversary cake.
RSL secretary Dennis Reeves said the day was a great success.
“The Warburton Sub Branch is renowned for its family feel and hospitality and this day of celebration being no exception.”
He said although the sub branch was small in comparison to some others in the Yarra Valley, members were carrying forward the role of the RSL within the community and would continue to do so in the future.