A change of the guard is imminent at the Ashburton RSA as two longtime members serving as president and vice-president step down.
President Merv Brenton and vice-president Allan Johnstone have been holding their roles on an interim basis since March as the RSA seeks new volunteers to take over.
The pair have both cited ongoing health concerns as their reason for stepping down.
Merv said a special meeting on Sunday drew a good turnout of members, and generated a lot of discussion afterwards.
Both men were happy to support new hierarchy in the roles as they find their way.
‘‘The idea of the meeting was to make people aware of the situation we are in and to think seriously about it,’’ he said.
‘‘The only way we can slow down is to step back and support somebody who steps up.’’
The club has 672 financial members.
Both voluntary roles, with support of the executive committee, manage the day-to-day running of the Ashburton RSA, which includes premises and seven paid staff.
The premises has a bistro restaurant and facilities for private functions, events and sections with activities.
‘‘The club is not big enough to have a fully paid manager,’’ Brenton said.
They hoped to have new people in place by the end of the month.
Nominations for the president and vice-president roles are being called for now, and close on August 15. Papers can be picked up from the Ashburton RSA.
Voting by all members will take place the following week with the new appointees to take over from August 23.
