The Cootamundra Ex Services Club is preparing to open the new part of their bistro in the coming weeks following an extensive renovation of the premises.
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This will allow them to increase their Covid Safe patronage from 30 diners to 60.
The newest area overlooks the bowling green giving a fabulous view and creating a relaxed atmosphere while enjoying a meal.
The renovation has been a key initiative of the board of the club which makes all major decisions relating to the venue.
A secretary-manager and team of staff look after the day to day running of the venue.
The board held its Annual General Meeting last Sunday, October 11 with Michael Willis retaining the presidency.
Past board member Gil Kelly stepped back into the fold to fill the role of vice president after Lynne Cudmore stepped down from the board due to ill health.
The board lost two other members this past year due to the work commitments of one and another leaving the area.
This void was filled by new board members Jason Jones and Neil Blackett.
The board meets monthly to discuss any issues which arise and plan for the future.
It has been a difficult year for the club with the introduction of Covid19 restrictions, however they have been keen to put their best foot forward and come out in a strong position.
They used their initial period of closure to complete an interior renovation revamping the premises and increasing the building's fire safety rating.
Since re-opening, the club's Megan Sawyer said they have been working towards becoming "business as usual but on a smaller scale".
Social distancing requirements mean events such as cash bingo, which benefits local charities, and the membership draw are filling fast.
Cash bingo has been so popular the club has decided to run it weekly, with a different charity each week taking about $1000 back to their organisation.
By increasing the frequency of the event, the club also put a dent in the long waiting list they had as a result of 83 people being the maximum number allowed in the auditorium under Covid regulations.
Ms Sawyer reported the club is the venue of choice for their first wedding since Covid this month.
They are also preparing for their first live show of the year to take place at the end of this year.
A group which visited the club last year to put on an Abba tribute show will be back with an Elton John/Bill Joel tribute.
There is certainly plenty happening at the club as they navigate through this new era.
The club has in recent years been the after party venue for major events in town such as the Cootamundra Cup race meeting, Picnic Races and more. With these events being cancelled or wound right back due to Covid, Ms Sawyer said staff have taken up the challenge of continuing to provide for the needs of the community and remain a viable entity on the other side of Covid.
