Dubbed as one of Wagga's best kept secrets, The Riverine Club will celebrate its 140th anniversary this year.
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The club, which boasts about 400 members, has a host of events planned over several days in late November to mark the milestone.
The idea of its establishment as a social club was a borrowed concept from London, England where men of distinction, culture and ability could mix.
Formed by a group of men with a history of working on committees at churches, business, sport and on the land, the club has come a long way since the founding president grazier John Leitch was in charge.
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Current president Richard Pottie, who is serving in the role for his sixth year, is excited about the events taking place to honour the club's long history.
"We'll be going to homesteads in Big Springs and Mangoplah and both properties are owned by the descendants of the club's original members, the Wilsons who are at Big Springs and Susan Porter whose maiden name is Cox, at Mangoplah," Mr Pottie said.
"We're still looking for other descendants so if there's anyone who is a descendent of an original member they should contact the club.
"We're also having a luncheon, a gala dinner and we're expecting upwards of 130 and we have about 200 for our cocktail party which is aimed at the younger members between 35 and 50.
"We try to cater for all ages."
Mr Pottie said the club played a key role during wartime.
"It was used as a mess for the American and the Royal Australian Air Force in World War II," he said.
Vice president Mary-Helen Martens said that one of the club's most "groundbreaking" decisions was to allow women to become members in 1986.
"It' a reflection of society with people from all walks of life," Mrs Martens said.
"The women contribute on an equal basis and are respected.
"About 30 percent of our members are women."
The club's members range in age from 18 to the oldest members, Rob McMeekin and Barbara Parnell, who are both in their nineties.
Mr Pottie described the club as "very unique".
"Except for this COVID shutdown it's the longest running privately run club in New South Wales," he said.
"I think it will be thriving in the future - it's not a pub, it's an experience.
"It's not all about whisky and cigars."
Starting as a "gentlemen's club" for doctors and business people in 1881 it seems ironic that there is a topic of conversation frowned upon at the club, according to the club's other vice president Bernard Whyte.
"We don't allow business to be discussed but we do networking," Mr Whyte said.
"It's more of a social hub and a meeting place for like-minded people.
"It's a relaxing and harmonious environment and a safe and comfortable place."
The club is housed in the premises which started life in 1860 as the old National School which moved to Gurwood Street in 1870.
Although the club is vastly different to other clubs in the region, it can be accessible to join if certain criteria is met.
"To become a member someone needs to be of good character and introduced by a member and seconded with two supporters and then it goes before the board," Mr Pottie said.
"We have a lot of distant members who live outside 80 kilometres of Wagga due to our affiliations with other clubs."
One of The Riverine Club's most notable visitors was Bob Carr when he was NSW Premier.
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