Almost 56 years to the day, the first concrete was poured for Midway Surf Life Saving Club’s spanking new £18,000 clubhouse.

Due for demolition in the near future, and a new build, the club held its “last hurrah” on the weekend.

To mark the occasion the committee asked Gisborne Herald senior creative and digital artist Troy Conole to create a work for auction. Conole’s 1.7-metre long print features a dramatic perspective up the beach with clean breakers on the left, Norfolk Pines and the surf club and lifeguard tower on the right.

“The evening was a send off for the old girl,” said committee member Tania Gray.

“We threw around some ideas for the evening and thought it was an opportune time to auction a print. It was bought by a family who have competed with Midway for years. They will donate the print to the new clubhouse when it is built.”