There’s no denying our community’s population is ageing, and facilities like the hall are a beacon for our older residents to converge and socialise in a safe and like-minded environment.

So, what will happen now that the hall is closed?

Hilltops Council says it will do all it can to reopen the building but, in the meantime, members of the Senior Citizens’ Club and the Garden Club will have to find a temporary home.

According to Senior Citizens’ Club secretary Shirley Stephens, the damage from a burst water pipe after one of the coldest temperatures experienced in our neck of the woods was extensive – meaning repairs will take some time.

At the very least, what happened to the building is a timely reminder of what can happen.

Our buildings aren’t designed for alpine conditions, which means frozen water pipes, and subsequent splitting of pipes, can happen to any of us.

And, with another cold snap looming, we should all take steps to prevent this potential disaster to our homes.

Water pipes can usually withstand drops in temperature down to -3 Celsius, so keep an eye on the forecast to see whether you might need to take action.

Residents could turn their water off at the meter and make sure the pipes are empty before calling it a night.

A less efficient method is to keep your water running.

Water meters can easily be protected by wrapping an old towel around them.

And evaporative air-conditioners should be turned off at the isolation valve to prevent there being any water inside to freeze.

Harden Country Club president Dallas Watts didn’t mince her words about the state of the facility.

The club is calling for community support to keep the fairways open, or we might risk losing it.

The local club wants to establish a new volunteer group to inject some much-needed energy into the management of the club. If you can, get to the meeting to show your support.