A YEAR ago Stockton Bowling Club was reeling after an armed robbery left two staff members shaken and the coffers short of $30,000.
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The battling club was facing a grim future with a tough trading year further compounded by the incident.
With fellow Hunter premises dropping like flies, another $25,000 was needed to improve security and the club's insurance premiums suffered a 30 per cent increase.
Closure was on the cards.
Yet the Stockton community was celebrating with staff in dinner suits and fancy dresses yesterday at the annual Jellyblubbers Ball.
In an astonishing turnaround in fortunes, the establishment has managed to post a modest profit for the past year.
"The community has really rallied behind us and helped us get out of it," chief executive Gordon Laffan said.
"A year ago two guys with shotguns took all we had so to come out of that and show a modest profit is a testament to the community."
About 130 people turned out for the ball, which also raises money for charity.
It was in the aftermath of last year's ball, on Sunday August 26, that two masked men stormed the club with shotguns and made off with about $30,000.
Despite the setback the club remains open and the memories of last year's ordeal have begun to be pushed aside.
"This is a big tradition in Stockton and it's a day to remember," Mr Laffan said.
