President Ron Rice said that it was the committee’s intention to close the sub-branch by the end of the year.

‘‘I only announced (the decision) today because the community should be aware of it,’’ he said.

‘‘It doesn’t please me to do it, but it’s just a matter of numbers — it’s really only a reflection of what’s happening in small towns across the state.

‘‘Possible options are for Bridport members to joint another sub-branch, be part of a state-wide branch or simply not join another club.’’

Mr Rice said that he was heartened by the attendances at yesterday’s dawn and 11am services.

There were about 300 people at the dawn service and there was standing room only at the hall for the later service, he said.

Scottsdale’s dawn service attracted more than 700 people, RSL sub-branch president Bruce Scott said.

‘‘I’ve never seen so many people at a Scottsdale dawn service,’’ an emotional Mr Scott said.

‘‘About 400 attended the 11am service — a lot of people nowadays go the the dawn service and then do their own thing for the rest of the day.’’