NewsletterOfficial Publication of Croquet NSW Inc - ISSN 1035-5766 MARCH 2011

CROQUET NSW Inc.

Croquet NSW Inc is located at Mackey Park, Marrickville, SydneyPostal address: PO Box 5096 Marrickville NSW 1475 • Phone: (02) 9559 6073 • Email: office@croquet-nsw.com

The2011CroquetCalendargot off to a good start onFriday 11Februarywith theCNSWAnnualGalaDay held atMackey Park, Tempe. Ninety players came from Blue Mountains, Bundanoon, Cheltenham, Eastwood, Epping,Hazelbrook, Hurstville, Jamberoo,Killara,Maitland,Manly,NelsonBay,Nowra, PortHacking, Strathfield, SouthernHighlands,Sutherland,SydneyandUrungaCroquetClubs.

President,RobynWallacewelcomedallplayersbeforehandingovertoMasterofCeremonies,JohnEddes,tooutlinetheprogramme for the event. On offer were twelve activities designed to test various croquet skills. There was also achancetoplayashortgameofGolfCroquet.Eachsupervisingclubprovidedaprizeforthewinneroftheactivity,withthefollowingresults:

Ahighlightofthedaywasthe“IntroductiontoGateball”presentedbyEppingClub.Formany,thiswastheirfirstexperienceofthisnewgamewhichisprovingtobeverypopularamongmalletsportsdevotees.Forassociationplayers,accustomedtoplayingthetwoballcroquetshot,sparkingtheballinGateballcanbeabitofachallenge!

AsisusuallythecaseinFebruary,thehotdaymadeituncomfortableformanyandanumberofplayerswerenotabletoparticipateasmuchastheywouldhaveliked.IthasbeensuggestedthatperhapstheeventcouldbemovedtoadateinAutumnwhencoolerweatherwouldallowtheactivitiestocontinuelongerandtherewouldbeagreaterbenefitforthosecountryplayerswhosetraveltimewasgreaterthantheirplayingtime!

KathCoull(Sutherland) TommyThompson(NelsonBay)

FaySimpson(Killara) BarbPiggott(Urunga)

JeanetteTestoni(Wollongong DinaSofer(Sydney)

JackCohen(Sydney) PatGilchrist(Eastwood)

HeatherSmallbone(Chatswood) YvonneWebster(Strathfield)

GeoffBoyce(Strathfield) SharleneSubbi(Ja,mberoo)&MarleneMcMullen(Sutherland)

70membersrepresenting23clubsand3individualmembersgatheredfortheannualChristmascelebrationandTrophyPresentationonSaturday11December.ThefunctionwasheldatRoseville’sRSLClubbywayofmakingiteasierforsomeclubstoattend.Ofcourse,thismeantthatwhatwasgainedontheroundaboutwaslostontheswings,andsomeusualattendeesfromsomeclubsinthesouthernareasofthestatewereunabletoattend.

Asusual,therewasalonglistofwinnersandrunnersupinthevariouseventsofferedbyCroquetNSWinthecourseofayear.Somenewfacesappeared,whilstmanyofthefrequentwinnerswerestillwinning.FulllistofresultscanbefoundintheYearbook.

TherecipientofthePresident’sAwardfor2010wasGeofMcDonald.PresidentRobyn Wallacemadethefollowingcitationforthispresentation:“TheawardismadetoGeof becauseofhisdedicationtocroquetandtheworkhehasputinforCroquetNSW. GeofhasbeenastaterepresentativeinbothAssociationCroquetandGolfCroquet. ForanumberofyearshehasbeenStateDirectorofCoaching,andhasalsobeenonthe executiveofCNSW.InhisroleasSDChehasshowngreatcourageinadversityand formidabledeterminationtogetthejobdoneinwhateverhetookon.GeofandJackyhave beenthemosttravelledCNSWofficerssinceTonyHallandhavegoneoutoftheirwayto promotecroquetandencourageimprovementinplayersandcoaches”.

hashadalatestarttoour2011playingyearasaresultofaheavyinvasionofforeigngrassandweeds,allduetoourcontinualwetweatherthroughDecemberandJanuary.Therehavebeensomeearlystarts(7am)withmembersweedingandpatchingourlawns.Ifyoudidnotknowbetteritwouldbeeasytoconcludeyouwerewitnessingasightinapaddyfield,withmanyheadsdownandtailsup.Thehighlightoftheseeffortshavebeenthebacon&eggsbreakfaststofeedthewillingworkers.Ifallgoesaccordingtoplan,ourlawnswillbeuptoaplayingstandardenablingcommencementofplayby14February.Beassuredthatanyweedsthathavethecheektopopupfromnowonwillmeettheirdemiseratherswiftly.

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AsIwritewearehavingourfirstreasonabledayinMaitlandasfarasheatandhumidityareconcernedforoveraweek.IplayedinourOzdayGCSinglesin41.8degreeheat,sowaswrylyamusedtoseeJennyClarke'sreferencetothe'blisteringheat'attheNewZealandNationalGCChampionships[30degrees].Allthingsare,ofcourse,relative,anditwouldbechurlishtocomplainofheatwhenwehavehadfloods,firesandcyclonesinatleastthreestates.

BacktoNZforamoment.OurmemberMartynPrinspairedwithVictoria'sKevinBeardtoberunnersup[108]intheNationalDoubles.CongratulationsMartyn.CNSWhasalsoforwardedadonationtoaNZclubwhichsufferedseriousearthquakedamagerecently.

WehavealsoactedasaconduitfordonationstothetwoQueenslandclubswhichwereworsthitbytherecentfloods,McIlwraithandDalby.FootageoftheMcIlwraithClub'sinundationhasbeenonthenet.Theclubhouseis3metresoffthegroundbutthesonofoneofthemembershadtorowinthroughthewindowtorescuemallets.Theclubalsodiscoveredthatcroquetballsinboxesfloat.Theyare'overthemoon'aboutthedonation.Dalbyisstilltryingtopickitselfupandsaysthedonationfromourstatewillgivethemhearttostartagain.BecauseoftheinterestinmyhomeclubwealsocheckedoutthesituationinVictoria,butheadquarterstherehadnonewsofflooddamage.

Charity,astheyusedtosay,beginsathome,andwehavesomeverycharitablepeopleinourorganisationwhocollectivelyvolunteerahugeamountoftimeandefforttokeepCNSWtickingover.InthepastIhavementionedtheworkputinbytheLawnsCommittee.TodayIwouldliketodrawyourattentiontotheeffortsofsomeofthelargelyunsung.[Notinanyorderofmerit,mindyou.]

First,leadingonnaturallyfromthereferencetotheLawnsCommittee,therearetherecenteffortsofJohnEddestogetthegardensandsurroundsinsomesortoforderagain.SinceJanuary7thJohnhasworked45hourseverydayexceptone,startingat6.30a.m.whenseriousheatwaspredicted.Thisreallyisaboveandbeyondthecallofduty.ThankyouJohn.

NextI'dliketomentionourverybusyandefficientsecretary,PamGentle,whomanagestoplayatstatelevelinbothACandGCandstillkeepusinorderwithseemingunflappability.ThanksPam.

ThentherearethosewhohavenoblyrisentothetasksoccasionedbyJohnHanscomb'sdecisiontorelinquishhisCNSWpositions.OurJuniorVicePresidentWendyFothergillhadalreadytakenovertheNewsletterandsomeoftheworkinvolvedingettingtheYearbookout.WendyhasnowtakenonthepositionofInsuranceOfficer,andalsoClubMembership.OurwebmasterDavidArcherhasstartedonmajorreorganisationofourcommunications,andhasalreadysetupapasswordprotectedareatosafeguardmembershipdetails.Thankyouboth.

Itwouldseemfairtosaythat2011hasmadeanimpactwithinitsfirstmonthbuthopefullybetterconditions

willprevailfortheremainderoftheyearandgoodcroquettimeswillbehadbyall.

ThankyoutoallwhosentmaterialforthisissueoftheNewsletter.AtonestageIfeltthatIwouldbemakingnewsup,butagreatresponsefollowedanappeal..ItwasparticularlygoodtohearfromsomeclubsforthefirsttimesinceItookontheroleofEditor.

ThefrontandbackcoversfeatureCNSW’sbeginningof2011andtheendof2010.ClubshavebeenbusyoverthetimesinceDecember—severalhavebuiltorredevelopedlawnstoallowmoreplay.MaitlandClubhasmadetwodedicationsoflawns.

ChristmaseventsandAustraliaDaycelebrationsarewellrepresentedinthearticles.Alsoofinterestaresomeitemsrelatingtothehistoryofclubs,withattendantcelebrationsformilestonesfortheseclubs.

AnarticlewithadifferenceisonesubmittedfromamemberofCammerayinregardtotwoinspiringmembersofaclubinQueensland—notallowingsignificantdisabilitytogetinthewayoftheenjoymentofcroquet.

Therearereportsofclubcompetitions,interclubcompetitions,inparticulartheMakara,allofwhichgotohighlightthe“busyness”oflifeinacroquetclub.Acoupleofschoolcroquetreportsremindusoftheneedtopassontheskillsandloveforthisgametothosecomingbehind.Achallengeisproposedforthoseinvolvedintheorganisationofinterclubtournamentsandthereissomeadviceforsettingupasimplewebsiteforclubs,usingGoogle.Allinall,goodreading.

Weatherhasbeeninourmindsaswefollowthevariousdisastersaroundthecountryinthisearlypartoftheyear.Icanonlyexpressthehopethatallourclubmembersandtheirfamilieshavebeensafeduringthesepastmonths.

Keepsendingmaterialforthis,yourNewsletter!

Therewillbeflowoneffectsfromallthisasfarasclubsareconcerned.Everyclubnowhasanemailcontact.Therewillbeonemoremailoutcompletewithdifferentcolouredflyers,butIhopethatwillbethelastofitskind.Infutureclubswillbeabletoselecttheflyerswhichareofusetothemanddownloadwhattheirmemberswant.OfcoursewewillstillsendbysnailmailtheNewsletterandtheYearbooktothoseclubsunabletogettoCouncilmeetings.

There'smorebutIcanleaveitforanotherhat'sreport.VerybestwishestoallCNSWmembers.Ifyouhavegotthisfar,thanksforreading.

ThisisthestoryoftwoverydeterminedmenwhoarefullmembersoftheWestToowoombaCroquetClub(WTCC)Bothhaveexperiencedmajortraumaresultinginsignificantdisabilitiesbuthaverefusedtoallowthistocontroltheirlives.Theyareaninspirationnotonlytootherswithdisabilitiesbuttoallclubmembersandfellowcroquetplayers.Readonfortheirstoriesastoldintheirownwords.

On20July2002,Davesufferedamassivestrokeattheageof45.After11weeksinhospital,Davereturnedhometocontinuehisrehabilitation.Hewastheninawheelchairhavinglosttheuseoftherightsideofhisbody;hehadlosthisspeech(aconditioncalledAphasia)andtherightsidevisionofbothhiseyes.

Davehasalwaysbeenakeensportsmanandwaswillingtogiveanythingatry.In2003hejoinedaStrokeSupportGroupcalledTRUSTStrokeSurvivorsandCarers.Thisgroupdecidedthattheyneededtokeeptheirmembersactivebytryingsomedifferentsports.Davewaswalkingnowandverykeentojointheseactivities.In2005theycontactedtheWTCCandtheclubmembersweremorethanhappytohaveTRUSTcomeandtrycroquet.FromthefirstdayTRUSTmemberswerewelcomedandassistedbytheWTCCtomakesurethateveryoneregardlessoftheirdisabilitywasabletohaveagoatplayingcroquet.TRUSTdecidedthatcroquetwasanactivitytheywantedtocontinue,andtheWTCCmemberswerehappytomakeadayforthemeachmonth.

Afterourfirstcoupleoftries,theclubwenttogreatlengthstomakecroquetaccessibletoallmembers.Nowweplayontwofullfieldsandone3/4fieldforthosewhoareinawheelchairorcannotwalkfar.SamLeemadespecialmalletsforthosewhostillneededtousewalkingsticks.Heattachedmalletheadstocrutches.Davewasveryexcitedwhenhegothiscrutchmalletasthismadethemalletanextensionofhisarm.PlayingonceamonthwasnotenoughforDave,sohestartedplayingeachWednesdaywithhissupportworker,Peter.OncehewasplayingeveryWednesdayhejoinedtheClubasamemberandnowplaysTuesdays,WednesdaysandSaturdaysaswellaswithTRUSTeachmonth.Heisverycompetitiveandwantshisopponentstobecompetitiveandchallengehim.

ThemembersoftheWTCChavegivenDavesomuchbyacceptinghimintotheirclub.Helovesthathecanhelpthemwithallclubactivities,andtheyinturnhavehelpedhimwithhisspeechandindependence.Davehasfoundsomethinghereallyenjoysandcandoindependently.Andhisfamilypraysitdoesn'trainoncroquetdays.Dave'snothappythen. Hithere,Iwanttointroducemyselftoyou.IamGerardTanzerbeing44yearsofageandIhavehadParkinson'sdiseasefor18years.Thediagnosiscame12monthsaftergettingmarriedandwasaSHOCKtobothmynewwifeandmyselfasIhadbeenaveryactivesportsperson.Squash,tennis,cricket,running,karateandIwasintheArmyReserve.WhenIlostallactivitiesIthoughtIwouldnotbeabletoplayanysportseveragain,andafterhavingtwochildrenmywifeleftme.Tohermylifehadbecomeanightmare,Icouldnotwalkordoanypersonalcareandshefounditwastoodraining.Shehadtobecomethebreadwinnerandtolookafterathirdchild,ME.

OverthepastfouryearsIlivedwithmymotherforatime,andnow,afteranoperationonmybrain,Iamlivingbymyselfina2bedroomgovernmentunit.IaminoneoftheoutersuburbsofToowoombaontherangeandhavenocar.Iwaswastingmydayssleepingandnotdoinganythingexcitingwithnowheretogoorpeopletosee.ThenalongcameachancetotrialCroquet.IhadseenitbeforeonpassingbutIhadneverthoughtthatIcouldplayit.

AlthoughIwastheyoungestthereatthattime,thepeoplewarmlywelcomedmeandaskedifIwouldliketojoinandbecomeamember.IhadenjoyedmyvisitsoIstartedplayingTuesdayandSaturdays.BythenIenjoyedmygameandmynewfriendssomuchIstartedplayingWednesdayandeveryfourthMonday.IthasmehookedandIgetmostdispleasedifIhavetomissplayingaday.Ithasputsomethingbackintomyboringdays,afeelingofachievementandpride.Ievengotwhiteclothestolookthepart.NotthatIamreallygoodatitbutatleastIamoutandabout.

TherehavebeenacoupleoftimeswhereIhavelostmybalanceandstumbledontomykneesbutthegreensaresoftandthereisnoharmdone.Ihaveenjoyedplayingthevariousstylesofthegamesuchasricochet,pirates,golf,andhavealsohadonegameofassociation.Ican'tsayenoughofwhatthegameofcroquethasdoneformeasanoutlettothepublic,andIamasportspersononceagain.Igivethegameandmynewfriendsthreehoopstosaythanksforbeingthere.“HOOPHOOPHOOP''.

Catchyouonthegreens.Mayyourmallethitstraightandtrue.

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itispossiblethatplayersmightfindthemselvesplayinggameswithoragainsttheirownclubmembers.Itisabitdisappointingtotrekhalfwayacrossthestatetoplaygamesyoucouldhaveplayedathome.

Tournamentsareusuallyrestrictedbythenumberoflawnsavailableandso,inordertogetasufficientnumberofgamesinaday,thegameswilloftenhaveatimelimit.Typicallythiswillbebetween45and60minutespergameanditismoresatisfyingforbothsidesifagameiscompletedwithinthetimelimit.ThereareanumberoftechniquesaTournamentManagercanusetoensurethatgamesareplayedwithalacritytoachievea7tosomethingwin.Ifagameisadrawwhenthetimeisreached,thetournamentrulesshouldmakeitcrystalclearhowthewinnerwillbedetermined.

Thefacilitiesavailableatthevenuearealsoanimportantconsideration.Usuallythehostclubisgoodatprovidingmorningandafternoonteaandthisensuresthatplayersareunlikelytocollapseduetostarvationbutsomeprovisioningforlunchisalsoimportant.BringingyourownlunchisOKifyouarecomingfromhomeeachdaybutnotquitesoeasyifyouareawayfromhomestayinginamotelorapartment.Providedthereisafastfoodshopwithineasywalkingdistanceofthevenuethenplayerscansatisfytheirhungerwithashortwalk.Ifthevenueiswellawayfromsuchservicesthenitisbetterifthehostclubmakessomeprovisiontofeedplayersatlunchtime.Otherfacilitiessuchaswellmaintainedlawns,enoughshadeinsummer,sufficientseating,cleantoiletsetccanalsohelpmakethedifferencebetweenagoodtournamentandanaverageone.

Thewinner’spotofgoldattheendofatournamentusuallyfallsabitshortofthatavailableinothersports.Tournamentprizesareusuallyoftokenvalueonlyandarenotasignificantfactorindecidingwhichtournamenttoattend.AtJamberoowehaveyettofindauniversallycherishedprizetoawardtowinnersandwouldbeinterestedinhearingwhetheranyonehasdiscoveredthisHolyGrail.

Unfortunately,flyersadvertisingGCtournamentsoftendon’tprovidealltheinformationtomakeareasonableassessmentofthefactorslistedaboveandsosometimesapoorchoiceismadeandthiscanresultindisappointment.

EarlyintheNewYeareachclubreceivesmanyflyersadvertisingGolfCroquetTournaments/Carnivalsaroundthestate.Mostofuscannotaffordthecostortimetoattendthemallandsohowdoesonechoosewhichtournaments)toattend?Ofcoursetherearemanyfactorstoconsider(suchaswantingtocatchupwithanoldschoolflameorvisitingrichuncleEbenezerwhoisjustabouttodropoffthetwig)butthisarticlewillconsideronlythoseaspectswhichrelatetothetournamentitself.MywifeandIusuallyenterseveraltournamentsayearandourexperiencehasformedthebasisofthisarticle.Wearenotcaravanningorcampingtypesandliketostayinreasonablycomfortableaccommodationwhich,whenaddedtotheothercosts(petrol,tournamentfeesetc)meansthatweusuallydon’tgetmuchchangeoutof$100eachperday.Withoutbeingtoomercenary,welookfortournamentswhichprovidegoodvalueforthemoneyandtimewewillinvestinthem.

Thenumberofgamesperdayisanimportantfactortoconsider.Aprogrammeof.fourorfivegamesperdayisgood,with3gamesadaybeingtheminimum.TakinganAccountant’sview,fourgamesadayworksoutatabout$25pergame(attheratementionedabove).MostTournamentManagersaimforabout8gametimeslotsadaywhichmeansthat,at4gamesaday,aplayerisonthelawnlessthanhalfthetime.Youmeetsomeinterestingpeopleatcroquettournamentsbutsocialisingfor4hoursormoreadaytendstostretchyourrepertoireofconversationtopics.Refereeingisquiteagoodwaytofillinnonplayingtimeandcanprovideafrontrowseattowatchplayer’stacticswhilehoningyourknowledgeoftherules.

Thegamesthemselvesshouldbechallengingbecausea70or71scoreisnotverysatisfyingforeitherside.Forthebetterplayer's)itprobablymeansthatthegamewasnotchallengingandfortheweakerplayer's)itcanbedemoralising.Acoupleofbaddefeatsmaybesodevastatingforanewtournamentplayerthathe/shemaydecidenottoenterfuturetournaments.

Foragametobechallenging,therefore,player’shandicapsshouldbechosentobewithinalimitedrange.Mostplayerscanhaveagoodgamewith,oragainst,playerswithin3or4handicappointsoftheirown,particularlyifitishandicapplay.Havingatleast2blocks(highlow)ofplayerssegregatedbyhandicapcanusuallymeetthisrequirement.Thisassumes,ofcourse,thattheplayer’shandicapisafairindicationofhis/herability.Unfortunatelysomeclubsallocatehandicapsusingthe‘threetimesaroundthemulberrybush’systemdefinedintheWCFrules.Thisprovidessomemeasureofphysicalskillbuttotallyignorestacticalabilityandso(inmyopinion)isapoormeasureofaplayer’soverallability.

Unlessthetournamentmanagerrestrictsthenumberofentriesfromeachcluband/orcarefullyarrangesthedraw,

LismoreCroquetClubrecentlyhelda

mostsuccessfulComeandTryevening,withourlawnsswampedwithinexcessoffiftyupandcomingplayers.InterestwasshownbyfourvisitorsandonehassincereturnedtoplayGolfCroquet.WeincludedaTrash&Treasurestall,plusasmallraffletoexpandourkitty.Wefedthehungrywithabarbequeafterplaywasfinishedandclubmemberstookadvantageofthistimetominglewithourvisitors.OurSecretarymadeabannerthatwetiedbetweentwotreesonourboundaryfencealongthemainstreet.Ourcommittee,thoughwearyattheend,allagreedwehadasuccessfulnight.

LismoreCroquetClubCaptain,FayRoss,andMurwillumbahCroquetClub,MargaretMitchell,recentlyorganisedaFriendshipDayforAssociationcroquetplayerswhenMurwillumbahplayersjourneyedtoLismoretocompeteintheplayofffortheBreadBoardShield.Thisisanannualcompetitionwithreciprocalvisitsbetweenthetwoclubs.Lismorewerethisyear'swinners.Someofthegameswereintense,butatalltimesfriendlyrivalryprevailed.

TheBranxtonCroquetClubwasformedin2003byJackyandGeoffMcDonald.GolfCroquetwasplayedatthelocalbowlingclubforthefirstfewyears.Howevertheclubwasforcedtomovewhenthebowlingclubbeganmajorrenovationsandtheoncecroquetlawnbecameacarpark.ThecouncilgrantedpermissionfortwolawnstobesetupatoneoftheplayingfieldsinBranxtonandaftermanylonghourssettingout,topdressingandplantingbythededicatedmemberswenowhavetwowellgroomedlawnsaswellastwentyenthusiasticplayers.

InDecember2010theclubwassuccessfulinobtainingaStateGovernmentGranttobuildaclubhouse.Thereismuchexcitementaswemoveforwardinto2011withwhatlookstobeagoodfutureforcroquetinBranxtonwithmembersparticipatinginotherclubcompetitionsandtheStateChampionships.

Wealsohaveagroupfromthelocalprimaryschoolwhoarelearningtoplayaspartoftheschoolssportprogram.On1314AugustwewillbeholdingourfirstGalaDayandregistrationformsarebeingsenttoallclubs.WearesituatedintheHunterValleywithabackdropofmountains,beefcattleandvineyards.Fun,fellowshipandhospitalityisourmottosoifyouarepassingthroughonholidaypleasedropinforagameonTuesdayorSaturdaymorningsawarmwelcomeawaitsyou.

Westart2011onaverypositivenote.Notonlyisourmembershipclimbinghealthily(now37),ourfirstIntroductoryCoursefortheyear,titled‘FriendsofFriends’requirednoadvertising.TheCoursewillhave6people,including2couples.Ourmembershiphasaninterestingmixofages,talentsandbackgrounds,andthereisagrowingloveforthemixofgamesweplay.HeatherSmallbonehasrecentlybeeninvolvedinfurtheringtheskillsofournewgroupofplayers.

Anewfeatureforuslastyear,wasthe‘TwilightSessions’whichhavebeenwellattended.Whendaylightsavingfinishes,wewillrecommenceearlyafternoonsessions(alsoanewfeaturelastyear).Ourmorningsessionscontinueasnormal.Ifinterested,contactus.

Weenjoyhaving‘surprise’visitors,asoccurredlastyear,whenoneofournewmembers,BarbaraHyde,hadagolfcroquetingfriend,OlwynBarwick,fromGoolwaClub,whocameseveraltimes.Also,MaryJewell‘poppedin’fromSydneyCroquetClub,astheirlawnswereclosedduringOctober.Thenoneofournewmembers,MarieChristineBarichardvisitedCoolangattaClub,andwas

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Attheendof2010,SutherlandCroquetClubhostedboththeMakaraGolfcompetitionandtheAssociationgoldandplatinumsinglesanddoubles.

PlayerscamefromHurstville,Jamberoo,Wollongong,PortHacking,Holroyd,Marrickville,Cammeray,Manly,Sutherland,Coogee,Mosman,Tamworth,EastwoodandEpping.

There'snodoubtaboutcroquetplayers.Theywillplayinallsortsofweatherconditions.However,onMonday8thNovemberwewerealltakenoffthegreenaslightningstartedflashing,followedbythunder,ahowlinggaleandthentorrentialrainfollowedbyhail.Gameswerestoppedasthelawnsbecameflooded.WatereverywhereandTHATstoppedthecroquetplayers.

Ifanyonetookphotosofthelawnsinthiscondition,wewouldappreciatecopies!

Suddenlytimetablesforallgameswerethrownintoconfusion,howeverourtwowonderfulorganizers,RosJohnstoneandKatherineLove,calmlyreorganizedpeopleandtimesandwecongratulatethemonthefactthatallgameswerecompletedontimewithoutafuss.

OnThursday,itbeingRemembranceDay,allplayersstoppedforoneminute'ssilenceat11am.

Congratulationsandthankstoourveryablereferees,JohnEddes,JohnLove,BettyDaniel,CarolHayes,JohnBennett,KathCoull,DorleFischerandPatClark.

Thankyoutoallthosewhohelpedoutwithallthelittlejobsthatalwaysneedtobedonetokeepthingsgoingsmoothlyteas,coffee,washingup,settinguplawnsandprovidinggoodiestoeat.

Now,agreatbigthankyoutoallthosewhoplayed.Croquetplayersareasocial,happy'lot'anditisalwaysagreatpleasuretohavethemvisitus.

Makarawillbeonagainatthesametimeattheendofthisyearandwehopetomeetupwithyouagainthen.

warmlywelcomedbytheirmemberswithagameofRicochet.

We also played in InterClub Competitions. Two of ourplayerscompetedatMarrickville,intheNoviceDivision.Yvonne Webster, was runnerup in a closely foughtmatch.ItwasCharlieMusarra’sfirstACcompetition,andhe came away with lots of New Year Resolutions. WeenjoyedparticipatingintheEnidBrowncompetitionandcamethird.CongratulationsEastwood.Someyearitwillbeourturntodolunch!WeplayedinthePennants,andintraclubcompetitionswereheld.

We finished 2010, hosting the Silver Singles of theMakara Carnival. It was great and magical to watch arelative newcomer to croquet, Ted Salter from Hunter’sHillClub,winthatdivision.WhilstgivingHunter’sHillamention, we would like to thank Peter Dye, theirPresident, for his willingness to not only loan us theirequipment to shift all the hoops, but Peter also helpedwiththejob.ThankyouSt.Peter!

WehopetoseeyouintheInterClubCompetitionsthisyear,aswellasplayingourroleintheCommunity.WehavejusthostedStrathfieldRotaryClubatourClub(theyalmostsetusablaze!).InFeb/March,SCCwillteach80PhysicalEducationSpecialistStudents,fromtheACU,Strathfield.ThenweareinvolvedinSeniorsWeek.WehavebeeninvitedtoholdDemonstrationGamesat‘Yaralla’(ahistoricEstateinConcord)ontheirOpenDayinApril,andfinally,weareinvolvedwiththecouncilofBurwood/Ashfieldintheir‘SportaMonth’PrograminJune.Bythenhalfayearhasgone!

HappyNewYear everyone, andhope to see you aroundthecourtsthisyear.

TheoriginalmembersoftheNaroomaCroquetClubgatheredatarecent10yearsBirthdayCelebrationattheDalmenySportingClubinNovember,2010.

Friday21Januarywasanexcellentsummereveningtoenjoy2011’sfirstTwilightCroquetevening.15membersand5guestsjoinedintoplayAussieCroquetandGolfCroquet.LocalsPamRaynor,GayCummins,PeterHerrman,werejoinedbytheoverseasvisitorsfromSwitzerland:Benoit(Ben)PannatierandIsabellePraplanwhoplayedtheirfirstgameofCroquet.AlargegroupofplayersenjoyedtheDalmenySportingClub’smealsafterallthefun.AnotheryearofInterClubCompetitions:DeneseMcCann,HelenOwen,KathyandNormHoyerarerepresentingNaroomaCroquetClubinBundanoon.Competitionruns25February2MarchwhenpresentationandBBQlunchwillbeenjoyed.KathyandNormarethenofftoJamberoo1115March.Wewishourplayersgoodluckandmanyhoops!

AttheAnnualPresentationheldatDalmenySportClubonWednesday8December,DelmaTaylorwaspresentedwiththePlayeroftheYearAward,TheMJMurrayTrophy.

Withtheverylowcostofkeepingmembers(andthecroquetcommunity)informedviatheinternetthepublicityofficer(myself)decidedlastyeartosetupawebsite.Now,Imakewebsitesformybusinesssothiswasnotaproblem,however,realisingthatIwouldnotalwaysbethepublicityofficerthewebsitehadtobeportableandeasytomaintain.

Bloggingseemedthewaytogo,andwiththeresourcesofGoogleitcouldbedoneveryeasily.AnyonewithalittlecomputerskillcanlearntouseGoogle’sBloggerfacilitiesandsetupablogorwebsite.ThefirststepistogetaGoogleAccount,which,bytheway,iscompletelyfree.Onceyouhaveanaccountalargevarietyofresourcesbecomeavailabletoyou,includingemailandblogging.

Theblog/websitecanbeverybasicusingtheavailabletemplatesandnavigatingyourwayaroundthesetupprocedureoryoucancustomiseittoyourheart’scontent(andability).Youcanaddpagestocontainavarietyofsubjects,calendars,information,pictures,etc.forthebenefitofyourmembers.

Takealookatourwebsite/bloghere:

Ifyouhaven’talreadysignedupwithGoogleforanaccountandwouldliketojumprightinyoucanclickthelinkintheupperrightcornerthatsays‘CreateBlog’.ThiswilltakeyoutoGoogle’ssigninand

accountscreationpage.Justtakeitfromthere.AsImentionedabove,theblogcanbeverysimpleusingavailabletemplates,oritcanbecustomised.IdecidedthatitwouldbenicetohaveourownheaderimageandproducedonewithdrawingsoftwareIown.TheimagewasthenuploadedtoBloggerandinsertedatthetop.

Youwillalsoseevideoclipsonourwebsite.Thesecanbedonewithmostbasicsmalldigitalcamerasanduploadedtofromwheretheycanbeinsertedintotheblog.Thismayrequirealittlemorefiddlingaround(andlearning)butbasicallyitisquiteeasy.Themostdifficultpartofyourjobwillbetogetthoseofyourmemberswhoare‘frightened’ofcomputerstorealisethebenefit. Goodluck.

68530_CroquetNSW_March2010.indd 4 21/02/11 9:42 AM

TherewasverylittlecroquetplayedatSawtelltowardstheendoflastyear.Theroutinemaintenanceofthecourtplannedforashortperiodturnedintoamonthlongsaga.StartinginmidNovemberworkstartedonscarifyingandcoringbothlawns.Saturday–thefirststepwasscarifying–withallhandsondecktheworkwasdoneinhalfaday.

ThecorerwasbookedforWednesday–anditrained.Howeverthejobwasdoneintherainatleast2inchesor50mlofrainthatday.Thewetandheavycoringswererakedupthenextday,thankstodedicatedmembersMarg

andRobLeese.Wewaitedaweekforthecourtstodryoutbeforetopdressing–guesswhat–morerain.Someofthetopdressingwaswashedin–therestwaswashedoff,sowerepeatedtheexercisethefollowingweek.Aweeklaterandthenewshootswerestartingtoshowthrough.Thenworkstartedonthesurroundsagaindodgingrain–theplanwastoremovethebuffaloandotherweedsandtohavethewholecomplexgrassedinthebentgrassonthecourtsandtousesomeofthesurroundsasanurseryifneededforproblemcorners.Wenowhave“Baz’sdrain”–alotofthoughtandplanningwentintothenewdrainoutsidethefenceatcourt2,againtohelpdrainingatourproblemcorner(sofarsogood).

Manyofourmembersandtheirnonmemberpartnershaveputinmanyhoursofwork–wehaveallworkedtogether,gotdirtytogether–hadafewlaughsandbeenwellfedbythoseunabletodothephysicalwork.Thehappy,friendlyatmosphereoftheclubshonethrough.

2011 starts the surrounds are not quite there yet – butwith the weather gods smiling on us things should lookgreat for our 3 big events this year. 4 days of GolfCroquetinJune,CNSWHandicapGolfCroquetDoublesandSinglesChampionshipsinSeptember(wewillcohostwithUrunga),thenour5daysofAssociationCarnivalinOctober. Plus a full calendar of club and inter clubevents planned for the year – should be a good one forSawtell.

FollowingadiscussionintheClubhouseonedayastothedatesandlocationsshowninvariousphotosaroundtheroom,IdecidedtoaccesstheminutesandcorrespondenceheldinasecuritypackageattheBanktodiscoverthehistoryofourClub.Ienjoyedreadingthehandwrittenminutesandcorrespondenceandreflectingonthepeopleinvolvedandproblems,mostlyfinancial,thattheyfacedinestablishingaClubandthevaluableassistancegivenbytheLocalCouncil.

Itwason8August,1927,atameetingchairedbytheMayor,thatitwasproposedthatacroquetclubbeestablishedinBathurst,andthismotionwascarriedbythoseinattendance.JointPresidents,andpositionsofVicePresidents,SecretaryandTreasurerwerefilledandacommitteeformed.AletterfromMrsJuneCranston,assecretaryoftheClub,addressedtotheTownClerk,dated17/12/27says:“OnbehalfoftheaboveClub,IdesiretoapplyforCouncil’spermissiontoputdowntwoCroquetlawnsadjacenttoTownTennisCourts,atcornerofDurhamandBentinckStreets.TheTennisClubhassanctionedouruseofthisgroundandtheworkwillbeunderthesupervisionofMr.E.Priddle,ShireEngineer,whohasalsopreparedtheplans”.

AreplyoftheCouncil,dated13January,1928,states:“……….thisCouncilhasapprovedofthenecessaryareabeingsetapartforthepurposeofconstructingcroquetlawnsandfortheplayingofcroquetinaccordancewiththeLocalGovernmentOrdinanceNo48(19).”

On14August,1928theminutesshowthatworkonthelawns,whichhadbeendelayedtillspringsowing,wasthencomplete.TheClubthenappliedtotheCounciltoerectaClubhouseandon26July,1929,aletterfromtheTownClerkindicatesthattheClubwaspreparedtoacceptanofferfromtheCouncil“…….tobuildtheproposedClubHouseatacostof₤100formaterialpluscostoflabour,forwhichtendersaretobecalled.”Theloanwastoberepaidoveraperiodoftwentyyearsthroughhalfyearlyrepaymentsof₤5.17.0.

Fundraisingeffortsaroundthistimeincludeddances,a“PinkTea”,aBlackandGoldTea,requestsforsubscriptionsandcardevenings.On10September,thedatewasfixedfortheofficialopeningoftheClubHouseandtheMayor,MrMoodiewasaskedtoperformtheopeningceremonywhichoccurred17April,1930.

SincethentheClubhasoperatedcontinuouslyonthesamesite,althoughtheoriginalClubhousewasfirstlyextended,thendemolishedandrebuilttoallowfortheconstructionofacarparkforanewshoppingcentre.

2010sawanenthusiasticgroupofover100boys(fourclasses)fromMosmanPrepattendingTheMosmanCroquetClubforitsannualcroquetsportingprogram.Croquetisestablishedasoneoftheschool'ssportsandatrophyishotlycontestedbetweentheschool'sthreeHouses.

.

Asover25boysattendanyonesessionfourtofiveclubmembersassistinteachingcroquet.Thesportsmasterand/orclassmasterattendeachsessionalso.Itisinterestingthatthiswasthe11thyearcroquethasbeentaughttostudentsofMosmanPrepandeachyeartheenthusiasmforthegameneverwanes.Sincerethanksgotoallclubmemberswhogaveuptheirtimeonvariousdaystoassist.Withouttheirsupportandinterestitwouldbevirtuallyimpossibletocontinue.

ItisalsointerestingtonotethatMosmanPrepboysgoontoavarietyofprivatehighschoolsandthattheremustbemanypupilsatthoseschoolswhocanplayAussieCroquet,GolfCroquetandsometimessomeofthecroquetshots.Itisashamethatthisskillisnotbeingdevelopedattheseschools.PerhapsCroquetNSWmayconsideranapproach(perhapsaPowerpointPresentation)tobeofferedtoselectschoolsasrecommendedbylocalclubs.

TheHuntersHillCroquetClubendeditsyearwithamajorfunction,aTournamentfortwoYearNineclassesfromRiversideGirlsHighSchool.TeachingGolfCroquettoYearNinegirlsfromthisschoolhasbecomeapartoftheClub’sannualCalendar.Thisyear,however,theClub,attheenthusiasticrequestofthegirls,wentfurtherandorganisedaTournamentforallthegirlswhohadparticipatedintheteachingsessions.TherewerefourteachingsessionsforeachclassinwhichgroupsoffourgirlsweretaughthowtoplayGolfCroquetbymembersoftheClub.Altogetherinthetwoclassesmorethanfortygirlstookpart.ThiswasfollowedupbyagrandTournamentbetweenthetwoclassesinwhichteamsoftwofromoneclassplayedtwogamesagainstteamsfromtheotherclass;thewinnersandrunnersupfromeachclassthenplayedaFinalmatchtodeterminetheoverallChampionTeam.

TheChampionsandtherunnersupwerepresentedwithCupsbyTedSalterwhohadorganisedthecomplicatedtimetablefortheFinalsDay.MembersoftheClubwhohadparticipatedintheteachingandthegirlsthemselvesalongwiththeirteachersenjoyedtheexperience,anditishopedthatnextyearateamwillbesenttotakepartintheNSWSchoolsCroquetCompetitioninDecember

RemembertheAustralianGateballChampionshipsbeingheldinNewcastleinSeptember.

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InNovember2010Urungaplayedhostto36visitingplayersfortheirInauguralGolfCroquetSinglesCarnivalheldover4days.Ofthe36players,10wereplayingatUrungaforthefirsttimeanditwasgreattogreetnewfacesandequallypleasingtorenewfriendshipswithmanyplayerswhohaveregularlyenjoyedtravellingtoUrunga.TheformatforthecarnivalwasdifferentfromourAugustcarnivalinthatweonlyplayedsinglesandplayedbothlevelandhandicapplaywitheachplayerhaving10gamesoverthefourdays.ThechallengetoManagementwastocomplete180gamesinfourdays,buttheCommitteewereuptoitandeverythingwascompletedinarelaxed,friendlyatmosphere.

AnotherchallengethrownattheCommitteebeforeplaystartedwasthatourcatererhadtakenillandwasinhospital,thegirlsinthekitchensteppedupandforthefirsttwodaystheypreparedthesandwichesforlunch.Sammyrecoveredfromhismysteryillnesstoprovidelunchesforthefinaltwodays.OntheThursdayeveningmanyplayersenjoyedrelaxingattheCarnivalDinnerprovidedbyLui’sRestaurantattheC.exUrungaGolf&SportsClub.WereturnedtothemainClubforourpresentations,refreshmentsandfingerfoodontheFridayatthecompletionofplayandanumberofplayersstayedontoenjoytheevening.

Carnivalsdon’tjusthappenandawillingbandofClubmemberswereavailabletoassistwiththerunningoftheCarnivalandsettingupthecourtsearlyeachmorningsoplaycouldcommenceontime.Theireffortsareappreciatedbyorganisersandplayers.Weshouldalsonotforgetthereferees,manyofthemplayersawaitingtheirturntoplay,whokeptthingsflowing.

Wewouldalsoliketothankoursponsorsforthisevent;ourmajorsponsorwastheFederationofCommunity,SportingandWorkersClubs,whoowntheunitsadjacenttoourClubwheremanyoftheplayersstayed.OursecondarysponsorwasCoffsExServicesMemorialandSportingClubLtd.andwethankthemfortheircontinuedsupportofourcarnivals.

Theleadersafterthelevelroundfoundthegoingalittletougherwhentheyhadtogiveextraturns,althoughanumberofplayersforgottousethem.TheHandicapperwaskeptbusywritingnewcardsforplayersastheyfilledtheiroldcardsandadjustinghandicaps;therewerehandicapchangesineachofthesixblocks.Fourofthesixblockshadthewinnerorrunnerupdecidedonnettscoresoitwasakeenlycontestedcompetition.

MostplayersremarkedontheformatoftheCarnivalwithplayersenjoyingbothlevelandhandicapplayandeagertoreturn.IfyouhavenotbeentoUrungaontheMidNorthCoastyoumayliketoconsidernextyear,althoughgetyourentriesinearlyaswecanonlyaccept36players.

In1985MariePatmore,whowasontheBoardoftheUrungaGolf&SportsClubsuggestedthatasanothersportfortheareaCroquetshouldbegivenatry.Thesuggestionwasnotreceivedverywell,butMarieperseveredandfoundabout12ladieswhowerepreparedtotryitout.ShewrotetotheCroquetAssociationforinformationonhowtostartanewclub.ItwassuggestedthatshecontactAliceBarrett,anaccreditedcoachoftheSawtellClub.WiththeinformationneededtostarttheclubitwasputtotheBoardandtheygavetheirapprovalfortheformationofaCroquetClub.AssistedbythelocalcommunityandanumberofuniquefundraisingactivitiestheoriginallawnwasfinallycompletedandtheUrungaCroquetClubwasofficiallyopenedon21June1986.

MariewillbeoneoftheguestsoftheUrungaCroquetClubwhenitcelebratesits25thAnniversaryontheJunelongweekend.ItwillbeafullweekendofcelebrationwithbothAssociationandGolfCroquetplannedfortheSaturdayandSunday.ThemaineventwillbeathreecoursedinneratC.exUrungaGolfClubonSaturday11June2011.

AnyonewhohashadconnectionswiththeUrungaCroquetClubwishingtobepartofthecelebrationsshouldcontacttheorganisingCommitteeforfurtherdetails.TheCommitteecanbecontactedbymailatPOBox95Urunga,emailatjohnpiggott@bigpond.comorphone66555085or0427629953.

UrungaCroquetClubhasashorthistorywhencomparedtoanumberofClubsinNSW,butweareluckytohaveanexcellentreputationforconductingCarnivalswithour20thAssociationCarnivalalsotobeheldinJune.ItisacredittotheClubthatinourtwentyfifthyearwewillalsobeaddingtoourhistorywhenwehosttheCNSWGolfCroquetHandicapChampionshipsinSeptember.

Aplanningexercisein2006showedthattocaterforthepredictedincreaseinclubmembers,athirdcroquetlawnwouldberequiredby2010.Followingthecompletionofanewclubhousein2009,attentionwasdirectedtothebuildingofathirdCroquetlawntotheNorthoftheexistingNo.2lawnbutoutsidetheexistingfence.AgreementwasreachedwithKiamaCouncilandtheJamberooCombinedSportingClubsthatwewouldsharethisareawiththeJuniorcricketerswhoonlyusetheareaonSaturdaymorningsduringthecricketseason.

Thebesttimetoconstructanewlawnisduringthegrowingseasoninspringandsummerbutthiscoincideswithwhenthecricketersneededtousethelawnandthisgavearestrictedtime‘window’inwhichtodothework.PreparationcommencedlateinJulywiththepoisoningoftheexisting(mainlyKikuyu)grasswithaherbicide.Althoughtheexistingareawasacricketfield,ithadasignificantslope(about450mmoverthelengthofthecroquetlawn)andso,aftertheinitialexcavationofthetopsoilwascompletedinAugust,theareawaslaserlevelledtoprovideanaccuratebase.About100mmofhighqualityturfunderlaysoilwasthenspread,laserlevelledandcompactedpriortolayingtheturfinthefirstweekofSeptember.Theareawasavailableforthejuniorcricketers,asagreed,inOctober.

Routine,twiceweekly,mowingofthenewlawncommencedinmidOctoberandthelawnwasputintouseasacroquetlawnthefirstweekofNovember.Ascouldbeexpectedfromthisfasttrackprocedure,anddespitelaserlevelling,thelawnwasfairlybumpyinitially.Sincethenithasbeentopdressedtwiceand,thoughstillnotasevenaswewouldlike,itisnotabadlawntoplayon.Unlikeourtwoexistinglawnsthenewlawnislevelwithjusta0.2%slope(approx50mmoverthewidthofthelawn).Somesettlingofthelawnisexpectedoverthenext12monthsandsothecurrentplanistotopdressandlaserlevelitagainduringSpring2011afterwhichwebelieveitshouldbeatleastasgoodasourexistingtwolawns.

InitiallyanumberofclubmemberswerenervousaboutsharingthelawnwiththegeneralpublicandthecricketersbutsomereassurancewasobtainedfromTorontoCroquetClubwhoalsosharetheirlawnswithcricketers.(It’sthefootbrawlerswhotendtodo

damage).Inthe3monthsthatthenewlawnhasbeeninoperationtherehasbeennosignificantdamagetothelawnfromotherusers.Wearefortunateinhavingsomecommunitymindedneighbourswhoarepreparedtokeepaneyeoutforpossiblevandalismwhenclubmembersarenotaround.

WhentherewereonlytwocourtsatTareethesecondcourtwasobviouslythebest.Itwasthecourtofchoicefordailyplayandalwaysthecourtforcompetitions.Court1wasachallengebecauseoftheinterestingslopes–abitlikeplayingonthesideofahill.Theapproachtohoop4fromhoop3isalwaysaboutametretotheleftifyouwanttofinishinfrontofthehoop.

Court3wasbuiltin2009–firstusedforplayonMelbourneCupday2009–flat,levelandfast.Then,lookingacrossthegroundsitwasclearthatcourt2wasdomed,withedgesfallingawaytovariousdegrees.Mowingofthesurroundswasdifficultalongthefencelinesbecauseofthesteepslopefromtheplayingsurfacetothebaseofthefence.

In2010,withourgratefulthankstoDepartmentofSportandRecreationfortheirfinancialassistance,toWesley’sEmploymentServicesforthelabourprovidedbytheworkexperiencecrews,andtolocalhireandmaterialscompanies,court2wascompletelyrefurbished.Thefencewasremovedandthegrasscoverpoisonedtwice.Fifteentruckloadsoffillsandwerebroughtin,spreadandlaserlevelled.Fertiliserwasappliedandturflaid.Additionaldrainagewasinstalledandthefencerebuiltonthesamelevelastheplayingsurface.Thegrassquicklyestablishedandbegan.

Thefirstmowingwasafterjusttendays.Graduallythebladesofthecylindermowerwereloweredandprogressivemowingremovedmuchofthethatchandstalkoftheoriginalturf.Ithassincebeengroomedandisnowbeingmownatplayingheight.Somemembersareeagertoplayoncourt2–maybeatEaster.

Itisbothsatisfyingandexcitingtolookfromtheclubhouseandsee2matchingcourts–bothflat,level,fast,samegrass.Manythanksmustgotoallwhoassistedindifferentways,butparticularlytheclubgreenkeeperPhillipSagewhowastheprojectmanagerandcoordinatedallaspectsofthiswork.

Thoseplayerswhocometothisyear’scarnivals–WildFigACinMayandTareeonManningGCinOctober–willenjoy2excellentcourtsandmaybe1withinterestinggeography.ThosewhohavebeentoTareebeforewillcertainlyappreciatethedifferencethislatestimprovementhasmade.

ThenewfenceFirstmowing

68530_CroquetNSW_March2010.indd 6 21/02/11 9:42 AM

TheClubcelebratedanothersuccessfulyearwithaChristmasLunchforallmembers.Wedinedalfrescoontraditionalfareprovidedbyalocalcaterer.ThefiftymemberspresentwerewelcomedbyPresidentKurtBeckandproceedingswerekeptmovingbySanta,EdNash,whodistributedluckynumberprizesthroughouttheafternoon.ThecelebrationendedwithGenevieveParkesleadingusinsingingsomeaussieChristmassongs.Itwasahappyandharmoniouswaytoendourcroquetyear.

Ournewyearhasstartedwellinspiteoftheextremeweatherandwehavefourmorememberswhohavequalifiedasreferees–KurtBeck,ShirleyPage,KevinPageandBillMunnsweresuccessfulingainingtheirbadges.NowwearelookingforwardtohostingtheLakeMacquarieMastersGames.ForthiswewillbeholdingaGolfdoublestournamentovertwodays,2122March,andallclubshavebeensentregistrationbooklets.Thesegamesareorganisedinagegroups,alittledifferentforussoitshouldbealotoffun–docome!

Therehavebeensomewelcomeadditionstoourweeklytimetable.BillNewberryhasorganisedRicochetgameseachThursdaymorningforthosewhowishtomakethetransitionfromGolftoAssociationplay,andforthosewhojustenjoythischallengingformofthegame.WehavealsointroducedtwilightGolfcroquetgamesonSundaysforthosewhoappreciateplayinginthecoolereveninghours.Ourcourtsarenowinusesevendaysaweek–that’salotofcroquetandalotoffun!

Anewyearofcroquetisuponus.Thingshavechangedaroundatouchfromlastyear,whenwehadtoputcopiousamountsofwateronthelawns,nowdroughthasturnedtoflood.However,intoeachlifealittlerainmustfall.

Thisyear,LismoreCroquetClubishandingoverthepresidencyoftheNorthernRiversCroquetAssociationtotheBallinateam.ThegameswillstilltakeplaceinLismore,asitismorecentrallyplacedthanBallinaforthoseclubssituatedinthehinterland,butBallinawillbetakingovertheorganisationoftheevent.RodneyKendallandDavidWillishavekindlyspenttimeintroducingthenewmanagerstotherigoursoforganisingthispopularcompetition.

AswellasconductingtheNorthernRiversTournament,Ballinawillbeinvolvedincelebratingits75thanniversaryinMaythisyear.Thereareplansafoottomakethisaveryspecialbirthday,sowatchthisspace.....

Attheendof2010,ourclubwasabletoreplaceitsoldandtatteredflagwithaspankingnewmodel,sportingourPelicanlogo.OurChiefYeomanofSignals,assistedbyamotleycrew,raisestheflagonplaydays.Thisoperationissometimes

madeabittrickybythosewhoareconstantlybemusedbythevariousshacklesandhalyardsrequiredtoraisethenationalandclubflagstothetopoftheyardarm.Wecroquetplayersarenothingifnotversatile.

AustraliaDaykickstartedthenewyearwithlotsofeatinganddrinkingandabigteamofAssociationandGolfplayerstryingtoplaypropercroquetafteratraditionalAussieBarbecue.OnceintothenextphaseofworkinguptoPennants,wewillallbesettlingdowntoourusualneedlematches.Thereisalotofplanningandworkahead,forourvariouscommitmentsinthecomingyear,butBallinawillrisetothechallengeandbebiggerandbetterthaneverbefore.

MaitlandCroquetClubhasnamedalawninhonourofoneofitslongstandingmembers.TheNoelCarmodyLawnwasunveiledonSaturday21August2010.Noel,whowasaLifeMemberoftheClub,attendedtheceremonyalongsidehiswifeandfellowmember,Madge,withalargegatheringofmembers,friendsandfamily.

ThenamingofthelawnwasanacknowledgementofNoel’stirelesseffortsfortheClubovermanyyears.Hewasinvolvedinestablishingthelawnsandwastheproducerofmuchneededequipment.Hisknowledgeofirrigationwashelpful,askillbornfromworkingthelandonhisLouthParkfarmwherehegrewvegetablesandwassuccessfulinbreedingtrottinghorses.HewontheBroodMareoftheYearwithBonnieBelmediain2001andagaininthefollowingtwoyears.FundswereraisedfortheClubonmanyoccasionswith“guesstheweightofthepumpkin”contestswithapumpkingrownbyNoel.

Akeenplayerofthegame,AssociationandGolf,NoelhaswonmanyClubcompetitionsandtournaments.In2009hepairedwithTrevorBlackandwontheNSWGolfDoublesHandicapChampionship.Inlateryearshehadtroublewithhiseyesightbutcouldstillroquetyoufromtheothersideofthegreen.Itwasoftenjokedthathewasbetterwhenheusedhisbadeye.

SadlyNoelCarmody,aged81,passedawayrecently.HewillbemissedbyClubmembersbutfondmemorieswillalwaysreturneverytimewestepontotheNoelCarmodyLawnandplaythegameheloved.

OnFriday15October2010theMaitlandCroquetClubrewardedLifeMember,FredHarvey,forhisyearsofdedicationtotheClubwithalawnnamedinhishonour.FredwithhiswifeandfellowmemberWendyattendedtheunveilingwitnessedbymanymembers,familyandfriends.

FredisknownforhiscommitmentandworkbehindthescenesattheClubinacquiringequipment,groundmaintenanceandcoaching.PamGentlespokeofFred’sachievementsovermanyyearsandsaidthattheClubmightnothavesurvivedwithouthistirelessefforts.Fredwashumbleinhisresponse,notlookingforpraise,hedidjustwhathethoughtwasrequired.Nowretired,FredwasemployedasanengineerwithMaitlandCityCouncilandrecalledspendingmanyofhislunchhoursweedingthenewlawns.

FredfollowedWendyintoCroquetandisakeenplayerofAssociation.Hehaswonmanychampionshipsandtournamentsovertheyears.HissportingachievementsarenotlimitedtocroquetasheholdsaleveltwoSportsTrainer’sCertificateandhadasixyearinvolvementwiththelocalRugbyLeagueteam,theMaitlandPumpkinPickers.Duringthe1980shespentsixyearsastheclub’sstrapperandtrainer.

Fredsayshe’ssteppingbacklettingtheyoungermemberscarrytheloadnowadaysbutwheneverthereisanylawnimprovementworktobedonesuchascoringandscarifyingheistheretotheforewithadviceandassistance.

Thankyou,Fred,forallyouhavedonefortheMaitlandCroquetClub.Yourvaluedworkisgreatlyappreciated.

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Wehadalovelymorningattheendof2010,withaguestfromSawtellCroquetClub,forourChristmasPartyandPresentation.Ourpresentationcoveredtwocompetitionsplayedoverthepastyear—268gameswereplayedand67membersplayedthesegames.12membersreceivedcertificatesandprizeswhichweregivenfor1st,2ndand3rd,forthemenandagainfortheladies.ThiscoveredourMondayCompetitionandourFridayCompetitionwhichisplayedonceamonth.

InMarchwearelookingforwardtohostingafriendlydayofcroquetagainst16membersfromSawtell.

WewelcomevisitorssoifanyoneisinSouthWestRockspleasecontactmyself(BevGannaway)on65666002.WeplayMonday,WednesdayandFridaymorningsfrom9amtomidday.

ThefirstmeetingoftheNowraCroquetclubwasheldintheNowraBowlingclubpavilionon17May1922withsixteenladiespresenttoformNowracroquetclub.TheBowlingclubownedatenniscourtattherearoftheirbowlinggreenwhichthetennisclubwerenolongerusingsothecroquetcommitteeofferedtorentthetenniscourtfromthebowlingclubifthebowlerswouldaddasmalladditionalareatoenablethemtolaydownacroquetlawn.

Thiswasagreedandthecroquetlawnwasreadyfortheofficialopeningon4May1923.TheclubremainedatthebowlingclubuntilinApril1937whenthebowlingclubannouncedtheirintentiontosellthearea.Thecroquetclubofferedtopaythebowlingclubthreehundredpoundsfortheland,butthisofferwasrefused.

TheclubthenapproachedtheNowracouncilaskingforitsassistanceinfindingapieceofland27yardsby38yardssuitableforacroquetlawn.CouncilrepliedbyinvitingtheladiestomeettheirworkscouncilandofferedtheareaattheNowrashowgroundsjustinsidethememorialgates.TheCluboccupiedthisspaceuntilthenewlawnsinCambewarraRoad,Bomaderry,werebuiltin2008.ThefirstgameswereplayedonthenewcourtsatBomaderryon21February2009,withtheofficialopeningon27May2009.

AtthetimethecourtsatBomaderrywerebuilttherewasnotenoughmoneytobuildaclubhousesoclubmembersusedtheamenitiesoftheBomaderryswimmingpoolandbeganworktoraisefundstobuildaclubhouseandamenityblockbyholdingastallattheBomaderryrotaryclubmarketseachmonth,applyingforgrantsandhostingProbusClubdays.Whenwefirstbeganitwasfeltthatmostofuswouldnotlivetoseetheclubhousebuilt,butnowwearereadytobeginwork.InjustontwoyearswehaveraisedenoughmoneywiththehelpoftheShoalhavenCityCounciltobuildadoublebrickstructurelargeenoughforourneedswithtwotoiletsasterlingeffortforasmallclubwithonly48members.

Bomaderrycroquetclubwillcelebrateits90thbirthdayon17May2012

Thiswasourbiggesteventwith20pairscompeting.Rain,hail,thunder&lightningwashedusoutononedayandthreatenedontwootherdays.WeappreciatedthesportsmanshipofRin&Lenora,whocamebackearlythefollowingmorningfromWollongongtocompletethreehoops,ratherthanletdowntheplayerswhowerefightingforpositionsinthequarterfinals.Wehadsomeveryhardfoughtgames,withmorethan50%ofthegamesgoingtoeither76or75.DuetoboththeweatherthreateningandthefactthatSutherlandhadonlyonecourtavailablethequarterfinalswereplayedasone19pointgame,withalltheplayersenjoyingtheexperience.SemifinalistswereRosJohnstone&MurielJones,JohnEddes&DennisFaggotter,BillCoull&GaryMatthews,andBernieMcAlary&CarolHayes.

HurstvillehostedourfinaldaywiththefinalsoftheOpengolfcroquetdoubleshandicapfollowedbyanexcellentluncheonandpresentation.Thedayincludedplentyoflaughs,goodcompany,camaraderieandtallstoriesabouttheshotthatgotaway.Feedbackfromplayersindicatedthetournamentwasverysuccessfulandliveduptotheexpectationsofafriendlyandfunendofyeartournament.

Wewouldliketotakethisopportunitytothankthevenuemanagers,someofwhommanagedforthefirsttime,allofwhomhelpedmakethetournamentrunsosmoothly.Wewouldliketothanktherefereesfromthehostclubswhogaveoftheirtimesowillinglyandaspecialthankyoutothoserefereesfromotherclubswhowhenaskedtohelpoutobligedsowillingly:HeatherSmallbone[Chatswood],DennisFaggotter[Cammeray],MargaretSawers[Nowra]&BillHaynes[BlueMountains]Allclubsalsohadtheassistanceofthebackboneofanyclub,thehelpers,andathankyougoesouttothem.Alsoabigthankyoutotheplayerswhosupportedthecarnivalthisyear,manyofwhomhavesupportedthiscarnivalovermanyyears.Anytournamentisonlyasgoodasitsentrants,supportedbymanagersandrefereesandhelpers.

ItisunfortunatethatCNSWinitswisdomisrunningbothAssociationandGolfcroqueteventsthatwillclashwiththeMakaraeventswhichhavebeenrunatthistimeoftheyearforthe27yearsoftheMakara’shistory.Let’shopethedivideandconquerruledoesnotapplyandthatcroquetwillnotbetheloserbecauseofsuchclashes.

TheMakaraisadvertisedasaFUNyearendtournament,andwebelieveit liveduptoitsreputation,offriendship,camaraderieandcompetitivegames.

LookingforwardtoseeingyouallagaininOct/Nov2011whentheSouthernclubswillagainhosttheMakara.

The Shoalhaven Shield competition between Bundanoon&NowratookplaceonFriday29thOctober.Theresultswere:

Bundanoonwonthematchongames,howeverNowraactuallyscoredmorehoops.GrahamCullenverynearlyturnedthetablesinhisdoublesgame.Withthescore713againsthim,andtimealreadycalled,heplayedamagnificentsixpointbreakfrom2backtopegouthisball,leavingthescore13all.HadhisbreakleftMaryinhoop1position,Nowracouldeasilyhavewonthegameandthereforethematch.AsitwasBundanoonhadlittledifficultyrunninganotherhoop,whichwasPenultimate.AshewasshakinghandsandabouttowalkoffthelawnJackiesaid"David,whynotrunRoveraswell?",sohewalkedbacktohisballnexttothepeganddidso.

DavidArcher(6) * 26 7 GrahamCullen(7)

LeilaMerson(12) 8 26 * MargaretSawers(11)

JackieCrosslé(18) 3 22 * FayLochrin(18)

CharlesCook(18) * 16 12 ColleenMcIntyere(20)

LeilaMerson&IanMcClelland

* 18 14 MargaretSawers&FayLochrin

DavidArcher&JackieCrosslé

* 15 13 GrahamCullen&MaryDunn

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Thenovice’stechnicalgamewasabovestandardwith6gamespeggedout.Withalittlemoreexperienceincourtcraft,wewillseerapidimprovers. Wal has reestablished himself as a silver player. Welldone.Allplayerswereimpressivewith9pegoutsover15games

Ted,whowasplayinginhisfirsttournament,peggedout4 of 5 games and made in the one game a break of 12followed by another break of 12. Our congratulationsTed. The play of the day went to John Love with abrilliantgolfshotwhichwonthehoop. Bob,competedinMakaraBronzedivisionin2008,wasrunnerupintheSilverdivision2009,andnowwinsthePlatinum/Golddivisionin2010

undefeated.ItwasgreattoseePat&Walbackincompetitionagain. .Theeventproducedsomegoodbattles.

Astherewereonly4entrantsallmatcheswereplayedtothebestof3andallwerehardfought.

Thisdivisionwaswellrepresentedwith13entrantswhoenjoyedthecompetitionandcamaraderie.AftersomehardfoughtgamesthesemifinalistswereLenoraEverton,BernieMcAlary,IanSubbi,&JohnLove.

22October—12November2010

Theverysuccessful27thMakaraCroquetCarnivalwascohostedbythefollowingcroquetclubs:Coogee,Holroyd,Hurstville,Marrickville,PortHacking,Strathfield,SutherlandandWollongong.

TheMakaraissonamedinhonouroftheEmusisterswhospurnedtheadvancesoftheWanjinmenwhopursuedtheEmusisterstothefarendoftheearth.TothisdaytheWanjinmen,whoinaboriginallegendarenowtheconstellationofOrion,arestillpursuingthesisters,knownasthesevensistersstars.

InadowntoearthsensethismeansthattheWanjinmentriedtorainonourparadeagainthisyear.Rainthreatenedonanumberofdays,andontwoafternoonswehadsomeverysoggyplayers.HoweveronthelastMondayofthetournamenttheheavensopened,thunder,lightning,torrentialrainandhail,leftourlawns10cmunderwaterinthespaceofhalfanhour.ItwasanotherMakaraexperiencepeggingdowntwogamesinthetorrentialrain.

Nineseparateeventswereheldatsevenvenuesovertheperiod.65CNSWmembersparticipatedandwithsomeplayersplayinginmorethatoneevent,theMakarahadatotalof95evententrants.EntrantscamefromBlueMountains,Tamworth,Jamberoo,Eastwood,Epping,Chatswood,HuntersHill,Manly,Mosman,Cammeray,aswellasfromthehostclubs.

Thecarnivalcoverseventsinbothassociationcroquetandgolfcroquet,cateringforalllevelsofplayfromnovicetoplatinum/Division1.Thestandardinalleventswasexcellentwithsomegreatstandoutplays

Whenourlocalherotookupcroquetfiveyearsagoattheageof75,hehadalottoprove.First,thatageisnobarrierandsecond,thatifyou’redeterminedandpreparedtoputinthehardworkthennothingisimpossible.WhatRayhasn’tsaidisthathavinganaturaltalentisalsouseful,especiallyifyou’vefrequentedbilliardhallsinyouryouth,playedReservegradeVFLforFitzroyandplayedoffatwohandicapingolfforabout40years!Rayrecallsthetimehewasinvitedtoparticipateinabilliardsexhibitionbythe

legendaryWalterLindrumandasamereyouthhescoredabreakof96,whichbyanymeasureisexceptional.Wewon’tmentionWalter’sscore!

WiththehelpofForster’s“evergreen”currentcoachandClubChampion,JuneNixon,Rayprogresseddownthehandicapscale,studiedandpracticedwithanappetitefordetailsandknowledge,gotontothe“TournamentCircuit”withgrowingsuccesses,recentlytakingouttheNSWSinglesGCHandicaptittleinthebestofthreefromourotherpopularRegionalChampion,JoeDimech(Taree).

RayhassubsequentlybeeninvitedtojointheStateDevelopmentSquad,continuestoprovetheadage“practicemakesperfect”.TripleandquadruplepeelsandazerohandicapinAssociationarehisnextgoalsandwe’rebehindhimalltheway.Notbadfor80!Welldone,Ray.

Weweremostfortunatetohaveexaminingreferees,JimHicks(picturedleft)&PamDurie,enteredintheSpringCarnivalandtooktheadvantageofhavingthemtakeour18refereesandaspiringrefereesthroughanexcellenttwohourcourseonthedaybeforetheCarnival.Theyalsogavetheirprecioustimebetweenplaytotestandpassourfournewrefs”.Inthewordsofthefamouscricket

commentator(BillLawry),“Thosetwowereaclassact”!

AnothersuccessfulSwissCarnivalwasenjoyedbyourcompetitorsoverfivedays,withnumerouspegouts!Andinperfectfine,crispsunnyconditions—well,mostly!Thefewdropsofraininthefinalcoupleofhourscertainlydidn’tdampenthespiritoftheoccasion.

Allthreeblockswerekeenlycontestedwithatleastthreeineachgoingintothefinaldaywithfourwins.BlockA,wonbyourhomegown“OBE”RayVizefromTrevorBlack(Maitland),wasanabsoluteheartstopper.Trevor’sblack(pardonthepun)peggedoutredandwithRay’s

yellowonroverandblackonfour,Trevorsystematicallyproceededtobridgethegap.BlackreachedroverwhenRayfinallygotintotakethegame2624.

TwootherBlockAgamesweresimilarlypeggedouttoleaveexciting3ballfinishes.RunnerupStephenHowes2624againstourownBarbaraMcTienaninanothertitanicstruggle.

BlocksB&CproducedoutstandinghusbandandwifewinnersinMargaretandRobLeese(Sawtell),with107netpointsbetweenthemandreducingtheirhandicapsintheprocess.

Ournewfourthcourthaditsfirstmajortestingandfromvisitors’commentsitmatchesthefinestandardofitsthreeolderbrothers!Nextyearweproposetochangea3dayCarnivalintotwo2½hourgamesperday,advancedplay.

Congratulationtoourtwopartnersincrime,AnnBurns&JuneNixon,fortheirmeticulousandhappymanagement.

ThiswasfloodingonthelawnsofWaggaWaggaClubearlyDecember.Thelawnsprettywellwentcompletelyunderwater,but,amazingly,thenextday,Saturday,allwasclear,andweplayedcroquet.

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Anovercastmorninggreeted24hardenedGolfCroquetenthusiasts,eachsuitablyattiredtoreflecttheoccasion.WhatlayaheadwasadaypackedwithtraditionalAussiedelicacies……lamingtons,dampers,AnzacBiscuits(allbeitafewmonthsearly)whilethoughtsweredriftingofftoanicecoldTooheysorVB.Nonetheless,wewereprimedforadaypackedwithfun,chatter,andtheoccasionalgameofcroquet.

After a couple of games it was time to devour thescrumptiousmorning tea. Bynow thecloudshad rolledaway and a picturesque and scorching Australia dayawaited,withonlytheverykeeninterestedinplaying.Itwas time for the rest to sit around and partake in thetraditionofchatting.

An Aussie BBQ lunch worthy of the occasion awaitedwithallthetrimmings.Attheend of the day presentationswere made to the variousprizewinners.PreparationsarewellinhandforboththeAssociation&GolfTournamentstobeheldinMarch&April.MarilynBenson&BrendaEvanshaveputmanyhours

intotheorganizationoftheseevents.WiththecompletionofourthirdlawnandtherenovationstoourotherlawnsoverChristmasalllawnsareintopplayingconditions.

TheClubcelebratedintrueOzfashionhatstokeepoffthesunhatstokeepofftherain,

Ozflagcapestoblowinthebreeze.

WetriedoutGateballandthelawnresoundedwithcriesof"Footontheball!","No,onYOURball!","No,movetheroquetedballtositnexttoyourball!"

andthebytimeourAssociationindoctrinatedplayershaditsetupright,theumpirewouldcall"TimeOut!"

TherewasBundygingerbeer,lamingtonsanddamperwithgoldensyrupformorningtea,andwepolishedoffwhatwasleftatlunchtime.Itwasveryhot,butwehadalotoffun.

ItwasanalldayaffaircommencingwithBridgefrom11amto3pmwithachampagnelunchat1pm.Nosoonerhadthefirstlotofglassesanddishesbeenwashedwhenthesecondstagewasduetocommenceat5pm.Someofuscouldnotlastuntilthensowestartedtocelebrateat4pm.AssoonasthedaystartedtocoolthediehardsstrolledovertoLawn4forGolfCroquethopingthattheworkerswouldgetthebarbecuegoingwhichtheydid.Weheededthetelevisionmessagetoputlambonthebarbieandallbroughtourcutletsandlambsausages.Theeveningwassereneandwearesoenjoyingourextendedconcretesurroundingtheclubhouse(seephotooftablesoutsideclubhouse).TheeveningwasatestimonytothecommunityspiritofAustralia.Wehadlotsoflaughterandenjoyedthejokesbroughtalong.

TheBirpaipeoplearetheTraditionalownersofalllandandwatersoftheforeshoresoftheGreaterPortMacquariearea.OnAustraliaDaytheSecondSaltwaterFreshwaterFestival,celebratingthecultureandheritageoftheBirpaipeople,washeldalongthoseforeshoresatWestportPark.Theyhaddisplaysandworkshopsinart,weaving,didgeridooplaying...aswellasmusicandactsontwostages.

AcoupleofhundredmetresawaywecelebratedAustraliaDayattheCroquetClub,playinggolfcroquetandenjoyingabarbecuewithdelicioussaladsandscrumptiousdesserts.Agooddaywashadbyall,asevidencedbythephotocollageatthetopofthenextpage.

MembershavewelcomedtheNewYearofcroquetwithgoodattendancesonallplayingdaysdespitethehotand/orwetweather.WeheldaveryenjoyableAustraliaDayBBQandplayedsomegreatgamesofcroquet.Anotherpopulareventwas‘Doug’sDay’(sponsoredbyourVicePresident,DougLeabeater).

CominguplaterinFebruaryisaninterclubvisittoOrangefortwodaysofgolfcroquetandpreparationiswellunderwayforourAutumnCarnivalinMarchwhenweexpecttohostover50visitorstoYoung.

Theclubwillbeinstallingfloodlightingontwocourtsinthenearfuturewhichwillallowextendedplayingtimesforbothsocialandcompetitionevents.Theclubwillalsobeabletopromote‘Twilight’croquetwhichwehopewillencourageinterestfromthoseinthecommunitywhoarenotabletoplayinthedaytime.

Some50people–members,familyandfriends–bravedtheheattocomeandenjoyourAustraliaDayGalaDay.Winnersofthefungameswere:Ladder,LynneRoberts;HoopAngles,LorraineWest;Bull’sEye,KayMaslen;StopShot,PegJones;KillingtheDolls,SueGordon;Bagatelle,avisitor,Richard;HoleintheWall,JoeCarey;Tunnel,Christian(SusanHowe’sboss);andtheDogLegwasatiebetweenStaffordLoader&AndrewMorrison

Asusual,theclubheldaGolfSinglesTournamentsponsoredbyMaitlandCityCouncil.TherewerethirtysixplayersparticipatingfromMaitlandandvariousclubsincludingWollongong,Lismore,MacquarieCity,NewcastleNationalPark,Branxton,Sutherland,MyallPark,Toronto,MountSugarloaf,EDSACCandStrathfield.

Thecompetitionwasdividedintosixblocksaccordingtohandicapswithplaycommencingat8amandcontinuingthroughto5pm.Theweatherwasextremeandtestedmanyplayerswhosoughtshadyareasandcooldrinksbetweengames.Asprinklerwasinstalledforthereliefofplayers,whichmanytookadvantageoftocooldown.ThetournamentwasinthecapablehandsofMaitlandGolfGamesCaptain,LynnDooley,andherassistantRobynCompton,whileMargaretThompsonfromNelsonBayClubwastheTournamentReferee.ThedaywasagreatsuccessduetothesupportgivenbythevolunteersfromMaitlandClubandvisitorswhoassistedwithrefereeing,timekeeping,catering,lawnmaintenanceandscoring.

TheMayorofMaitlandandClubPatron,PeterBlakemore,attendedandwithassistancefromClubPresident,JanetDahlenburg,presentedthewinnerswiththeirprizemoneyattheendofthetournament.

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