Anzac commemorations, farewells, visitors and competition news at The Range Maleny

One of The Range Maleny's senior members, Nic Cram, served in helicopters decades ago in Vietnam. His contribution was recognised at the recent Anzac Day march in Maleny when he was conveyed in an Alvis vintage sports car. Nic and the Alvis are about the same age, and both are running well, especially downhill.

Anzac commemorations in Maleny also see community and sporting bodies donate books to local school libraries. This year The Range Croquet Club donated The Last Charge of the Australian Lighthorse to the students of Maleny High School, with Pricilla and Donna attending the presentation.

Recently the club said farewell to one of its members who is heading to Brisbane. Ken Barker has been a stalwart for many years. He plays a strong game and regularly helped with maintenance of the court lawns. Ken has also been a correspondent, reporting on club activities and encouraging everyone to have a smile. Ken would have preferred to slip away quietly, but his friends made sure that was not happening, and members enjoyed his recollections while sharing afternoon tea.

Ken Barker in a philosophical stance.

In the last week, The Range Maleny had the pleasure of friends from Caloundra Gardens Over 50s Village joining for another sojourn up the range. This monthly visit has been going on for more than a decade, and a bond of friendship has formed. Laurice from Caloundra spoke of the appreciation from her group of a dozen or more for the opportunity to play at The Range club. Life members Vince and Val Carbery were present to once again make the visitors feel welcome.

The Caloundra group returning to play after a cuppa.

The lawns are looking good and playing well despite troublesome mole crickets and dollar spot mould. Groundsman Wallace and his team have been working hard to nurture the lawns and take advantage of the end of the summer growing season. Mechanical matters have also been challenging, with the best mower not performing consistently. The club will seek a grant for a new machine. There is a major incentive for the lawn management, and that is to have the lawns in good shape for the National Golf Croquet championships the club is co-hosting in August and September.

Sarah, the President, has been successful on behalf of the club in obtaining a $7,500 grant through the Active Women and Girls Program of the Qld Government. The funding will help in the provision of much needed on-site toilets. Planning is underway.

On competition matters, in the recent Queensland AC Eights and Sixes, The Range Maleny representatives performed commendably with wins and close losses. Well done to Lynette, Dianne and Donna. Congratulations again to Dianne and Lynette, who have been tapped on the shoulder and accepted into the AC Development Squad.

Recently Greg Whymark came to The Range to conduct referee accreditation for Sarah and Wallace, a credit to them and the club. This increased depth of knowledge is already showing positive effects with discussion and application of the subtlety of the rules in home games.

The Range Croquet Club championships will be held in July. Open competition is on the 11th, division 2 on the 12th, division 3 on the 13th and division 4 on the 14th. Good luck to all competitors.

By David Kerr, The Range Maleny. From the Croquet Newsletter, May/June 2024, pages 31-33.