BHPB claims Pickup Shield again, and celebrates Melbourne Cup in style

On Wednesday 25th October the annual Pickup Shield was played at BHPB but could only be attended by three clubs; Southport, Coolangatta and BHPB. The end result of the two rounds of doubles and singles was a tie between Cooly and BHPB on three games each with Southport winning one game. On the count back of hoops BHPB took the Shield again with a 21 hoop advantage. As always at these events, there was good camaraderie between teams as we all had to battle with rather windy conditions. A good day was had by all who attended.

Competitors from the three clubs at the annual Pickup Shield.

The club celebrated Melbourne Cup Day with a sausage sizzle and two sweepstakes. Bookie-for-the-Day "Honest" Robert Spinks organised two sweeps which made sure we punters were on edge as we watched our horses triumph or disappear from the TV screen. Our Provedore, Dot Davidson, assisted by Joy Manning, decorated the clubhouse splendidly with table displays featuring miniature Melbourne Cups.

The clubhouse decorated with miniature Melbourne Cups for the celebrations.

Members showing their mini Melbourne Cups and festive headwear.

Members wearing fashionable headwear for the Melbourne Cup parade.

By Dave Luxmoore, Burleigh Heads Palm Beach. From the Croquet Newsletter, November/December 2023, pages 7, 8.