Byron Bay builds its referee group and strengthens local links

Byron Bay Croquet Club is experiencing a surge of interest from members wanting to deepen their croquet involvement beyond the home lawns. Captain Max Donati and Treasurer Dennise Simmons recently qualified as referees, inspiring Jed Hart and Denis Cummings to do the same. Byron Bay now has four referees, a welcome addition for Northern Rivers officials.

Denis Cummings and Jed Hart, newly qualified referees at Byron Bay.

Dennise also played among the NSW squad members in Sydney in March and now serves as Treasurer on the Croquet NSW board. Her service to Byron Bay suggests the state's finances will be in good hands.

The club also supported the Byron Bay Triathlon Club's annual fundraiser, with members serving as the registration team for hundreds of competitors. Everyone was given green volunteer T-shirts and later enjoyed a group supper.

Byron Bay members in their green volunteer T-shirts.

Byron Bay players have been active across Northern Rivers and beyond. Dennise Simmons and Stuart Elliot won Coolangatta's annual Birthday Competition, where they enjoyed meeting Queensland champion Yuni Rowell.

A Byron Bay player on court under a rainbow.

Birthday celebrations followed with Stuart's request for a very British afternoon tea, with cucumber sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, and Pimms cocktails.

The club hosted the NSW Division 3 Ricochet Championships at the end of May and will jointly host the NSW Golf Croquet Division 2 Doubles and Singles Championships during June. Visitors are very welcome for Golf Croquet on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, Ricochet on Wednesday and Saturday, and Association Croquet by appointment.

By Barbara Barrett, Byron Bay. From the Croquet Newsletter, May/June 2025, pages 12, 13.