Caloundra celebrates Christmas, club upgrades and Australia Day fun

Forty Caloundra members and guests enjoyed an early Christmas celebration at the clubhouse on Saturday 7 December. For $12 a head they shared drinks, chicken and ham, salads and desserts. Thanks went to Cathy McBrien for organising the event, to her willing elves for helping during the luncheon, and to those who prepared salads.

The sub-committee investigating the extension and renovation of the clubhouse has been busy. Drawings are ready for builders to quote on an extension that would include extra storage, two toilets and an accessible toilet, with the original toilets incorporated into the clubhouse and the interior redesigned. A project of this size will need substantial grants.

Now that Invictus croquet balls have received WCF accreditation, the club is working towards obtaining six sets of primary and secondary colours for tournament play. A $1000 minor grant will help, and Club Captain Murray Tinker generously donated four sets of secondary coloured balls.

President Howard accepting Murray Tinker’s donation of secondary coloured balls.

Robert Fletcher, Malcolm Fletcher and Greg Fletcher recently competed in the US Open Golf Croquet Championship. Greg won his first match in the Championship round, while Robert and Malcolm both progressed to the final, with Robert victorious.

Australia Day was a winner thanks to Games Master Murray. A 3pm start brought 25 participants for fun games, followed by a BBQ and drinks at 6pm. Top pair Clair Mackay, a guest, and Sam Oaten took out the precious Thong Trophy. Clair is now encouraged to join the club.

Sam Oaten and Clair Mackay with Murray after winning the Thong Trophy.

Players enjoyed Gate Bowls, Holey Croquet, The Dreaded Maze, Bulls Eye, Thong Toss and Long Croquet. Sam and Clair won all their Long Croquet games. Some dressed for the event, and everyone happily endorsed Aussie product.

Steve and Liz Cichocki, Pam Lindsay and Ross Ankatell with Murray at Caloundra Australia Day celebrations.

Vale Kath Wood

Kath Wood was formerly a member of McIlwraith Croquet Club, where she served as Treasurer of CAQ. After relocating to the Sunshine Coast, Kath joined Caloundra MSC and became active in Golf Croquet. She represented the club in pennant competitions and served as a committee member for six years until ill health forced her to step down. Kath passed away on Sunday 12 January after a long battle with illness.

By Howard Williams, Caloundra. From the Croquet Newsletter, January/February 2025, pages 11-13.