Cherry Street marks championships, service and a purple-shirt campaign

Cherry Street Ballina's club championships are well under way, with Association and Ricochet almost decided and Golf Croquet in full swing. The club hosted a Novice Division Golf Singles for the first time, with Anne Wansbrough, Diana Toghill, Gene Trim and Helen Spearing taking part. Anne Wansbrough was the winner and Gene Trim the runner up.

Association Champions and runners up included Phyllis Waters, Sue Hume, Peter Hume, Gloria Drew, Bill Hardy and Greg Porter. Ricochet Champions and runners up included Robbie Allen, Norma Watts, Barbara Wellings, Noelene Barnes, David Scott, Bev Bill, Ray Chapman, Robyn Poynting, Phyllis Waters and Greg Porter. Golf results included Ray Chapman and David Scott in Division 1, and Norma Watts, Maurie Russell, Joan Doust and Bruce Nelson in the OBE Division.

On the tournament circuit, David Scott was a very close second in Division A at the Sawtell Ricochet Singles Tournament, while Penny Scott was a very close fourth in Division C. Wendy Gilmore and Christine Edlund finished third in the Maitland Sweet Pea Golf Croquet Doubles Classic. Phyllis Waters was third in the Division 3 Association Croquet Singles at Bribie Island in very wet conditions, and David Scott and Ray Chapman played well in the Queensland Ricochet Singles, with David third and Ray fifth.

The club hosted members and visitors during Seniors Week, with special guest Robyn Whitby, one of the founders of the club 15 years ago. It also celebrated its 15th birthday with a cake made by President Robyn Poynting, coinciding with a fundraising day for the Hot Meal Centre in Ballina.

Jan Copeland cutting the birthday cake, and Jan Copeland with Jean Biggs, treasured foundation members.

Members at the charity day and Cherry Street's 15th birthday.

Cherry Street launched purple shirts carrying the message "SAY NO TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE". Club members will wear them each Sunday at croquet in support. Special guests at the launch were Dave and Robbie Harmon from Ballina Richmond Rotary Club, instigators of the campaign.

Five members received 10 year service certificates: Penny Scott, Wendy Peters, Gloria Lewis, Maree Field and David Scott.

Wendy Peters, Gloria Lewis, Penny Scott, David Scott and Robyn Poynting receiving 10 year service certificates.

The pennants team had a mixed season, finishing down the ladder but enjoying the camaraderie between clubs.

Cherry Street pennants team: Jim Hannigan, Jenny Dorward, Libby Hudson, Wendy Gilmore and Robbie Allen.

By Greg Porter, Cherry Street Ballina. From the Croquet Newsletter, May/June 2025, pages 16-20.