Christmas lunch and Australia Day fun at Bribie Island

The Bribie Island Croquet Club Christmas lunch was held at Pacific Harbour Golf Club on 8 December and was a great success. The food was lovely and everyone joined in with a Secret Santa game with a twist. It is a really good game as long as you aren't dyslexic and don't have a problem with right and left. It just shows that the members like a bit of fun as well as playing croquet. It was great that Florence, our life member, was able to join us too.

Florence McLaren at the Christmas lunch.

At the Christmas lunch the award for the most improved player was given, the award being presented by the previous year's most improved player. The 2022 winner was Joan Gleeson. Joan hasn't been a member long but has already tried her hand at Ricochet, Association and Golf Croquet.

Joan Gleeson receives the most improved player award from Janee Molyneux (2021 winner) and Jan Rees, the Croquet Club President.

To round off the afternoon members then tried their hand at the mini golf. Oh dear I think most of them need to stick to croquet. But it was all good fun.

Lyn thinking out her next move on the mini golf course.

Members are all looking forward to lots of exciting croquet in 2023.

One thing the Croquet Club is really good at is having fun. Yes we have serious competitions, and social games and Gala days but we are always ready for a bit of fun. For me Australia Day means celebrating the fact that we live in such an amazing country. It would be great if we could all feel that and be happy.

We have many born and bred Australians in the Croquet Club but we also have members from the United Kingdom, New Zealand and other countries too, all ready to celebrate living here. Especially when you look at the rest of the world you realize how lucky we are. Recently a survey showed that Australia is the country where people live the longest. We have 2 members in their 90s in our club as well as 40 year old's. Perhaps it's croquet that keeps them young?

Well the bunting was up, the flag was raised, the anthem was sung and breakfast was served: eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans and damper of course. Lamingtons for morning tea and tucker box lunch. It doesn't get much better than this. Well actually it does because we were able to play 4 games of golf croquet too.

The cooks saying "I think it is ready" at the Australia Day breakfast.

But what were people wearing? Certainly not the usual uniform. Some people wore flags and one member even went as far as temporary tattoos. But a good time was had by every one.

Joy, somewhere in the Australia Day crowd, wearing patriotic gear.

A member showing off their temporary tattoos for Australia Day.

Why not come down to the Croquet Club and have a go. We have a number of come and try days in the near future come and join us. See you there.

By Kathy Vincent, Bribie Island. From the Croquet Newsletter, January/February 2023, pages 3-5.