Colin Moorcraft's 95th birthday celebrated at Tweed Heads, and an Inter-Age International

INTER-AGE INTERNATIONAL

On 19th February Tweed Heads Croquet Club celebrated the 95th birthday of Colin Moorcraft, known locally as Association Doubles Partner to Sheila Beattie. Sheila was still playing late last year until she had a fall and sadly passed away aged 98.

Colin in his adult life, entered the Navy, flew fixed wing aircraft then became a member of the Fleet Air Arm. He held non flying positions but became a helicopter pilot and instructor. After leaving the Navy, he flew helicopters for British Airways and then with Shell in Brunei.

On retiring to Australia, Colin and wife Joy took up Croquet. He constructed his own home court and became a very proficient Association player. He claims that some of the ladies at that time were still playing sideways as they had to in the days of skirts which were worn to ground length. Colin's brother, Denis, was carrying on the same Croquet tradition in England well into his 90's as a Division 1 player and was President in his time of the prestigious Cheltenham Club in Gloucestershire.

On the day of a large and happy gathering for Colin's birthday we were joined by our President Penny's family of six from Boston, Massachusetts and Buffalo, New York State. Three generations were participating. They arrived in an interesting assortment of clothing after having had to land with engine failure to their aircraft only to find that all their luggage had been left behind in San Francisco!

Undeterred, they spent a very enthusiastic morning playing Golf Croquet. 12 year old Benjamin will need more play to work out that one does not go for the hoop with every shot!. It proved difficult to roquet his ball away with his standing guard over the ball with his mallet thinking he was going to score the next hoop!

The next birthday gathering is our annual 'Bulk Birthday Party' for our Pisces and Aries birthday girls and Bob Linaker. Our champion birthday cake maker (Penny!) has this time dug her heels in and declined to make the ten cakes required. It will be a double celebration as we will also be celebrating St. Patrick's Day. Members were encouraged to bring along their favourite recipe and to attend in Irish costume of course!

By Danae Tattam, Tweed Heads. From the Croquet Newsletter, March/April 2024, pages 31, 32.