Easter Carnival win and a return to social BBQs at Capricorn Coast

Unfortunately, Capricorn Coast was unable to submit an entry into the previous newsletter (May). However, even though we have lost members who had been with us for many years, through relocation and illness, those who remain are enthusiastic and keen.

This year we were delighted to see the return of some of our winter visitors from the southern states along with our Tasmanian member who comes every year.

As per normal, members have been busy with Central Queensland competitions such as the usual Regional Games which consists of Association, Ricochet, Croquet Golf, Regional Aussie and Gateball. Each club in CQ (Gladstone, Mackay, Gracemere, Rockhampton and Cap Coast) takes turns in hosting one of these disciplines. Matches are doubles and players are paired in a high low bisquing arrangement from any of the clubs. A trophy is presented to the club who acquires the most points from the individual competitors. Due to the incessant rain CQ has experienced over the past month, a couple of these competitions have been postponed. On the other hand, the rain has been helpful in reducing our cost for water usage from the council!

Pennants have also been held between the clubs interspersed with the Regional Games. Holding and completing club championships has been a difficult task as, too, has been being able to compete in other annual competitions. Some of our members are also lawn bowlers and have commitments to their respective bowling clubs.

One competition that our members participated in was the Easter Carnival at Gladstone. We mention this now as Cap Coast did not send an article for the last newsletter. This is always a most enjoyable day. This year was especially pleasing as Cap Coast was the winning club.

Next month we plan on holding a come and try day plus we also hope to host two of the local service clubs. Possibly we may attract some new members from these occasions.

Greg Featherstone coaching Geoff Davis, one of our newer members with Association Croquet. This was the first day we were able to play after many days of continuous rainfall. Many members did not attend believing the greens would be far too wet but surprisingly they were in great condition and the few who attended had a very enjoyable morning.

After a break of almost two years, thanks to the pandemic, our club has reintroduced our social, monthly BYO lunch BBQ. Our first lunch was in June and members and their partners thoroughly enjoyed the get together. The difficulty now is finding a free Saturday to hold the next one!

By Lyn Christiansen, Capricorn Coast. From the Croquet Newsletter, August 2022, pages 10, 11.