Eildon celebrates club legend Don Turner on Don's Day

From an idea by Les Watson to recognise a club legend, our social club sub-committee took the idea and ran with it. Don's Day was the first of these.

Don's Day was a celebration of our oldest member, Don Turner, who plays almost every code every week. The tournament was a hybrid ricochet/association/golf game, with afternoon play for others coming to the party, and a party/gathering at the end of the day's play.

Don has been an Eildon member since 2005 and has coached many of our players, including Lawrie, Geoff and Bob, as they started their croquet journey.

His only official club job was as greenkeeper, but he has made many more contributions over the last 16 years, such as the Don Turner ball trolleys, which carry everything in a very compact and manageable design. After all, Don used to be an engineer in his working life, so a ball trolley should be easy, and it is one of the best designs around.

Oh, and there were some croquet games on Don's Day, organised by Les.

As well as some hybrid games, there was a Golf Croquet tournament, which had two blocks.

- Block A winners: Lawrie and Chris - Block B winners and overall champions on Don's Day were... drum roll... Jenee and Don, with Don's sub Robert sharing the win (and making sure he got in the photo this time).

After all, when you are 91 and get a little weary, it's OK to bring in a sub.

Thanks to Terry Cole (also known as Jill's husband) for the one-off bespoke handmade trophy.

A great lunch and a BBQ dinner were also appreciated by the 36+ members who attended the day. Thanks to all who contributed to the food.

Thanks also to Lyn Lewis, there was a great cake at the end, but a weary Don was already on the way home. Don't worry, we saved some.

Thanks also to Col Campbell for most of the photos, including an impressive image of our Poinciana tree in flower.

Great initiative by Les and the social committee, and we are looking forward to many more to honour our club legends.