Eildon hosts major events, celebrates volunteers and starts a scholarship program

Eildon has had a busy few months hosting Croquet Australia, Croquet Queensland and club events. Croquet Queensland Events - The Association Croquet Gibson Medal event was hosted by Eildon with Greg Bury the winner of this prestigious event. Congratulations Greg.

Croquet Australia Events - Three days of the Men's Singles games and two days of the InterState Shield were held at our venue. It was such a great experience to see some of the country's best players usually hit and sometime miss their shots. Our players Bob Martin, Jenee Molyneux, Desley Bishop, who were State Players, as well as Jill Cole, Robert Kidd

and Mike Mabbut played in the singles events. Jenee and Desley both played in the Finals KO of the best sixteen players in the event. Jenee went on to play in the quarter finals. Bob played in the Challenge KO and played in the quarter finals as well. Congratulations to all these players.

Warriner Talbot

Eildon Club Events, The regular Andrew Reibelt Sunday Series was held on August 4th with four blocks being played. Block A winner was Claire Warriner from Windsor, Block B winner was Sue Maher from Windsor, Block C winner was Don Bailey from Bribie Island and Frances Talbot won Block D. Thank you to all the players who nominated and enjoyed a great day of Golf Croquet. The next Andrew Reibelt Sunday Series is on 13 October so please see the Eildon website to nominate.

Jill Cole and Mike Mabbutt won the CAQ Mixed Doubles Plate which was held at Windsor. Well done to both of you.

The club has also been busy socially with a Christmas in July Lunch held at a local Tavern. There was much talk and laughter among the 20 or so members who attended. There was also a gathering for the opening of the Bi-Fold doors which are located from the verandah into the clubhouse. This change has certainly changed the clubhouse access and opened up the whole interior. The regular September Golf Doubles Gala Day was another successful event held with the usual format of two Blocks. The winners of Block A were Robert Roose and Shelley Moar while the

winners of Block B were Megan Stuart & Bob Martin (who also shared the refereeing roles) with their partner Kathy Vincent.

A Free Video Course, by a qualified presenter, has been organised by the club to enable members to become proficient in videoing tournaments and also for use as a coaching tool was held at Eildon on 20th September with two more sessions planned.

Because of the importance of Volunteering at Eildon, the club organised a Volunteer Morning Tea to show its appreciation of all of those who volunteer to keep Croquet being played at the club whether it be social or competitive play. The morning tea was enabled by the City of Moreton Bay Discretionary Fund to provide the scrumptious spread which was appreciated by all members.

Bischoff

Eildon also has begun a scholarship program. It's funded from a Queensland Active Women & Girls Program grant. We've attracted 4 local women who are very keen to take advantage of a year's free membership. They come from a variety of backgrounds, and not all retirees, which is great for our sport.

Eildon is hosting a COTA Seniors Month Croquet & Picnic event on Sunday 6 October from 10am-2pm. We've successfully applied for state government grant funds to provide a fully catered lunch and a taste of croquet on our lovely lawns. Everyone is welcome; we just ask that they email secretary@eildoncroquet.com.au so we can organise catering.

Dianne Leahy

Block D winner, Jill with Frances Talbot

Photo- Don receiving his badge.

Photo- Dennis Green & Desley Bischoff

A group of club members sit together on a deck or veranda, enjoying refreshments at the Volunteer Morning Tea event. The casual gathering shows members socialising and appreciating the morning tea provided by the club.

By Dianne Leahy, Eildon. From the Croquet Newsletter, September/October 2024, pages 14-17.