Headland-Buderim honours Pam Shepherd and keeps busy across teams, grants and Nationals preparation

A Tribute Morning Tea

A special morning tea was arranged for long serving member, Pam, on Friday 28th June as she steps down from the club but will be kept in touch as a Friend of the Club. Gordon Matthews gave a speech and his wife Judith presented Pam with flowers on behalf of the club. Pam was inspired by Golf Croquet during a visit to the 2004 World Golf Croquet Tournament in New Zealand. With the support of Judy Fowler at CAQ she generated great enthusiasm for the game including the huge development and promotion of Golf Croquet throughout the state during her time as Director of GC. Its popularity grew by way of small events, then Pennants, up until the full program of tournaments each year as we know it now.

Together with author Greg Bury and Terry Ericson editor, Pam secured state funding to produce the popular and respected “Through the Hoops” booklet which now sells in all countries where Golf Croquet in played. During her time as Director of GC, Pam was presented with a Sport Achievement Award certificate from CAQ in recognition of outstanding performance and contribution to the position of Director of Golf Croquet. Pam threw herself wholeheartedly into the organization and leadership of our playing community.

Liaising with other State Directors of Golf croquet and the ACA, she kept up to date and fully aware of every move and turn within the code, both State and Nationally. Supported by her Golf Croquet committee members, Pam took a fledgling Directorship into a modern era of communication, using computer access to widen the availability to training and officiating.

With the introduction of electronic score keeping for Golf Croquet tournaments, she started a trend. A highlight of her playing career was winning the CAQ Handicap Doubles in 2005 with husband Arthur. Pam was also Tournament Manager for the ACA 2011 Men's and Women's Championships and Queensland State Team. Through her generosity, Pam donated the Pam Shepherd Shield and Plate for the CAQ Open Singles to reward the winners and encourage all players who love the game. Importantly, Pam learnt, and demonstrated the art of leadership for delegation and achieved a level of respect across a range of volunteer groups within the ACA & CAQ.

Qld GC Team: The club is proud to have two members Ross & Helen Rillie in the team. (Helen reserve and Vice-Captain). At time of writing Ross is the highest-ranked GC man in the state.

State of Origin 2024: On the 10th anniversary, fun was had on Tuesday 17 th July as members once again played for the Pineapple Cup with Queenslanders playing The Rest. Captains were Ross Rillie (Qld) Don Murray NSW and Manager Helen Rillie. Queensland’s win, unfortunately did not pass onto our Rugby League team. Photo- Don Murray, Helen and Ross Rillie

GC Pennant & Plate & RC Pennant: Congratulations to team Cheryl Moodie (Capt), Russell Robinson, Shirley Eames and Lesley Johnston for winning the Sunshine Coast Regional Ricochet pennants. GC Pennant & Plate season has also finished the 10 rounds shortened due to hosting the Nationals by the SC clubs. I thank and congratulate all those who played and gave their all in the Pennant: Ross, Doug, Russell, Colin, Shirley, Dianne and myself. Plate 2nd place: Daniel, Yvonne, Tina, Viv, Bev, Merryl, Tony, Bridget & Mercia. The usual end of season celebratory dinner was held at the Maroochy RSL. organised. I especially thank the referees Gordon, John & Ross. Not to forget those that repositioned the

hoops, set hoops and off side markers, mark lawns and provided morning tea. Out & About: A HB Team of Shirley Eames, Cheryl Moodie, Di Meyer and Eildon/Windsor member Lorraine Hathaway played at Eildon’s Fund raiser on June 22nd for Addison Matthews who got a Wild Card into the Worlds in America. Good on you girls. Thank you to all those who gave donations and/or bought raffle tickets to support Addison. The girls reported having a fun time regardless of weather. Several of our members won raffles which was great.

Nationals preparation: Lots of work is already underway at the club for this event come Aug 28 -Sept 8 The Sunshine Coast Region Steering committee continue courses for Referees, Scorers and Hoop setting at the club. The Maroochy Men’s photographer group have very kindly come to the party and keen to take the Nationals as their project. They have visited the club to gain some insight to what is involved.

Grants: A huge thanks to our grants officer Sherry again for gaining grants for the Café blinds and painting of club interior and Vacuum Mower.

Visitors: It has been lovely welcoming back some of our yearly visitors mainly from NZ & Vic for the winter season. Equally enjoying meeting the many new visitors. Visiting Group: Several groups have come along for staff team building, social outing, etc.

Volunteers: To our wonderful small band of regular volunteers, thank you. Although your work are often unseen and taken for granted, know that you are appreciated.

Richard Long and Arch Morrison passed away recently. A Celebration of Life was organized by both families and well attended by those from the club who knew them well. Arch was a member for well over a decade. Richard was a hard-working member and in recent years the force behind the club’s income from Containers for Change. The club wishes both Leigh (Long) & Arabella (Morrison) all the best through this difficult period without their loved ones.

Helen Rillie

By Helen Rillie, Headland-Buderim. From the Croquet Newsletter, July/August 2024, pages 25-28.