Headland Buderim Patron's Shield goes to the Mallet Maulers, and a fond farewell to Helen Priestly

Club improvements: Sunshine Coast Division 6 Member Councillor Christian Dickson attended an afternoon tea in which the club thanked him for his help and finance towards the purchase of new mallets and balls. After an approach by President Anne Somers Vine to Christian for help with the club's recent flooding problem, Christian was also able to put into progress the alterations and resurfacing along the eastern side of the club house.

Councillor Christian Dickson and President Anne Somers Vine at the afternoon tea.

Nell Hass Memorial Tournament, 14th and 15th August

After the postponement from May because of the torrential rain and flooding, the sight of grey skies and drizzle did not seem a great omen on 13th August, the first day of the Nell Hass Memorial Swiss AC Tournament, but the 20 hardy Association croquet players were not ones to shy from a little adversity and we ended up completing the three games without soaking anyone and had good fun. The hot soup and sandwiches for lunch helped compensate the chill and the sun appeared on the Sunday for a glorious Sunshine Coast Day.

The format of the game is having a number of starting points with a magical formula between each player's handicap in comparison to the "top gun" which in this event was Ted Singleton. Players were split into four blocks of similar handicaps but competed on points against all four blocks. Like a pursuit race the points difference narrowed and, in the end, there was only three points separating the top three from three different blocks.

Congratulations to all the players who had to cope with the challenging lawns. Galena Makarova from Noosa played beautifully achieving her hat trick for the overall winner since 2019 (we did not have the event in 2020) with Rob Robertson from Point Lookout winning block A; Sarah Widin from The Range winning block B; keeping the family winning tradition, Kay Robertson won Block C; and a new player to the Tournament, Sam Oaten from Caloundra, won block D, being one point behind the overall winner, a fantastic effort for his first tournament.

We were honoured that Eric Cree played in a partnership with Garry Shaw having an impressive over 180 years between them. Eric graciously presented the prizes and for the record won both his games. Thanks to all who played and the Headland team who put in a lot of work to make the tournament a success.

Patron's Shield

At the end of August, the Patron's Shield was up, up and away with increased numbers participating in its second year since inception. Club Patron, Gordon Matthews had polished up the shield and wife, Judith, cooked up a storm to spoil Club members with sustenance throughout the games and the Presentation Afternoon Tea.

Again, we tackled two Shot Golf Croquet so as to put all Headland Buderim players on an equal footing and it was pleasing to see all Club Codes represented and ready to tackle the few changes from their regular play. A great way to flick the usual mindset. Although the weather bureau had told us we would be minimally inconvenienced, the weather had a continual drizzle but was unable to dampen spirits.

The winning team did not need the Penalty Hoop Shoot Out that organisers were keen to see set in motion but it did go close.

Congratulations go to The Mallet Maulers, Lesley Johnson and Colin Beckett who took out the Shield for 2022 on Nett Hoops after tying for games with Double Whammy pairing, Pauline Hickey and June Neville. Well done, June for your almost personal Double Whammy of two years running.

Come and Try

Leigh and Richard Long introduced seven friends and acquaintances along with another lady who approached the club in August. Helen and Ross conducted the Come and Try with initial lesson and follow up coaching.

Birthday Croquet

The Hattrich family once again celebrated a family member's birthday with an afternoon gathering of friends and family to play croquet on a lovely Sunday afternoon. These events are great promotion for the sport for players of the future.

Visitors

Among more of our visitors of late have been Amanda Dixey (Euroa CC Vic), Susie Pilkington and Neil Robbins (Lakes Entrance Vic). It is such a pleasure to meet and play with the many visitors who arrive mostly during the winter months. They all express their appreciation of their warm welcome and friendliness of the members.

Gala Events

Some members have entered various events around the region which is great experience. Recently Colin Beckett (Club GC Capt.) and Arch Morrison played in the Hervey Bay Gala Centenary GC Singles Event 7. It was unfortunate that they were put in the same block C and had to compete against each other. However, both did very well with Arch coming second to Colin in first place in their block, but who was knocked out in the Semi. Lorraine Stott and Russell Robinson did very well winning their Block also in the Windsor GC Open Singles on 13th August. Well done.

Regional GC Pennants

Shield and Plate events are completed for 2022. Congratulations to our Pennant team who came through triumphant. Congratulations to all who played in the Shield and Plate also. A big pat on the back to Merryl Cook who took over the organizing of the Plate and did a wonderful job of running the home games. Pennant players were Doug Houston, Helen and Ross Rillie, Russell Robinson, Jim Noskoff, Dianne Meyer and Shirley Eames. Shield: Colin Beckett, Russell Robinson, Arch Morrison, Pauline Hickey, Tony Masche, Leigh and Richard Long and Cheryl Moodie. Plate: Merryl Cook, Bev Sockhill, John Muddiman, Loretta Barr, Viv Lloyd, Cheryl Quatember and Mercia Hawkins.

Vale: Helen Priestly

Helen Priestly passed away on 25th August after long term health problems. Helen joined the club in 2006. Helen fondly said the croquet members were her family. Helen played all three codes and was always around to lend a hand wherever needed. Helen served on the committee for many years. Helen was unable to play in the last few years but was keenly interested in all the club and the wider croquet community happenings, following the club's Facebook page and articles in the printed form. Always smiling and positive, she will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.

Helen Priestly, a long-time and much loved member of Headland Buderim Croquet Club.

By Helen Rillie, Headland Buderim. From the Croquet Newsletter, October 2022, pages 15-18.