Hervey Bay cancels Croquet on the Bay but keeps regional play strong

Yes, it was a very difficult decision, and a disappointing one for competitors, referees and of course, the organisers. The decision? To cancel Croquet on the Bay, Hervey Bay's annual tournament. We all like to talk about the weather but we certainly can't control it. Inclement and unpredictable weather had left the lawns saturated and a great deal of uncertainty about the days to come, as it happened those days turned out to be the usual beautiful Hervey Bay weather! A very special "Thank-you" to all who had entered the tournament and thank you also for your understanding and acceptance of the situation.

In recent times members of the Hervey Bay Club have had opportunities to compete in events organised regionally.

who were proud winners of the Rhonda Lang Memorial Regional Ricochet shield.

In early September a Wide Bay Regional Ricochet Doubles Event was held at Hervey Bay. Winners of Division A were Troy (Bundaberg) and Gay (Hervey Bay) (Photo at Right:)

In Division B the winners were Robbie (Point Lookout) & Kaye (Hervey Bay) Photo-left

Presentations in both divisions were made by Wayne (Regional Activities Organiser)

Another Regional Event, an Egyptian Day was held on Sunday, 22 September. Organized by the Point Lookout Club it was well attended - a great day of fun, competition and friendship was enjoyed by all, spectators as well as players. Organizing nearly forty entries in three codes presented quite a challenge and, with several players on the court at the same time…. a little bit of friendly chaos, (especially with regard to golf!) Anthony (Hervey Bay) with Robbie the organiser (Point lookout)

The Wide Bay Region is very well served, coaching-wise by Eileen McCann (Regional Coaching Co-ordinator). Eileen recently conducted coaching training sessions at the Point Lookout Club and Janet, Julie and Pam from Hervey Bay were successful in receiving or upgrading their coaching qualifications.

The Hervey Bay Croquet Club endeavours to make sure that prospective new members receive adequate coaching before officially joining the Club. As Joan (the Club's Coaching Co-ordinator) says, ‘having a good coaching program to offer new members is essential in recruitment. It is also important to monitor the needs of members in advanced coaching through workshops and special sessions.'

Eileen has organized high level coaches from outside the Region to assist with advanced workshops. Sessions from these visiting coaches are always very much appreciated.

A recent coaching session for five prospective members conducted by Pam and Beverley.

The Hervey Bay Club wishes to acknowledge and express appreciation, for grant monies received from the Federal Government for the purchase of quadway hoops and from the local RSL for purchase of Dawson balls (second colours). Photo right- Club President, Anthony, demonstrating the ‘do's' and ‘don't's' of successful quadway hoop installation.

The Hervey Bay Club accepted the Fraser Coast Regional Council's invitation to participate in a recently held All Inclusive Sports Festival. While none of the sports represented would report a great degree of interest, it was an opportunity to be ‘out there'. Members of the younger age group were very keen to ‘have a go' at Croquet and amongst these we found a nine year old who was a real ‘natural'. A couple of younger children very intently received instruction from Julie and Pam. Till next time, very best wishes from the Hervey Bay Club. Coral Deeth

Winners of Division A were Troy (Bundaberg) and Gay (Hervey Bay)

In Division B the winners were Robbie (Point Lookout) & Kaye (Hervey Bay) Photo-left

Photo: Over all Winner of the Day, Anthony (Hervey Bay) with Robbie the organiser (Point lookout)

A recent coaching session for five prospective members conducted by Pam and Beverley.

Club President, Anthony, demonstrating the 'do's' and 'don't's' of successful quadway hoop installation.

By Coral Deeth, Hervey Bay. From the Croquet Newsletter, September/October 2024, pages 22-24.