Hervey Bay hosts a successful Gala Centenary tournament, local referees shine

The outstanding event in the past couple of months for the Hervey Bay Croquet Club has been the Gala Centenary tournament, so called in recognition of 100 years of croquet in Queensland. It was a Three Code event held over seven days attracting 60 plus participants from 10 Clubs including John Young from Mooroopna (Victoria), seen here in the photo receiving from Jenny Campbell, Club President, his medal and prize money for winning the Golf Croquet Singles (0-9).

It was most gratifying to have many competitors comment positively on the excellent state of the lawns (that is despite the rogue grass which has infiltrated the lawns following the wet of past months). We pay tribute to volunteers such as Garry pictured here who tirelessly and diligently make sure that the lawns are always in top condition. I am sure that many Clubs would echo these words and would want to record a very big Thank-you.

The Club was delighted to be able to engage only local (regional) referees for this tournament. A big Thank-you to all who have been involved in a renewed emphasis on referee training.

Jenny Lee, one of this Region's hardest-working and most committed referees celebrated her birthday during the tournament. A little imagination is needed regarding her celebratory birthday cake.

Jenny Lee celebrated her birthday during the Gala Centenary tournament.

A very pleasing aspect of this tournament and very definitely a contribution to its success was the interest shown and the support given by our local sponsors, both from local government and from local businesses. In recognition of generous sponsorship over many years it was decided that, in future, the Golf Croquet Doubles (level play 14-20) Event would be referred to as the Clayton Hearing Event. The 2022 and first-time winners of this event were Dolly Taylor and Sandra Edwards from the Bribie Island Club, seen in the photo in Bribie Island's news item with David Lee, Division 9 Councillor, for the Fraser Coast Regional Council.

Social evenings with a simple meal after play on three evenings during the tournament gave competitors a chance to relax and to socialise. Financial assistance from the Fraser Coast Regional Council ensured that these evenings were cost-effective.

There has been a very pleasing response to participation and involvement in the annual Club championships which will very soon be completed.

By Coral Deeth, Hervey Bay. From the Croquet Newsletter, October 2022, pages 19, 20.