Morning tea at Wynnum: hats on mallets

At morning tea the game pauses. A neat row of hats has taken temporary residence, each one perched atop a mallet like a collection of resting birds. Wide-brimmed sun hats, well-worn caps and the occasional flamboyant number form a quiet parade while their owners enjoy a well-earned break.

The mallets, usually instruments of precision (mostly) and strategy, have become hat stands for a brief time while the players gather for conversation, laughter and a bite to eat.

It's a reminder that croquet is as much about camaraderie as competition.