Wet weather has reduced court use at Southport, but new Mahjong sessions on Wednesday mornings have brought members and friends into the clubhouse without affecting court play. The initiative is helping keep the clubhouse active.

Gold Coast Tweed Regional pennant competitions have begun in Golf Croquet and Ricochet. The club noted that some clubs can no longer provide teams in Ricochet and Association Croquet, but community interest in learning croquet remains. Southport continues to hold a monthly Sunday morning Come and Try Day sponsored by Gold Coast City Council.

On Sunday 15 March, Southport held an early St Patrick's Day celebration. Players wore green, then enjoyed a buffet of home-cooked food and refreshments after play.

Gateball players with birthdays at the end of February and start of March also celebrated together. Kerry Lamerton organised a joint birthday party at the cafe at Hinze Dam, with lunch followed by cake baked by Eunice Frater. Beryl Phillips, second from left in the photo, celebrated her 97th birthday.

Many familiar faces who enjoyed the birthday lunch.

The first Gateball competition of the year was held by Moreton Bay Gateball Club at Sandgate from 14 to 16 March. Southport placed 2nd out of eight teams.

Robert Nicholson, Kerry Lamerton, Judy Stringer, Donna Nicholson, Peter Wood from Canberra and Dianne Sweet. Julia Tai was absent from the photo.

The presentation was made by Judy Stringer on behalf of her husband. The shield and competition honour Max Stringer, who had been a member of that club. Southport will host the annual Triples competition on 12 April.

Southport member Kathie Grant is playing in the Queensland Association Croquet team in Perth from 15 to 19 April. The club wished Kathie and all Queensland players well.

Mary McMahon recently played in the NSW Golf Croquet Women's Open Singles Championship. She reached the final and was placed 2nd in a strong field. The selection of President Charlie Ernst and Treasurer Gwenda Brennan in the Queensland Golf Croquet Squad also reflects the standard of practice and competitive games at Southport.

By Barbara Northcott, Southport. From the Croquet Newsletter, March/April 2026, pages 29-31.