The Range Maleny invests in lawns and welcomes new players

The Range Maleny began the year wishing everyone a Happy New Year and good hitting. As foreshadowed in the previous newsletter, the club undertook an intensive lawn care programme on its two courts over November and December, led by volunteer groundsman Wallace.

The programme involved de-thatching, aerating, topdressing and fertilising. Rain threatened to cause delay and mess, but good planning, good luck and a prayer to Sucellos, the Gallo-Roman god associated with agriculture and wine, got the work through.

The project used Maleny’s early summer growing conditions and the Christmas shutdown of play. It was a significant expenditure, but an investment in the club’s primary asset after members and volunteers. The works had support from Sunshine Coast Council, professional support from Mick McCombe from Maleny Golf Club, and in-kind assistance from the Maleny Showground Association.

The Range Maleny lawn surface after de-thatching.

Spreading top dressing at The Range Maleny.

Checking aeration depth at The Range Maleny.

As a follow-up, the club held a friendly come and try morning for Mick McCombe’s team from the golf club. After a welcome and introduction from President Sarah Widin, visitors learnt a little about croquet, played games and enjoyed morning tea.

Recruitment efforts will continue in 2025. Golf Croquet will become a regular offering at The Range, played socially and competitively. A recent Golf Croquet skills workshop helped the club get on the front foot, with Sunshine Coast representative players Dick Byers and Alison Oatway generously spending time with members.

By David Kerr, The Range Maleny. From the Croquet Newsletter, January/February 2025, pages 36, 37.