The Range Maleny shares Hoops and High Tea, Fendalton friendship and volunteer thanks

The Range Maleny finally held its Hoops and High Tea event on Saturday 24 May, after the March date was cancelled because of Cyclone Alfred. The event in the Carbery Room of the new clubhouse was a sweet success, with people from groups including the showground dog walkers, Zonta, a local church, family and friends. Few had tried croquet before, and many described it as a joyful challenge. Some plan to return for free lessons.

Guests enjoying morning tea at The Range Maleny's Hoops and High Tea.

A Hoops and High Tea table setting at The Range Maleny.

Around Easter there were signs of an early morning visitor to the Showgrounds, with eight colourful eggs found on the dewy grass of court 1.

Colourful Easter eggs on The Range Maleny croquet lawn.

The club also hosted twelve players from Fendalton Park Croquet Club in Christchurch, New Zealand, for croquet, friendship and afternoon tea. The Range players in red mixed with Fendalton players in blue for multiple games of Golf Croquet.

Fendalton's Jill Astle thanking Maleny's Sarah Widin.

In early May, volunteers from the Maleny Music Festival enjoyed a thank you morning of beginner croquet and morning tea. The Range was thanking the festival for accommodating the 2024 Gail Denver Memorial Tournament among the festival's comings and goings.

The club also celebrated volunteer Wallace Roy, whose contribution over many seasons was recognised with an award from Croquet Australia. Wallace is greenskeeper, line marker, hoop setter, umpire, secretary, and regional AC and Ricochet coordinator. His countless hours keep the club running, often at the expense of his own playing time.

By David Kerr, The Range Maleny. From the Croquet Newsletter, May/June 2025, pages 39-41.