The Range-Maleny signs off the festive season with Twilight Croquet

The festive season, Christmas morning and Boxing Day sales already feel hard to recall at The Range-Maleny. The club ended the year with a smile, and a slight sigh of busy exhaustion. The newsletter report used human-composed pieces written for the sports section of Maleny's weekly paper in December and January.

In early December, the club reflected that shopping could wait when there were balls to hit through hoops at The Range Croquet Club. Patron Mr Ted Singleton joined members for social play and shared his knowledge of the game, including strokes, strategy and training drills. Ted and Vince Carbery were pivotal in establishing the courts and the club more than three decades ago, and their contribution continues.

The club also held a Christmas lunch with members contributing to a fine spread. Crackers, hats, little gifts, puzzles and riddles brought groans around the table.

A builders' dozen of tradesmen, apprentices and staff also spent an hour or so being introduced to croquet. President Sarah Widin and Wallace J Roy introduced mallets, grips, stances, strokes, hoops and balls before play began. Some visitors showed immediate appreciation and aptitude, while others were more in the square-peg category. The club thanked Ross and the team for attending, getting to know croquet and making a generous lawn fee donation.

In January, the club continued trialling an alternative time for play and socialising. Wallace J Roy's Twilight Croquet gives the club more profile at the Showgrounds and offers regular and new players the chance to join in on Wednesdays from 4pm to 6pm. It is a way to escape the summer heat while honing physical and mental abilities in a friendly setting.

By Croquet Newsletter, Jan/Feb 2026. From the Croquet Newsletter, January/February 2026, pages 36, 37.