The Range-Maleny turns 30, crowns champions, and welcomes newcomers

The "Hill Folk" have been partying for a couple of months. The 30th birthday celebrations were well attended and considered by all a great success. Preparations and expectations were discussed in our previous report. It must be said that results exceeded expectations.

The club championships were also finalised: Chris Borlase won 1st division; Wallace Roy showed good form to win 4th division; Sarah Widin won 2nd division; and Lynette Evans won 3rd division after a close encounter with Dianne Horsman.

Lynette and Dianne also played with distinction to be first and second respectively in the Nell Hass played at Buderim, with only a small gap between them but a couple of lengths to the rest of the field. Several other Range players have played in this and other tournaments such as the Windsor Brooch and the Alternate stroke doubles at Caloundra. Playing away to meet fellow players and play on other lawns has built a robust cosmopolitan character in the club.

We have had an unofficial come and try day and an official one, as well as one coming up with a motorcycle club (not an OMC but the "grow old disgracefully" Ulysses club). Both were well attended with several newcomers showing interest and joining up for lessons. Croquet requires a certain amount of self-belief.

Lynette Evans directing a newcomer about the line of swing to make hoop 2 in a game of Aussie Croquet.

Ricochet croquet is new to our club on a regular basis, though we will cater for all visitors. A regular group of players meet Tuesday mornings to play.

Dianne (left) and Stuart Craig (right) instructing Helen Uhlmann to make hoop 1.

The club would also like to thank the Sunshine Coast Regional Council for a $2,000 grant for facilities maintenance.

By Ken Barker, The Range-Maleny. From the Croquet Newsletter, September/October 2023, pages 27, 28.