West Toowoomba celebrates U21 success and a regional Christmas Friendship Day

The inaugural Under 21’s Golf Croquet Gold Medal was contested in 2023. Addison Matthews won the bronze medal event in QLD and went on to compete in this event where he came home with the silver. Queensland held its first ever Under 21 Nationals in January. There were four Queenslanders (the first time a Queenslander has entered this event in the 6 years it has run) and all four proudly represented our club. Congratulations to all with Addison taking out first in the singles. Timothy Wright and Addison teamed together as runners up in the doubles. Frances Wright and Trinity Rouhead also represented as the only females in the field of 11 players. It was Trinity's first under 21s tournament. Timothy and Addison also leave for New Zealand this week to compete in the Under 21 Golf Croquet Worlds. We wish them all the best and hope they have a great time.

We finished the year with our annual Regional Christmas Friendship Day with 50 participates from 6 clubs around the region. They enjoyed games of golf, ricochet and association as well as a delicious Christmas lunch. We look forward to more of these days in 2023.

Participants in the annual Regional Friendship Day

Our year started with a Bunnings sausage sizzle to raise money for projects around the club. We have also held many functions over the summer months. For Australia Day we held a come and try, with some eager participants. Planning for our next major fundraiser is underway with our regional tournament being held in February and March. Over the past few months we have had players compete at other clubs in both golf and ricochet. It is anticipated that we will have more competitive participants this year. Thanks to Pat, Bill, Cloreen and Greg our CAQ trainers for providing us with sessions in golf and association and for starting our golf refereeing journey. We look forward to more of these in the future.

below of Greg Whymark with AC players

West Toowoomba (Cont.)

Referee training for Golf Croquet players

Our club champion for 2022, John Colman, was presented his badge at our Christmas break up. Other recipients included Runner-up, Addison Matthews and third, Joy Wright. Individual code recipients: Golf Croquet: Winner - Addison Matthews, Runner-up -John Colman, 3rd – David Watherston. Ricochet and Association: Winner – John Colman, Runner-up – Addison Matthews 3rd – Joy Wright

Club Champion John Colman

Frances Wright- Publicity Officer

Wynnum 2022 Wrap Up - Christmas Party Saturday 17th December The courts were dressed in pink flamingos wrapped in tinsel, for our annual Christmas Party and Trophy Presentation. Providore Viv and her elves did an amazing job in organising the catering and setting up. The huge variety of food provided by the members meant there was a taste sensation with every plate. It certainly was a lovely way to head into the Festive Season. Secretary Aina provided some head scratching questions with her annual Xmas Trivia quiz with the winning table achieving 8 correct answers out of 11 questions. A huge box of Roses chocolates and a mini trophy were awarded to them for their great effort. We were very fortunate to have two very special guests with Therese Prebble from George Hartnett Metropolitan Funerals, a sponsor of many years, and Dell Nichol, a very respected past member of our club, both of whom were very excited to present their trophies. It was a great way to end the year. The 2022 Club Trophies were presented as follows:

Dell Nichol Shield GC Ladies singles: Viv Tidmarsh, presented by Dell Nichol.

Graham Memorial Trophy AC handicap singles : Jim Philp

By Frances Wright, West Toowoomba. From the Croquet Newsletter, January/February 2023, pages 46-49.