Windsor introduces a 9+ Singles Golf Competition and remembers Cynthia Tacey

Windsor Croquet Club is introducing a 9+ Singles Golf Competition to allow beginners, and those wanting to improve their game, to play in a competition with their peers in a relaxed and stress free environment. Tournament Manager Gail Sloane said the aim is to provide players with an understanding of competition play and, in time, encourage participants to enter more competitive tournaments. The first competition on 1 May proved very popular and the club had a full contingent of players. The proposed dates for the other competitions are 25 June, 20 August and 22 October. Entry forms will be sent to all clubs one month prior so they can pass it on to their members. The club looks forward to seeing other clubs' new players at one of the competitions and hopes they will be encouraged to enter.

During Windsor's 9+ competition there was an extraordinary result for the fourth ball being played into a game of Golf Croquet. A jawing of a ball in hoop 1 occurred. Club member Judy Fairclough found herself in a purple patch with this amazing ball play. This is rarely seen when a ball is played into the game from the starting area.

At the Windsor Croquet Club ANZAC remembrance barbeque, croquet and mah-jong afternoon, guests were greeted to a special floral arrangement created by a club member. The beautiful tribute gave all present a poignant reminder of the significance of the anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli, Turkey, on 25 April in 1915.

The floral arrangement at the Windsor Croquet Club ANZAC remembrance event. The tribute was contained in a torch-like vase representing the Eternal Flame.

In the floral artist's words, and he wishes to remain anonymous, the meaning behind the floral tribute is:

Flowers and their representation:

- Red and orange bromeliad spikes representing the explosion of battle - canon, gun and grenade fire - Euphorbia Geroldii - small red succulent flowers representing the wounds of battle - Pink Gravillea representing Australia - White Gypsophila (Baby Breath) representing the innocence of those left behind at home - Pink Pentas with its 5 petals representing faith, hope, charity, justice and peace - Pendulous Pink Medinilla Magnifica blooms (Pink Lantern plant) spilling over the edge representing the loss, sorrow and tears of war - Pendulous Ipomoea horsfalliae (Cardinal Creeper) spilling over the edge, separated from war, representing the prayers and safe passage to Heaven for soldiers - Ipomoea horsfalliae blooms fallen next to the Rosemary represents the death of returned soldiers - Rosemary at the foot of the arrangement representing Lest We Forget

Club members, both experienced and not so experienced, were out in force for training with mentor and experienced coach Willy Silk. Willy took members through practising the many strokes of the game. She also made them aware of faults they may make because of lack of knowledge.

Strokes included stop shots, loading hoops from penalty spots, landing in front of hoop 13 from hoop 12, blocking, jaw balls from angles. Faults included double taps with 2 close balls, at hoop. Wrong balls, off side.

"As a new croquet player, I find these coaching sessions from someone who is so experienced in playing croquet very helpful," member Jeanette Morrison said.

Willy Silk demonstrating mallet position during a coaching session at Windsor.

WCC Competition Winners

Winners of the first Windsor 9+ competition on 1 May were Kevin Hamilton-Reen (Twin Rivers), Peter de Vene (Eildon) and Glynn Hasthorpe (Windsor).

The winners of the first Windsor 9+ competition on 1 May: Kevin Hamilton-Reen (Twin Rivers), Peter de Vene (Eildon) and Glynn Hasthorpe (Windsor).

John Barry, winner of Division 4, with club captain Mike Mabbutt.

Jeanette Morrison.

VALE - CYNTHIA TACEY

A wonderful Coach and Mentor to many who provided years of selfless service to the Windsor Croquet Club and her State Association. Cynthia's contribution to Croquet is immeasurable. Her list of State and Club Titles and achievements are huge. A QLD Representative player in Association Croquet 2011-2015. An Australian Representative in 2012. She was CAQ Secretary 2002-2007 and CAQ President 2020. President of Windsor Club 2007-2008 and 2016-2017.

By Jeanette Morrison, Windsor. From the Croquet Newsletter, May/June 2023, pages 33-35.