Dates for the Diary August Tuesday 8th COM meeting from noon Sunday 13th 'Taste of Croquet' Day Tuesday 15th General Meeting from 9.00am Annual General Meeting following the GM November Thursday 30th Christmas Party
Vice President's Report
Cleaning of Clubhouse
A number of members inquired about the cleaning of the club on a more regular basis. We are now employing Darran and his assistant of DWS Cleaning Services, to clean the club house on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. In between times, members are being asked to sweep, wipe kitchen benches and check that the toilets are clean.
Clubhouse Gutters Clean
Two contractors for Central Coast Council recently cleared the gutters of the clubhouse of leaf litter and other debris. They paid particular attention to the gutter near the awning. Although the gutter was thoroughly cleaned, it was noted in the recent heavy rain, that the leak under the awning is still a problem.
Coaching
Golf croquet coaches, Sue Yule and Anita Beer have now conducted three coaching sessions, Thursday mornings, for players of all standards. Jump shots, clearance shots and hoop running were very well supported and thoroughly enjoyed by all participants. Clarification of the necessary skills and practical application ensured that members took away from their chosen session, confidence and improved techniques.
Sue Yule and Anita Beer coaching players: Session 3, Hoop Running
Working Bee
A recent working bee on the club grounds saw Darren Warner, Garry Castles and Craig Fraser get down and dirty as they cleared the drain on the western end of Grant lawn of mud and grass. In addition, they made an enormous impact on clearing the rubbish away from the Annexe and transferring it to the bin near the double gates. The greenkeeper, Gus and his off-sider, Nick, will take the vegetation to the tip.
While the tough work was going on, Laurice, Gloria, Gillian, Linda, Sue H, Cheryl and Gail cleaned, sprayed weeds, pruned plants and completed a detailed inventory of the Games Room.
There may have been a few aching muscles that evening! Gateball
What a great turn-out there was for the Gateball introduction, Tuesday 25th July. A court marked on Wailes lawn set the scene for Cheryl Patterson to undertake coaching for interested members. Once skills and strategies have been learnt, players find this a fast, fun game in which up to ten players can participate. Many clubs in the Hunter region play Gateball weekly. Cheryl and Sue Higgins, and Adolphe and Suzy Parfait recently attended a Hub workshop at Toronto Croquet Club so that they could re-introduce Gateball to EDSACC.
Photos 1and 2: Cheryl coaching at the Gateball
Photo 3: Adolphe and Suzy, experienced Gateball players who helped out
Photo 4: Sue Butler takes her shot
Gail Cannon, Vice President
From the Games Captain
This will be my last newsletter contribution as Games Captain. Have a read of the Games Captain Job Description if intending to nominate for the position. I penned the original which I’ve now simplified after revisiting the position several years later. Only too happy to provide a few inside tips to anyone who is interested. I would like to thank all those members who have supported my endeavours this past year, particularly those members acting as Draw Marshalls, who kept their commitment turning up every week to provide everyone playing with GC and RC Games Draws and now adding Gateball to that organisation. We are all volunteers giving much of our time to the daily running of the club. With the reintroduction of Gateball, EDSACC is now a club proud to be playing all 4 codes of croquet.
Gateball is permanently scheduled to be played on Tuesday commencing at 11am with 2 x 30 min games. A very pleasing number of members attended the first days play to easily form 2 teams. Thanks to Adolphe Parfait who acted as referee. This is a code where the referee is the most interactive with the players. Once everyone grasps the fundamentals of play, the game should speed up; especially when the 10 second rule is applied. Ruth Mulvany (Australian GB Doubles champion) and Helen Chalmers who teamed up with Ruth to win the State Doubles and become GB State Representatives are hoping to attend Tuesday 1st August. EDSACC has also been lucky in being able to borrow 10 new GB mallets and wrist timers/scoring devices to use for a few months. The club is looking at purchasing similar for players use as what is currently in the Games Room is very outdated.
Congratulations to Larry Byrant who has been extended an invitation to train with the AC State Development Squad in the lead up to State selection for the upcoming Australian Championships. Recently EDSACC’s AC Pennants team won their first test with both singles players (Larry and Sue Butler) winning their matches. EDSACC is very lucky indeed and benefitting from Larry’s knowledge and expertise in all the codes…especially his favourite being AC (I think).
Geoff Peebles and Garry Clarke paired up to enter the CNSW Div 3 GC Doubles where they were faced with some stiff opposition. However, they are keen to compete and I’m sure they learnt some new and interesting tactics to put to good use in the future. If you are a newer member and wish to compete, you will need to see the club handicapper who will allocate a handicap and explain how to use the handicap card to record results. Social players do not necessarily need a handicap and can advance through the club coloured tag system.
Gail Cannon and Susan Higgins attended the RC Friendship day held at Toronto last Thursday, which was attended by around 30 players from all the respective clubs within the Hunter region. A great opportunity to catch up with past friends, make new ones and discuss all things croquet (and personal) with members from the other clubs. By all accounts a lovely day was had playing 2 x 1.5 hour games followed by lunch at Toronto Diggers. 7 players represented EDSACC in the CNSW RC Div 2 championships recently hosted by Toronto. Some stiff opposition was experienced. In one game a player from Nelson Bay played a break of 11 hoops (that is in ONE turn on the court!!!)
Remember to keep Sunday 13th August free for a morning to have a go at the 3 other codes of play. 9:30am for a 10:00am start. The format will be 3 x 40 min rotating sessions where you will be given introductory instruction on how to play Gateball, Ricochet and Association. The main aim is to have fun and get everyone playing as quickly as possible in order to experience the little nuances for each of the codes. Dress is Mufti. A free sausage sizzle is to be provided by the COM for lunch. BYO beverage of choice and those who have time may like to bring something sweet to share with a cuppa after lunch.
That’s it from me…over and out.
Happy Hooping and see you on the lawns.
Cheryl Patterson Games Captain and Handicapper (2022/2023)
Photo 1: Sue and Gail with Marion Davies ( Toronto President) Chris Williamson and Sue Sellers, Ricochet Friendly day Photo 2: EDSACC Association Pennants Team following their recent win Photo 3: Gary Brown and Geoff Peebles having played in the CNSW Division 3 Doubles
Coaching News
It was very pleasing to see so many of our members take part in the Hoop Running coaching session which was held on July 15. Many skills & drills were practised with much enthusiasm.
Sue Yule, Coaching Co-ordinator
Welfare
Gordon Kerr has undergone a successful lung cancer operation and is recovering well.
Kathy Porter has landed in hospital after her beginning treatment of chemotherapy with other issues & we wish her a speedy recovery.
Carolyn McNamara is still making slow progress & our thoughts are with her.
Lee Moran & Edith Thomsen have recently broken bones and are out of action for a few weeks.
Anita Beer, Welfare Officer
Social BBQ
The next BBQ will be held on Monday 7th August, so save the date.
It will be a Sausage Sizzle and cost is $7
Please remember to put your name on the list, morning notices as a reminder closer to the date, and most important!!!! Please pay prior, either direct to the EDSACC account or cash in the envelopes at the rear of the clubhouse and into the locked box, or you will not be catered for. Closing date for inclusion on the day is Friday 4th August.
SAVE THE DATE - CHRISTMAS PARTY -Thursday 30th November
Linda Frazer, Social Co-Ordinator