Croquet club gets G-up

SUMMER DINE: The members of the Doubtless Bay Croquet Club enjoying their Christmas break-up lunch by the seaside in Mangonui.

The final formal event of the year for the Doubtless Bay Croquet Club before Christmas featured a number of highlights which all hit that special 'G-spot' according to club reporter Peter Hatnall in his report on the day's proceedings.

Hartnall began by noting first up on the day's card were some Golf croquet games, albeit games with a difference and ably organised by club member, Brenda.

"For the first game, only one mallet was allowed between two people. As a result there were those that had to play with a mallet that was too short, or too long, or too heavy ... certainly not quite right! This resulted in air-hits, mishits and more, which in turn meant lots of Giggles.

"For the second game Brenda wandered around and, whilst the game was in progress, randomly exchanged various standard croquet balls to much smaller rubber bouncy balls. These were fiendishly hard to hit properly, bounced all over the place, and again caused much hilarity," said Hartnall, adding many thanks to Brenda for a splendid start to the day.

Members retired to the clubrooms and besides the usual pre-Christmas frivolity, there was a period of seriousness when Gratitude was expressed to Gillian Bond for her service over a number of years as president, official coach, able organiser, and a keen player.

In retiring from the forefront of croquet life and was handing over the reins to Joe Carter who has been a member of the club from its inception, Gillian was presented with a bell - typical of the sort of bell used in croquet - on a wooden stand on which was an engraved metal plaque expressing the thanks of the club.

"Gratitude was next expressed to our capable and active nonagenarian croquet player, Betty Dawson. Betty has been a member of the club for many years, a keen association croquet player, and an inspiration to all in the club. But the time had come for her to say farewell, and move to the big smoke (Auckland) to be closer to family."

Finally the club rounded off the day with a touch of Gastronomy by indulging in Christmas lunch at the Little Kitchen.

Hartnall described this as a fitting relaxing end to a fun day, and the year no less, to be able to sit, to be waited on, and eat outside in the Far North fresh air and sunshine, overlooking Mangonui Harbour.

It may have been the final formal event of the club this side of Christmas, but in reality many members will continue to play at club days, twilight, and in tournaments right through from now until things Gear up again in January.