Croquet has become the highlight of the week for participants from Currajong Disability Services (CDS) thanks to a new inclusive coaching program deliv­ered by the Parkes Croquet Club.

Around 30 participants and staff at­tended eight coaching sessions from May this year, quickly embracing the sport and asking for more once the pro­gram concluded.

“It has been a great success, and our participants absolutely loved it,” said Douglas Pout, Day Services Coordina­tor at Currajong Disability Services.

The initiative began after Parkes Croquet Club member Graeme Hunter attended a grant-writing workshop at Parkes Shire Council. The idea came to life when the club secured a Parkes Shire Sports Grant to deliver the coach­ing sessions and provide morning tea for Currajong participants.

“It was a privilege for our club mem­bers to run this program,” said Graeme.

“It was wonderful to see some partici­pants showing exceptional talent and being able to play a proper game at the end of the program.”

He also praised the participants for their strong team spirit and willingness to help pack up after every session.

Currajong plans to return to the cro­quet courts in March next year. “Our lads and ladies are missing it already,” Doug­las said.

“Participants stepped into something new with confidence and quickly con­nected with the members of the Parkes Croquet Club. The partnership has been positive for everyone involved, and by the end some of our crew were matching it with the more experienced players.

This has opened the door and given our participants another space where they feel welcomed and included.

“CDS is not defined by limitation. We are a group of people with different strengths, and when opportunities like this come along, our participants show exactly what they can do.”

One hundred and one year old Kath Hutch­ison has been deemed an Honorary Mem­ber of Parkes Croquet Club.

When Beth Thomas of the Parkes Cro­quet Club called around to present Kath with the news, she noted that Kath was keeping busy, having just made date rolls for the Holy Family street stall, and a plum pudding for a friend who was having a fami­ly reunion. Plus she was preparing lunch for her son, Michael, who was coming to visit.

Kath has been a member since Parkes Croquet began playing at Parkes Tennis Club just over 3 years ago. At 101 Kath still plays occasionally and the members all love to see her turn up. The thing she enjoys the most is the friendships. “All the people who play are lovely and welcoming,” Kath said.

Kath was very touched to receive her honorary membership certificate. She said she felt thrilled to bits. “It’s just lovely.”

Kath recounted that her 100th Birthday last year was a wonderful day, with a beau­tiful Croquet themed birthday cake and cel­ebration.

“All the croquet members attended as well as my son, Michael and daughter, Sherree Rosser. At 101 it’s so good to still be able to enjoy sport, and it’s special to be able to play alongside my daughter, Sher­ree.”

Kath said her secret to her youthful lon­gevity is to: “‘Keep active and involved. Get yourself out and work and don’t sit around whinging. When you keep busy you have no time to worry or whinge.

“I’ve never had time to think about getting old. My husband Keith and I always worked hard. We also brought up two lovely chil­dren and spent 30 enjoyable years of cara­vanning, including a few times around Aus­tralia. I’ve always kept busy and active and I have always enjoyed such a wonderful life.”

The Parkes Croquet Club have organised a Regional Spring Croquet Tournament, set to take place this Saturday, 27 September.

Players will be travelling from neighbour­ing towns including Bathurst and Orange to take part.

There will be plenty of prizes on offer on the day, with prizes for the croquet place getters, as well as prizes for those taking part in the fun activities planned for be­tween the games.

A big thank you to Bryce at Liquorland and Peter at Cammeray Wines for spon­soring the prizes for Saturday’s Tourna­ment.

Normally the Parkes Croquet Club holds one tournament a year, and the Spring Tournament will be an annual tournament going forward.

Parkes Croquest Club President Beth Thomas said “Currently the club has around 20 members, and we love to see people come along and give it a go.”

Regular croquet games are played on Saturday mornings at 9.30am and anyone interested in trying out the sport can come along to the Parkes Tennis Courts and give it a go.

Aussie Croquet was played on Saturday 30 August, with only 10 in attendance. Only the bravest played because of the cold winds. However those who played enjoyed the morning despite the cold.

All three games were won by Rex Toole whilst two game winners were Russell An­derson, Cheryl Toohey, Peter West and Elvy Quirk. Well done to those players.

On Tuesday 2 September Golf Croquet was played with 38 in attendance. It was a beautiful spring day, and it was great to see Marie Spry back playing after a break away.

A gentle reminder that the Annual Gen­eral Meeting is coming around during Octo­ber and please take time to think what posi­tions you would like to hold for the coming year. Membership renewals of $20.00 are due before 30 September.

Spring is here and the weather is getting much better so should you be interested in a game of croquet, then come down to Hal­pins Flat on a Tuesday by 9.15am and you can try your luck, whilst being paired with an experienced player to get to know the ins- and-outs of the game.

By Elvy Quirk.

Aussie croquet was played on Saturday 12 July with only a small number in attend­ance, however those who played enjoyed the game.

We welcomed back John Allegri who has been on an extended stay overseas due to becoming ill there, however he is home and slowly recovering and was great to see his return to croquet. Tony Bernardi has joined our croquet club and is enjoying a game and the social aspect.

Our valued member Fay Picker has had knee reconstructions and is progressing fa­vourably. Fay called in on Saturday to say hello and we hope it won’t be long before she is back for a game. Best wishes Fay.

Three games on 12 July were won by Noel Jolliffe and Kevin Rubie.

Seniors are catered for on Monday nights at the Vandenberg Hotel with half price meals.

Sadly the Post Office Hotel will close its doors on 13 July and the town is in mourn­ing for what has been a popular place for locals. Forbes Croquet Club has enjoyed bi-monthly luncheons there on occasions and the food was most enjoyable. Thank you to the excellent staff.

By Elvy Quirk
FCC President

Aussie Croquet was not played on Satur­day 15th June as the grounds were far too wet underfoot. Tuesday 18th saw 34 keen players come along and brave the cold and foggy conditions. It was great to see John Farah back with us after a stint away due to health issues. Some good scores were re­corded on the day. One runaway score 11/2 recorded by John Farah who seems to be in form after the break. 10/3 another top score recorded by Vince Roberts & Bill Scott, 9/4 Lyn Simmonds and Rex Toole, Kevin Rubie and Enid Baker, John Allegri and Noel Jol­liffe, Ray Burridge and Lyall Strudwick, Rus­sell Anderson and Bill Scott, Frank Donohoe and Peter West, Robin Pols and Enid Baker.

There were also many 7/6 scores on the day. A reminder that the next Monthly Birth­day Luncheon will be held at the Forbes Sportsmans Hotel (Golf Club) on Tuesday 2nd July, please get your names in asap.

Roast Lunch for $22. Croquet continues to be a very popular game and if you would like to try the game come down to Halpins Flat on Tuesday or Saturday and you will be put with an experienced player to learn the ropes. Arrival 9.15am for 9.30am start. Until next week.

By Elvy Quirk