Canterbury (NZ) Croquet Association Inc NEWSLETTER MARCH 2018

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In this issue: Editorial From the Website Manager Tournaments Clubs’ News Matters and Dates to note Editorial Welcome to the March newsletter. There have been a number of competitions and tournaments that have names associated with them, Maud Trainor, Agnes Dick, Don Reyland, Johnson, Arthur Ross, Atkins to name a few, and I thought it might be good to find out more about these folk. I may have to leave some names to the next newsletter however . Maud Trainor: long time member at United and passed away two years ago when 99 years old. It was fitting to have her daughter Allison at the prize-giving this year and now also taking up croquet at the Hornby Club. Don Reyland: This event was called the Gold & Silver stars and was renamed the Don Reyland Silver Stars late 2017. It is a handicap Golf Croquet event played at club level then Association and finally the National final. Don Reyland himself was a leading light in Hawkes Bay and some of the information I could find included: “In 2004 Hawke's Bay has been awarded to host the WCF 2006 world golf croquet championship. The event will be played from Saturday, March 4, to Sunday, March 12, at Te Mata, Marewa and Rangatira Croquet Clubs. Don Reyland will be the director and Gordon Smith is in charge of the tournament referees. Reyland, the president of Hawke's Bay Croquet Association, said: ‘We believe Hawke's Bay is the best location in which to stage this event. Apart from having three clubs with lawns of the highest standards, Hawke's Bay is the leading Golf Croquet Association in New Zealand with all three clubs having past experience in hosting national tournaments.’ “ Other facts I found were Don Reyland represented New Zealand in the 2000 GC World Championship in Cairo. In 2011 he played in the NZ National Golf Croquet Tournament. In 2013 he partnered with Colleen Reynolds against Lings and Seymour in the Rose Garden Triton

tournament. Perhaps someone in the club can fill me in on more information about Don. Arthur Ross (source: http://croquet.org.nz/hall-of-fame/arthur-ross/) Was known as “The father of the triple peel.” Born: 12th October 1895: Died 23rd May 1975 Arthur George Francis Ross, born in Christchurch New Zealand, was the third son of Edward James and Ginny Ross (nee Cox). His father was the founding Secretary of the United Tennis, Bowls and Croquet Club and was a driving force in the formation of the New Zealand Croquet Council in 1920. In 1930 he debuted in the MacRobertson Shield World Association Croquet Team Championship, eventually representing New Zealand no less than 6 times and captained the first New Zealand team to win it in 1950. At various times he held every office on the NZ Croquet Council (President 1928-1930, Secretary 1932-1935, Vice-President and Referee 1935-1952) and started the New Zealand Croquet Council Gazette as editor, at his own expense. He wrote “Croquet and How to Play it” which ran to no fewer than five editions and also, due to his acknowledged international authority on the Laws of the Game, the “Powers and Duties of an Umpire” in 1946. In 1979, the Ross family and his son-in-law, Ashley Heenan presented the New Zealand Croquet Council with the Arthur Ross Memorial Trophy for the New Zealand National Handicap Event to encourage croquet at grass roots level, something Ross believed in passionately. I hope that we will continue to have men and women passionate about Croquet to carry it into future generations. Best wishes for the rest of the season.

From your Website Manager Keep up to date with news from the Croquet Canterbury website

Remember to check out the Croquet Canterbury website at croquetcanterbury.com to find out about competitions and other croquet activities in Canterbury. You can enter CCA tournaments using the form on the page for each tournament.

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In the right-hand column of each page, below the Latest News, there is a section headed Follow Blog via Email. If you enter your email address and click the Follow button, you will receive an email each time a new blog post is made. Blog posts may include results of competitions or significant changes to the website meaning that you don’t need to keep checking the website to see if anything has changed.

If you change your mind, or change your email, there is a link at the bottom of every email where you can remove your email from the list. You can follow past blog posts by clicking on the News link at the top of each page. If you have any suggestions to improve the website, please contact John Yarrall on jyarrall@xtra.co.nz. John Yarrall Tournaments The CCA AC Silver Badge was played at Cashmere Croquet Club on Sunday 18 February 2018. Clubs can send one representative in each grade after a playoff in the club. The weather was fine and warm and the lawns a bit slow, but were faster in the afternoon with the warmer weather. Entries were disappointing with only two entries for the 0-3, 4-9 and 10-16 grades. John Yarrall (United) beat Owen Evans (Cashmere) 15-12 in the 0-3 grade. Bruce McLay (United) beat Leo van Oosten *Holmes Park) 18-11 in the 4-9 grade Sally Jeffcott (United) beat Robert Eathorne (Elmwood) 14-8 in the 10-16 grade.

The CCA GC Silver Badge will be held at Holmes Park Croquet Club on Sunday 25 March 2018 John Yarrall, (United) winner of the 0-3 grade with Robert Eathorne and Sally Jeffcott watching

Thirteen entrants played in the national final of the Don Reyland Stars Tournament held at the Fendalton Park Croquet Club on the weekend of the 10th and 11th March 2018. The tournament was run as a full round robin with seven rounds on Saturday and six on Sunday. The weather was pleasant with little cloud or wind and reasonable temperatures after the cool nights meaning the lawns had heavy dew initially. The tournament was managed by Tony O'Donnell and assisted with four referees.

Don Reyland players and manager

Handicaps varied between -4 (Brian Bullen of Wellington) and 10 (Laura Sutherland of Bay of Plenty) with the latter being undefeated in seven games on the Saturday and the former undefeated in five games on the Sunday. All players won between a quarter and three quarters of their twelve games with Laura Sutherland and Geoff Vautier both winning nine games. Laura

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took the Gold Star with a net hoop difference of 32 and Geoff the Silver with 22 net hoops.

Laura Sutherland (winner) receiving star from Tony O’ Donnell

Full results are at Croquet Scores. The 2018 Agnes Dick tournament was held in superb conditions on Thursday 15th and Friday 16th March at Elmwood croquet club. As usual it was extremely well managed by Lis Hunter. The Agnes Dick is an association croquet handicap doubles competition where the combined handicap must be at least 12 and one player must have a handicap 10 or greater, There were 8 pairs participating. The winning pair were Geraldine Murphy and Pamela Hurst of United Club and runners-up were Margaret Lane and Jenny Vartha of St James Club

Vilna Gough-Jones(reference CCA website) Clubs’ News Akaroa Croquet Club On Wednesday 28th February we held a most successful and enjoyable Funday. Twenty-six visitors braved the hill from Christchurch and we made up the numbers with our own players. The day dawned very overcast and ominous but it improved to be very warm and sunny. Two sections of play comprising 4 games each were held. The section winners were Jack Chisnall

from Kaiapoi with a perfect score of 28 and Gill Hindshaw from Fendalton after a playoff with Joyce Atkinson from Barrington. We hope to have another day in the calendar next year. The picture shows Dave McMillan (Akaroa) sorting out a double hit problem.

Evelyn Oliver Barrington Croquet Club Last month our members were treated to a late morning tea to celebrate Kath McDonald's 93rd birthday. The spread was put on by her daughter,

Kay, and included beer and wine. Needless to say no lunch was needed that day, and some members had a very relaxed afternoon play. Our President, Hugh Thomson, paid tribute to the great work Kath had done in the past to help the club grow. Long time member, Rita Yardley, shared some anecdotes and stories about Kath.

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Kath also spoke about some of the innovative money making activities she had instigated. She was presented with flowers and a signed card from the members. We asked her to repeat the celebration next year. Some of our members have been playing in competitions outside the club, both locally and nationally. Plus many have attended Fun Days at other clubs. Attendance on club days has been maintained, thanks to some lovely weather this season. Our Closing Day and BBQ this year will be a little earlier -- the 7th April. This is to leave time for our lawns to be scarified, before it is too wet or cold. Indoor croquet will be played over the winter and we look forward to having good fast lawns next season. Diane Martin Cashmere Croquet Club A message from Paddy Chapman, World Champion AC Croquet 2018, who began his croquet here at Cashmere.

Hi Owen, thanks for your message. It was a

big thrill for me to win the worlds. Fulfilment of a lifelong dream. I spent a couple of days in Chch beforehand and I fully intended to pop into the Cashmere club but I had contracted

some awful virus and basically didn't feel like getting out of bed, which was a bit disappointing. Good to hear that Cashmere is thriving. I've heard recently that AC is declining in Canterbury, which is worrying, so am hoping that some AC is still taking place at Cashmere. Jeff Soo took a quite nice photo of me holding the world’s trophy which I can send on to you. Please pass on my regards and thanks to the Cashmere club. Cheers Paddy. Cashmere’s Beginners Tournament, Sunday Feb 25 With an influx of very keen beginners this season, Cashmere was spurred to fill a much needed gap in the Canterbury programme of tournaments and fun days. Run by Club Captain Janet with the help of Gay Jones and many other club members, this proved a highly successful event. Eleven of our own members and 13 from another five clubs made a complement of 24, the maximum number for an event of this sort on our home lawns. For three rounds the players all played two doubles and one singles game. Players were then regrouped and the top eight players played off while the remaining 16 were mixed for their fourth game. Winners for the day included six of our own players: Jeff Shortt. Levi and James in the Green section, Josh Winter, Flynn Moses-James and Hamish in the Red section. Many thanks to all who organised, helped and participated, and to Nancy for her lovely card of appreciation.

Gay Jones and Sylvia MacFarlane at St Martins

Cashmere players have excelled themselves this season in the support they gave other clubs who were running fun days and tournaments. The St Martins Handicap Doubles on March 4 was a

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hard fought contest and wonderful prizes from generous sponsors rewarded those who were able to sustain their concentration over six games on a very warm and pleasant day. Gay Jones and Sylvia MacFarlane were the winners (despite losing a match to our own juniors Josh and Myles, who came third overall.)

A note from Lyn McKinnon – I’ve been writing up my family history and among all the old photos I found this one, sent to my grandmother Muriel McKinnon in Waihi by a close friend in Tauranga. I can’t imagine playing speed croquet in those clothes, fetching as they are. I think the date is January 10, 1908, the year my father was born in Waihi. I wonder who marked the lawns! Lyn McKinnon Edgeware Croquet Club We are now winding towards the end of the season. Tournaments are finished and many of the club events have also been completed. Just one remains, the Captain’s Trophy which is being played in a different format with the AC players in two sections according to their handicaps and each competitor playing the others. When we have the two section winners they will play each other to determine the outright winner. Our new line marker is working well. We have also taken out some shrubs surrounding the lawns and plan to cut back the other shrubs at Easter. A disappointment for the club was that we had to cancel our Fun Day. The weather has

been quite mixed this year and our Fun Day was in one of those weeks where the weather was forecast to be wet and the forecasters were right but at least we could let people know of the cancellation ahead of time. We do hope to get some play and coaching in after our official closing day. Ian Hamill Elmwood Croquet Club There are still some at Elmwood who remember the days when we had a membership of almost seventy – that's seventy AC players – and on each of two weekly club days, between 30 & 40 players looking for a game. Imagine the poor club captain's groans when more arrived and he already had as many players as the four greens could handle. No use reminiscing as those days are well in the past. Image then, the pleasure we took at a visit from other clubs. Members of St James played with us when their greens were being used for a tournament in November and several members of Edgeware also came one Saturday. February saw a visit from both St James & Edgeware and even a player from Holmes Park arrived for a game. As much as we enjoy each other's company at Elmwood, it's great to see new faces and we hope to make it a regular feature next season. Gary Annikan has been associated with Canterbury Croquet and a member of Elmwood over the past two centuries so there will be many who will mourn his passing – on to, hopefully, a happy life in the Manawatu. Elmwood members will miss his willingness to be involved with everything from his natural talent as a coach, to a flair for machinery and greenkeeping. He could play a better than average game of croquet as well, which always helps.

Gary about to drive up to his new home in the Manawatu Elmwood hosted about forty St Andrews College pupils recently, who arrived by bus (I know, the college is only two blocks away but, get with it, kids can't be expected to walk AND play a sport). We were told that as they left the college there

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were grumbles about playing stupid croquet but on their return many of them were keen to return for more – and we enjoyed their company. Bruce Newburgh Fendalton Park Croquet Club The weather has played a major role in croquet in past few months - either very hot and humid, or wet meaning closure of lawns. However, club members have still taken part in a number of internal competitions, Fun days at other clubs and CCA events. Club President Tom writes “I was impressed with the calibre of players sent to play at FPCC during the NZ AC Open. They included Stephen Mulliner from UK. Aaron Westerby –winning NZ MacRobertson Shield Captain & champion + several NZ, Australia & USA representatives. Stephen Mulliner has won numerous UK & European titles and was 2017 AC world champion – he was very complimentary about our Club and facilities. Brian & Pauline Perwick invested hundreds of hours into FPCC during January with NZ AC Open preparatory. Grateful thanks to them for presenting FPCC so well & to all members who contributed in any way.” To alleviate some croquet withdrawal symptoms for members unable to use our lawns during the AC Open event, on 28 January club captain Lorraine organised an All Day Teams Event with 4 teams (16 players) playing 3x singles and 3x doubles. The format was well received and although a long hot day, some very good croquet was played with this internal competition set to become an annual event. Our SBS Sponsored Twilight Tournament held 8 February was a very successful event, both socially and financially with 40 players attending, and we thank all the clubs who enthusiastically supported us. Brendon McKenna Riccarton Branch Manager for SBS attended and presented the prizes. Winner was Gay Jones (Cashmere) after a playoff against the peg against Beryl Atkins(Cashmere) and Pat Morrison(St Martins) The CNZ Don Reyland Stars event was held at Fendalton on 10/11 March and saw some great GC croquet being played. Thanks to all who contributed to making this event happen. All results are on the croquet Canterbury website - thanks to John Yarrall for being so prompt in publishing results sent through to him.

Fendalton players have been well-represented in competitions and tournaments with FPCC entering 4 teams in the Atkins competition and 3 of them going through to the final rounds. Trina Heffernan and Vilna Gough-Jones were runners-up to Rangiora in the Atkins final and Gill Hindshaw with Gordon McRae won the plate. A number of members entered the Maud Trainor competition at United with Betty Inglewood winning the competition. Vilna was runner-up to Jonathan Hart in the Don Reyland Stars competition at Hornby; our knockout team of Linda Humphries, Julie Mills, Helen and Murray Tamblyn were runners up to Rangiora in the Knockout finals held on 18 March. Club members have supported a number of Fun Days and competitions run by other clubs and have enjoyed the interclub social interaction, as well as taking home some of the prizes!

Fendalton enjoying the hospitality at St Martins There have been a number of internal club trophy competitions going on and this seasons entries for the Singles and Doubles Championships have surpassed all other years, which means our club members are competitive and interested in improving their game. On the social side, those who have attended Mondays Social Singles and Thursdays Twilights have expressed their enjoyment of these two opportunities to play extra croquet. We have hosted some groups from retirement villages and it is great to see some of our seniors “giving croquet a go”. Club days are well supported with

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Lorraine often challenged to ensure that everyone present has an opportunity to play Our official closing day is on 21 April, but we will continue to play throughout the winter, weather permitting of course! Vilna Gough-Jones Holmes Park Croquet Club We have enjoyed fabulous lawns all season and have had many compliments. Many thanks to our greenkeeper John Reese and his team. We hosted the semi finals of the Atkins GC tournament on Saturday. We are also hosting lots of Monarch caterpillars. They must enjoy the tranquillity Holmes Park offers as the second Swan plant is laden. Several members have been laid low with either illness or surgery. Hopefully by next season they will be up and running again. We look forward to our Fun Day on 21st March where we welcome friends from other clubs.

One of our members, Junelle, has given up her time to help some of her friends who have had a stroke learn to play croquet. Each Tuesday for 2 hours, Junelle and Janet take these friends through the hoops and all are having a wonderful time. To see their progress is very humbling and so good for their self-esteem. Thank you Holmes Park for allowing this to happen in giving Junelle’s friends the opportunity to develop a new skill. A good time was had by all on the Fun day on 21 March.

Janet Slack Hornby Croquet Club Our club members have continued to play golf croquet in the heat of the day or in the cooler weather. Some of our members bring new people along to try out golf croquet and most of them enjoy the experience and continue coming, so our numbers are still growing. Two members from Hornby entered the Maud Trainor Competition. They experienced handicap play against many different players in a competitive environment. Hornby was able to enter 4 teams into the Atkins Competition, one in each group. At the end of the Round Robin play 2 teams from Hornby played in the Knockout Round. One of these teams, Chris Wood and Robyn Brooker, won their games in the Knockout Round and played in the Atkins Final.

They were unable to win their first game in the final playoff against a Fendalton team. They drew

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5 all after an hour but Fendalton won the next hoop for a result 6 to 5. We are proud of Chris and Robin for following Neil and Alan in getting into the Atkins Final Playoff. Hornby players have enjoyed going to Fun Days at Akaroa, Rangiora and Holmes Park this year. We have entered a representative in each grade for the Silver badge competition at Holmes Park. Our Club Championships are being held in the last week of March. There should be good competitive play in each of the 3 grades. From the beginning of April we will only be playing on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons as the Hornby Hockey Club use the clubrooms on Saturday. We hope to continue to play during the Autumn and Winter, weather permitting and also working around necessary work on our lawns. Note: This sleeveless vest was given to Hornby by United which was left by a person playing in the Atkins tournament. Could you please put this in the CCA newsletter and hopefully we can find its owner. Please contact Hornby if this is yours

Annette Wilson Kaiapoi Croquet Club The Kaiapoi Croquet Club held an Italian themed based Fun Day on February 14th 2018. We had Italian flags flying, Italian language quizzes, raffles, obstacles on the lawns namely pizzas and leaning towers to conquer. The day went well and was a lot of fun.and finished with an Italian meal consisting of Foccacia bread, (baked especially for us ) locally produced olive oils, meat balls in pasta with a delicious tomato sauce and ended with coffee, tea and sweets. We had an added bonus of two Italian visitors to the club who talked to us about Italy. One of them commented that the meal was just like “Mama make” so we knew we had nailed it! Our members have enjoyed a busy season visiting other clubs, learning from the

competition ,meeting new players and greeting old friends. We have welcomed several new players this year- some of whom are very good indeed. This is good for us all- makes us lift our own game. Next year’s fun day theme has been discussed but not finalised so watch this space. We look forward to seeing you all there. Jan Chisnall Club Captain Rangiora Croquet Club Rangiora hosted its annual Fun day on March 7. It was well supported and the mood was friendly and cheerful under grey skies.

Association Croquet players waiting their turn The Club has recently laid carpet which completes the Club rooms and of course allows us to now offer indoor croquet this winter. Our next major project is of course extending the lawns to create 4 full size greens. The land is already set aside for us and with almost 50 members and a current playing capacity of 32 playing at a time it really is a matter of needs must. This obviously will be of great benefit to us as well as the wider croquet community. So watch this space! Mark O'Connell Rangiora Croquet Club, President. St James Croquet Club 2018 has been a busy year so far for St James. We hosted the Canterbury Open Singles and Doubles AC in January and were happy to see Marguaritte Rogers come second to Peter Parkinson in the Singles and Peter Couch

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partnering Peter Parkinson to win the Doubles. Marguaritte accepted the offer of a place at the CNZ Women’s Invitation in Nelson and Jono Hart represented the Club – and Canterbury – at the National playoffs for the Don Reyland Gold and Silver Stars (GC Handicap). Both came very creditably in the middle of their fields. Two of our pairs, Shona Long and Bev Baker and Jono Hart with Marguaritte Rogers, reached the playoffs of the Atkins competitions, while a number of the rest of us have focused on our numerous Club competitions and been grateful for the continuing good weather. Margaret Lane and Jenny Vartha were runners-up in the very recent Agnes Dick AC competition, in which it was good to see the numbers creeping back up.

Runners-up Margaret Lane (left) and Jenny Vartha (third from left) with CCA president Owen Evans and tournament manager Liz Hunter

We enjoyed a social exchange with Rangiora on 14 March, coincidentally the day of Leith Newell’s 90th birthday. We do miss Leith’s warmth and wisdom at St James, but always knew she was “on loan” from Rangiora. We have benefited from and thoroughly enjoyed Elmwood’s initiative to bring together AC players from other Clubs on the third Saturday in the month. Well done, Jenny Tait and your crew. Our shelters have been surprised by a much needed coat of paint this year, but it just draws attention to all the other things that need doing. Shades of home renovating! Closing Day is the 21st April, after which we will again be offering indoor croquet to our members and friends. People from other Clubs are welcome to join us for a $15 subscription and a day fee of $2. Contact Margaret Lane (3528174) for more details. Margaret Lane

St Martins Croquet Club St Martins Doubles Handicap Tournament This year dawned fine and sunny for our popular carded March tournament. After last year’s cancellation we were very apprehensive in the preceding days.

Second banked players waiting their turn

Junior players from Cashmere So popular is this tournament that it filled up within days of advertising and numerous players missed out. This year’s sponsor was Struthers Funeral Consultants and with so much support from local businesses we were able to offer valuable prizes to winners (along with the Bev Stechman Platter) as well as in the raffle. First place........ Gay Jones and Silvia McFarlane Second ............ Andi Maitland and Esme Burt Third................. Josh Winter and Miles Duggan A most enjoyable day for players, spectators and hosts !

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Kay Blair United Croquet Club Autumn is here and closing day not far away. United closing day will be on 7th of April but play will continue informally throughout winter with some restrictions depending on the weather. As well as normal club days, Wednesdays and Saturdays, the Carol Hayward AC tournament has been held on Tuesday mornings and the Maud Trainor GC tournament on Friday mornings. Some Atkins GC doubles games were also played on Saturday mornings. During the Maud Trainor tournament we were fortunate to have visits from Maud’s daughter Allison Campbell and Maud’s son Phillip. Allison is keen to take up croquet and I am sure she will be welcome in whichever club she decides to join. Because of lawn maintenance some games had to be re scheduled but this was well managed and players were understanding and cooperative. The weather man also played his part and the new grass has established well. A club GC handicap tournament was held in February sponsored by the Margaret Stoddart Retirement Village. It was won by Tony O’Donnell and runner up was Galina Worley. During the weekend of 23- 25 April the Trans-Tasman team of 4 women and 4 men practiced at United in preparation for their up- coming tournament in Brisbane. Jenny Clarke is a member of that team Social life at United has not been neglected and members have enjoyed afternoon tea on the first

Wednesday of the month and Happy Hour after play on the third Saturday of the month. Sally Jeffcott Matters and Dates to Note 1. The AGM for CCA is on Saturday 23 June at 9.30am at Barrington 2. CCA website is croquetcanterbury.com 3. Please send any material for the next newsletter to Vilna at vgoughjones@gmail.com by 22 August 2018 for publishing end August. Newsletters are published end August end October end January then March/April

4. The CCA calendar is given below.

Hot off the press!! Check out croquetcanterbury.com website for the results of the CCA GC Silver Badge at Holmes Park on 25 March