1) Opening Day Our Lord Mayor will be running the first hoop at the season’s Opening Day, on Saturday 12 September. Please arrive at the club at around 10.30, dressed in club colours of white and red if at all possible, and sign in. The formalities - including the raffle draw - will be at 11.00, followed by our traditional morning tea and optional social play. We have confirmed with the Department of Health that we can ask members to bring a plate for the morning tea, though the food will need to be served to members, and we will have to abide by the Covid-19 social distancing and hygiene rules. A request for offers to bring something for morning tea will be circulated soon.

2) The Tasmanian Women’s Open GC Champion for 2020 is our very own Yvonne Shaw. Congratulations, Yvonne!

3) Raffle tickets are still being sold up until the Opening Day, when the prizes will be drawn. Please ensure that any books (and money) you have are returned to the club by Friday 11 September, so that the stubs can be added to the pool.

4) Outreach events that are coming up include our School Holiday program (29 Sept - 2 Oct, 10.30 - 12.00), the Seniors Week Come-and-Try (Monday 12 October, 10.30 - 1.00), a Healthy Hobart Come-and-Try (Sunday 22 Nov, 10 - 11.30 and a U3A six week course (six weeks on Mondays, 3.30 - 5.30 from 5 October). Running these events requires some members to volunteer their services, so I ask you to consider what you can contribute and to contact me. We recognise these impact on social play. We try to minimise this, and thank you for your understanding when clashes are unavoidable. Note that all future events ought to be on the calendar in the kitchen and (when closer) on the Lawns whiteboard.

5) Pennants The AC pennant is underway, and will affect social play on four days (Thurs 10, Tues 15, Thurs 17 and Tues 22 September). The GC pennant will commence on Tues 13 October and finish on Thurs 26 November. Enter your name on the noticeboard if you want to be involved. Again, we thank you for your understanding when social play is affected.

6) New members Please remember that, after a free Come and Try session, prospective members can buy a Taste of Croquet package ($20 for one month, $50 for three). During this time, they can fill in an application for membership, supported by two members, to be considered by the committee. Taste and Application forms can be found in a folder on the President’s table. During social play, always ensure the Come and Try flag is flying.

7) Clubhouse supplies If you notice that we are running short of milk, please get another carton from the Newsagent, and add it to the Club’s tab. We do not seem to be using as much milk at present, so a litre carton is sufficient. Please try to get a carton with a long use by date.

8) Coaching. If you are an experienced player, please consider passing on your knowledge though becoming a qualified coach. Talk to me if you are interested.

Tim Sprod, Secretary, Sandy Bay Croquet Club

1) Committee responsibilities The following committee members are now responsible for these areas: Games - Yvonne Shaw; House - Anna Majdanska; Lawns and Handicaps - Graham Keating; Maintenance - Brian Stafford; Promotions - Alicia Groves; Garden - Anni Morgan; Coaching and Website - Tim Sprod. Of course, each of area does rely on input from other club members, so please pitch in where you can.  A big thank you to Carol Hanigan (House) and Anita Bayley (Garden) for their excellent previous work.

2) Opening Day and Clean Up Day Our Lord Mayor has accepted our invitation to run the first hoop at Opening Day, on Saturday 12 September from 10.30. To prepare the club after winter, we will be holding the annual Clean Up Day on Saturday 22 August. Please watch out for how you can help.

3) Raffle tickets are still being sold up until the Opening Day, when the prizes will be drawn. We value your efforts here. Our thanks to the local businesses who have offered prizes. Please support them as they have supported us.

4) Outreach events We need to increase our membership and broaden our appeal. Some events we are planning include a School Holiday program (29 Sept - 2 Oct, 10.30 - 12.00), a Healthy Hobart Come-and-Try (Sunday 22 Nov, 10 - 11.30) and possibly a U3A six week course (dates and times TBC). We recognise that these can impact on social play. We try to minimise this, and thank you for your understanding when clashes are unavoidable. Note that all future events ought to be on the calendar in the kitchen and (when closer) on the Lawns whiteboard.

5) Constitution and By-laws Following the amendments at the AGM, we are revising the club By-laws and modifying content on our website. If you notice anything that needs to be altered, please talk to me.

6) New members The club always needs to recruit new members. You can help: spread the word amongst friends and acquaintances, always ensure the Come and Try flag is out during social play, and become familiar with the new process for joining. After a free Come and Try session, prospective members can buy a Taste of Croquet package ($20 for one month, $50 for three). During this, they can fill in an application for membership, supported by two members, to be considered by the committee. Taste and Application forms can be found on the noticeboard.

7) Inclusive play Random draws ensure members can play with all other members at some time. “Tweaking” the draw ought to be minimal. Be aware that members may at any time practice on a lawn if it is not in use by social players, and choose not to be included in the draw.

8) Grant applications We are preparing applications for several grant programs, aimed at improving facilities at the club.

Tim Sprod, Secretary, Sandy Bay Croquet Club