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1) Dates for your diary: A Thank You Drinks event, combined with the official opening of our newly upgraded lawns by Andrew Wilkie, is being planned for Friday 29 October from 4.00. Our sponsors and the Renov8 staff will also be invited. We plan some demonstration games of GC and AC. Members will be asked to bring a plate, and drinks will be available for a gold coin donation. Our Christmas Lunch will be on Thursday 9 December. Keep an eye out for a raffle to be drawn at the lunch.
2) Lawn work Work to extend the flat area of our lawns is well in hand. This is to enable us to use white lawn markings, replacing the plastic strips which had not only deteriorated but also sunk well below lawn level. We are also re-levelling parts of the lawns, and updating the irrigation system. The $11000 Stronger Communities Programme grant, through Andrew Wilkie, plus our reserves, will meet the cost. We anticipate our beautifully upgraded full lawns will be available by late October, and thank all members for their forbearance while the work is carried out.
3) Congratulations! to Lee Ford, who won the CT AC Hi/Lo alternate stroke Handicap Doubles with Noel Davies from Eastern Shore. We have another statewide event, GC Medals event on November 5-7, shared with NTCC.
4) Alternate stroke AC Doubles We are planning a Thursday morning session where an experienced AC player will pair with an interested GC player to take alternate strokes in a game of AC. The aim is to mix a fun outing with an opportunity to learn more about AC. If you are interested in participating, let me know.
5) Outside hires Our busy season approaches, with school groups trying croquet and organisations playing croquet as an end of year activity. Such hires both spread the word about croquet and raise money for the club. We try to ensure these events impact as little as possible on social play, but this is sometimes unavoidable and we thank members for their understanding. Running the events depends on members who volunteer to show visitors how to play. We maintain a list of willing members - if you are not on it and would like to be, please let me know! It is often fun, and is not onerous, especially if the load is spread amongst many of us.
6) Maintenance Keep your eyes peeled for a forthcoming working bee to get some essential upgrades - especially painting - done.
7) On court etiquette: All members are reminded that they should be aware of the need for courtesy to other players. Common sense will tell you what to avoid, I am sure, but please remember not to stand in, or walk across, a striker’s line of play, talk or practise in eyesight while the striker is in their stance, and so on.
8) Suggestions to the committee are always welcome. We have a suggestion box, and there is a form on our website for members to use.
9) GC Coaching: Monday mornings from 10 am: all new(ish) members are welcome.
10) New members We welcome Elaine Bendzulla, Helen Scarafiotti and Les Vose.
Tim Sprod, Secretary, Sandy Bay Croquet Club