Aussie Croquet was played on 7 February with only a small number in attendance, mainly due to the warmer conditions. However all who played and took part enjoyed the 19 games played.

All three games were won by Rex Toole, Ray Burridge and May Jones. Well done to those players.

A close score of 14/13 games were played by Fay Picker who trailed Colleen Liebich, Young Tony Bernardi (solo) was defeated by Peter West (solo).

On Tuesday 10 February we played Golf Croquet with 33 in attendance and we welcomed Robert Priest who had come down to try a game. Welcome Rob and we hope you come to like the game and will join us on a permanent basis.

There were 26 games played on the day and the winners of all three games were Neville Spry, Mal Smith and John Allegri. Congratulations to those players.

All are welcome to come and try a game of Croquet. Croquet is played on Tuesday and Saturday each week. Arrival 8.15am to get your names into the draw. Closed in shoes are to be worn, bring your hat, your bottle of water and wear your sunscreen. Mallets provided.

As mentioned earlier we will be celebrating Seniors week with an Open Day on Tuesday, 3 March. Any person young or mature are welcome to come and try a game. There will also be some fun games and a scrumptious morning tea provided by Forbes Shire Council. Closed in shoes are to be worn, bring your hat, a bottle of water and wear your sunscreen. Mallets will be provided.

By Elvy Quirk

On Saturday 24 January, Aussie Croquet was played with 25 in attendance. It was a little cooler this morning whilst Croquet was played and the 8.30am start is proving to be rewarding as far as the heat goes.

On the day all three games were won by John Allegri, John Farah, David West, Noel Jolliffe, Neil Riley and Neville Spry. Con­gratulations to all these players.

Some good scores were recorded on the day and runaway scores of 14/9 were as follows: Geoff Coles and Russell Ander­son trailed Cheryl Toohey and Noel Jolliffe, Bruce and Greg Toole were defeated by John Allegri and Neville Spry, John Browne and Rex Toole were also defeated by David and Peter West (father/son combination).A close score of 14/13 saw Cheryl Toohey and Colleen Liebich narrowly beaten by Geoff Coles and John Farah.

Various 14/12 scores were also recorded on the day as follows: Bill Scott and Irene Riley defeated Elvy Quirk and Kevin Wen­ning, John Allegri and Neville Spry de­feated Harley Stewart and Allan Jones, Elvy Quirk and May Jones defeated Col­leen Liebich and Cheryl Toohey, Neil Riley and John Farah defeated Geoff Coles and Kevin Wenning, John Allegri (playing solo) defeated Peter West (also playing solo), David West and Elvy Quirk defeated Rex Toole and May Jones.

A number of players went down 14/11; Greg and Bruce Toole were defeated by Rex Toole and John Farah, Bill Scott and Peter West were also defeated by John Browne and Irene Riley, Bruce and Greg Toole were defeated by Neil Riley and Noel Jolliffe, John Browne and Tony Bernardi were defeated by Bill Scott and Russell Ander.

Many scores of 14/10 were also record­ed on the day as follows: Allan Jones (solo) was defeated by Colleen Liebich (solo), Frank Donohoe and Harley Stewart were also defeated by Kevin Rubie and John Farah, May Jones and Tony Bernardi were defeated by Neil Riley (playing solo), Tony Bernardi (solo) defeated by Noel Jolliffe (solo), Kevin Rubie (solo) was defeated by Russell Anderson and David West, Kevin Wenning and Allan Jones were defeated by Harley Stewart and Neville Spry.

The 8.30am start is proving popular with many of our players, as its an opportunity to try and beat the hotter part of the day.

As mentioned previously, Seniors week is again being celebrated with an Open Day at Croquet on 3 March, arrive by 8.15am to get your names in the draw.

Stay Cool, Stay Safe.

By Elvy Quirk

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.”

Forbes Croquet Club celebrated Bill Scott who will turn 90 years of age on Saturday 29 November. Best wishes were extended to Bill and a lovely cake was shared. Bill has been a member of the Forbes Croquet Club since February 2014 and has always enjoyed the game of croquet as well as the fellowship and friendship there. Con­gratulations Bill hope you have many more years of good health and happiness.

Our Christmas and holiday arrangements are posted on the board at the Club so please make sure you check these dates.

The sheets for the luncheon on 16 Decem­ber have already been rolled out for you to put your names down if you are attending.

The luncheon will be held at the Forbes Inn, members are free but non members welcome at their own cost.

Also please note Forbes Croquet Club will go into recess over the Christmas peri­od, the last day of play being 13 December and play will resume on Tuesday 13 Janu­ary 2026.

A special thank you again to our mem­bers who continually arrive an hour early each morning of play to help set up.

By Elvy Quirk

On Saturday 8 November Aussie Croquet was played with 29 in attendance. It was quite a warm morning however all who played enjoyed the game.

There were some long, hard-fought games. Two games on the day were won by Geoff Coles, Rex Toole, Neville Spry, David West, Fay Picker, Peter West, Har­ley Stewart, Elvy Quirk and Kevin Rubie.

Golf Croquet was played on Tuesday 11 November with 38 members in attendance.

As it was Remembrance Day all members showed respect by observing a minute’s silence.

There were many close scores of 7/6 on the day, Congratulations to all the winners on the day.

We have a few on the not doing so well list and best wishes are extended to them and as well to President Elvy who had un­dergone surgery in Sydney and is back home again.

The summer season has commenced with a new start time of 9am with players arriving at 8.45am to get their names in the draw. Notices in relation to holidays and Christmas arrangements are on the board at the Club.

Stay Safe. Stay well.

By Elvy Quirk

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.”

On Saturday 11 October Aussie Croquet was played with an attendance of 33 play­ers. It was a very warm morning and all enjoyed the game. On Saturday we also welcomed Howard Hawke who enjoyed his first game of croquet. There were close scores of 14/13 when Geoff Coles and Har­ley Stewart trailed Kevin Rubie and Frank Donohoe, likewise John Browne and May Jones were behind to Tony Bernardi and John Farah. Congratulations to all the win­ners on the day.

Golf Croquet was played on Tuesday 14 October with only a small number in attendance. Some close scores were re­corded on the day in addition to a runaway score. Recorded was a massive win for Peter West playing solo when he defeated Ray Martin and David Nock. On the day all three games were won by Bill Scott, Allan Jones, Sue Jolliffe, Rex Toole, Geoff Coles, Ray Burridge, Graham Falconer, Peter West and Kevin Rubie.

It was good to see David West come and enjoy a game of Golf Croquet as he normally is only able to play on Saturdays.

Croquet must have taken precedence over work commitments. Congratulations to all of our winners on the day.

Just a reminder, the Forbes Croquet Club General meeting will be held on Tues­day 21 October after play in the shade area. Members be sure to attend so that you have a say in who is looking after your Club for the next year. All positions are de­clared vacant.

The upcoming Christmas and holiday ar­rangements have been discussed by the Committee at a recent meeting and the dates and places are displayed for viewing on the notice board at the Club.

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

World Croquet Day was celebrated by the Forbes Croquet Club on Thursday 1 May 2025, with 30 in attendance. All who at­tended enjoyed the fun games that had been organised including Circle in a Circle and Knock a Dolly. Everyone enjoyed the atmosphere, the fun and laughter was evi­dent as many tried their luck at the special games with some minor prizes awarded.

Aussie Croquet was also played on the day before before finishing with a light lunch in the shade area, catered for by Pe­ter Ashcroft. A cake depicting World Cro­quet Day was also cut by the longest serv­ing member of the Forbes Croqut Club, Robin Pols.

President, Elvy gave a brief outline on the introduction of worldwide Croquet and a short history of when Croquet began in Forbes.

On Saturday 3 May Aussie Croquet was played with a small number in attendance.

All three games were won by John Browne, Elvy Quirk and Peter West, whilst two games were won by Noel Jolliffe, Colleen Liebich, Robin Pols, Kevin Rubie, Harley Stewart, Cheryl Toohey and Barry White.

There were many good scores on the day of 1 4/13, 14/12, 14/11 and 14/10. Well done to all those who won.

As usual, Golf Croquet was played on Tuesday 6 May with only a small number in attendance. 28 players took to the field.

All three games on the day were won by Ray Martin, Kevin Rubie anf Peter West.

Well done to those players. On the day, two games were won by Russell Ander­son, Graham Falconer, Frank Donohoe, John Farah, Colleen Liebich, Fay Picker, Elvy Quirk, Bill Scott, Rex Toole and Barry White. Also congratulations to those play­ers. On the day there were many good scores recorded, 11/2, 10/3, 9/4 and 8/5.

By Elvy Quirk

Sadly last week we said a final goodbye to one of our very valued members. Bruce Field passed away in the Forbes Hospital last Wednesday. He was 97 years of age and lived a very full life.

Bruce joined the Croquet Club in 2009 and he quickly became an accomplished player. He and his late wife Lorna became involved in the sport and both Bruce and Lorna played an active role. Bruce could be seen marking the croquet lawns, mow­ing and being the general odd-job man – the very reason Bruce was awarded Life Membership of the Club in 2017. His quick sense of humour always prevailed and it was unusual to hear Bruce complain as he always valued the companionship of others at Croquet. We will miss seeing his smiling face and to the family, the Executive and members of the Croquet Club extend their deepest sympathy.

In other news, on Anzac Day a wreath was laid for and on behalf of the Croquet Club by President Elvy. We celebrated World Croquet Day on Thursday 1 May with a game and a light lunch.

By Elvy Quirk