On Saturday 16th November a very gusty, windy morning, Aussie Croquet was played with a small number of 25 players, howev­er some good scores were once again re­corded. All three games were won by Kevin Rubie and David West.

Golf Croquet was played on 19th No­vember on rather a warm day, once again with a good number in attendance. Three games were won by John Cole, John Fa­rah, Mal Smith and May Jones.

Our Croquet lawns are looking good af­ter the extra watering given, as well as the lovely fall of rain.

A special thank you to the workers of Forbes Shire Council who tend to the mow­ing and marking of our lawns. A great job, well done.

Forbes Croquet Club members extend their deepest sympathy to Bruce Toole one of our valued members who recently lost his son, Neil. To you Bruce, and to your family our thoughts are with you.

The Christmas season is almost with us and we are having a luncheon in the shade area on 10th December after play. Our spe­cial Christmas luncheon and prizegiving day will be held on Tuesday 17th Decem­ber at the Vandenberg Hotel, 12 pm.

The last day of play for 2024 will be 14th December with play to resume on 7th Jan­uary 2025.

Croquet is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels, and it provides a great opportunity for socialising and spending time outdoors. Whilst Golf Croquet is the easiest to learn, Aussie Cro­quet on Saturday does have more tactical play, but it is not difficult to learn.

By Elvy Quirk

Members of the Croquet club pictured with Sponsors Colleen and Kevin Gunn.

Aussie Croquet was played on Saturday 9th November on a lovely, not too warm morning and all who attended enjoyed the game and the social catch up. Once again Catriona Hunt (Robin Pols daughter) came to have a game with us.

On the day, two games won by John Browne, John Cole, Frank Donohoe, Caro­lyn Neilsen, Fay Picker, Robin Pols, Elvy Quirk, Vince Roberts, Kevin Rubie and Pe­ter West. Well done to those players.

All three games were won by David West and May Jones. David is now showing his style at winning and of course youth is be­hind him. We hope David can encourage some other younger players to come along as we would like to see some more young people join in.

Our past player Bob Murray is not too well at present, but we hope to see him back soon enjoying a cuppa with us. Cher­ylin Cole is at present a patient in Orange Hospital and hopefully it will not be too long before we see her up and about again.

Last week our most senior member Bruce Field celebrated his 97th Birthday.

Congratulations to Bruce who still shows his style on the Croquet lawns.

President Elvy laid a wreath on Remem­brance Day on behalf of Forbes Croquet Club. The wreath was capably made by John Browne – a special thanks to John.

Our monthly luncheon was held at the Forbes Sportsmans Hotel on Tuesday 12th November where all birthdays for Novem­ber were celebrated.

Our new summer start time is 9am with arrival by 8.45am to get names in the draw.

Our Christmas celebrations are coming around fast and our special Christmas luncheon and prize giving is being held at the Vandenberg Hotel on 17th December, so please put that date on your calendar.

By Elvy Quirk

John Browne deep in concentration.

Aussie Croquet was played on Saturday 2nd November on a warm morning. All three games were won by just one player, May Jones whilst two games were won by Russell Anderson, Bruce Field, John Job, Noel Jolliffe, Fay Picker, Elvy Quirk, Vince Roberts, Rex Toole and David West.

Aussie Croquet is fast becoming popular as it is much more challenging than Golf Croquet.

Golf Croquet was played on 5th Novem­ber and it was a very warm morning, even though we got off to an earlier start at 9am.

Melbourne Cup sweeps were the order of the day with many taking part.

All three games were won by John Browne, Ray Burridge and Rex Toole. John Browne is yet again showing form after his recent back surgery.

Starting time for the summer season is now 9am with arrival at 8.45am to get your names into the draw. The bi-monthly lunch­eon is to be held at the Forbes Sportsman Hotel (Golf Club) next Tuesday, 12th No­vember with arrival at 12pm for 12.30pm serving.

The Christmas season is just around the corner with arrangements already made at the Croquet Club, but will be published later when closer to the time.

Playing Croquet is a gentle form of exer­cise, helps with hand and eye co-ordination and a very social aspect. Should you wish to try the game come down to Halpins Flat at 8.45am on a Tuesday and you will be teamed up with an experienced player to get to know the ropes. Flat soled shoes are needed. Mallets are available to use.

By Elvy Quirk

The Thomson Grandchildren- James, Evie, India, Mac­Kenzie and Vivian.

Thoughts at the Forbes Croquet Club turn to our amazing Scorekeeper and Publicity Officer, Tony Thomson, who unfortunately passed away last Wednesday night. Tony will be long remembered by our Croquet Club as a well respected and caring mem­ber as he so dutifully kept score sheets and delivered the news to the local papers.

Although Tony’s illness over the past few months slowed him down he was such an inspiration playing croquet with us only the week before his untimely passing.

To Pam and her lovely family, members of the Forbes Croquet Club extend to you all our deepest sympathy and our thoughts are with you all as you try to come to terms with the loss of a much loved family man.

As a mark of respect last Saturday Cro­quet players wore Black armbands in hon­our of Tony and stood in silence to remem­ber him. Tony may you Rest in Peace after a “life well lived”.

Aussie Croquet was played on Saturday 26th October and it was so lovely to have the Thomson Grandchildren join us for a game together with a friend Abey Downes.

Please note the new starting time as from Saturday 2nd November will be 9am.

Our Birthday Luncheon will be held at the Forbes Sportsman Hotel (Golf Club) on Tuesday 12th November and your names need to be recorded asap.

By Elvy Quirk