THE formal opening of Nelson Bay Croquet Club’s new courts on 3 December 2021 seemed strange as the Club has been playing on them for over 18 months – yet another COVID impact on the Club’s operations.

The development of the two new courts was made possible by financial contributions and grants from the NSW State Government, Port Stephens Council and Tomaree Sports Council, plus a significant contribution from the Club itself.

It was, then, fitting that Kate Washington MP, State Member for Port Stephens, was available to officially open the courts, in the presence of Councillor Glen Dunkley, representing the Mayor Ryan Palmer, Bruce Scott, President of Tomaree Sports Council, and Councillor John Nell.

With around 100 members, the Club is the 5 th largest croquet club in NSW by playing numbers but, until the development of the new courts, was one of only two of the ten largest clubs in NSW to have only two courts.

The justification for increasing the number of courts was to deliver the following outcomes:

i. to reduce, or even eliminate, the need for half-courts for the Club’s regular social games – the Club has not played on half-courts since the new courts became playable;

ii. to enable the Club to actively pursue an increase in membership numbers – a “Come-and-Try” Day was planned for October but, but due to COVID, will now be scheduled in early 2022; and
iii. to enable the Club to host state or national competitions – the inaugural Christmas Bush Bash GC doubles tournament was planned for November but, again due to COVID, will now be scheduled in November 2022.

Kate Washington unveiled a commemorative plaque before members and guests enjoyed a morning tea.

For further information about the Club, visit nelsonbaycroquet.org.au or e-mail nelsonbaycroquet@gmail.com.

 

By David WILSON