Almost 30 croquet members and guests boarded the MV Wallamba ferry for a jaunt up-river, as Wallamba’s Captain Gary navigated the ever-shallowing riverbed, dodging plenty of sandbars, a constant reminder of the current state of the Myall estuary.

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The weather was divine, nonetheless, with wedge-tailed eagles, seabirds and a few dolphins witnessed upon the waters, as was the absolutely gorgeous scenery was seen from the boat
The onboard fare was equally delicious, organised by Suzie Fletcher and catered by Mema’s Bakery in Tea Gardens, including sandwiches, fruit, bakery goods like scones, cakes and pastries.

The destination was Black Oaks picnic area, roughly one third of the way to Bombah Point, where many debarked to study the sandy shore and distant pine plantation.

Rumours of mutiny were quelled once the explorers discovered a potential end-of-the-world location to build their croquet court and associated colony, on that quiet bend of the river.

“The Club voted on the Wallamba cruise for a change from last year’s land-bound party, and we booked it way back in April,” Suzie told NOTA.

“Although the tide was not quite right with the shallow areas, and we hit sand at least once, everything was all on time, and Captain Gary was full of interesting facts and information about the river.

“Monica, the deckhand, was far and away beyond; just a lovely, smiling face to have around.

“Everyone said the food from Mema’s was fantastic, and Gordon Ingate treated everyone to some sparkling refreshments for the cruise, too.”

Song of the Cruise (to the tune of Gilligan’s Isle)

Just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale,
Of a delightful trip
That departed this sub-tropic port
Aboard this tiny ship.

The skipper, Gary dodged the sand,
The mate Monica watched the shore,
Twenty-seven passengers set sail that day
For a two-hour tour, a two-hour tour.

The weather was so beautiful,
Croquet Clubbers loved the breeze,
The food was arranged by Suzie
Mema’s Bakery goods and cheese.

The ship landed at Black Oaks picnic ground
With energy
They built a colony,
The millionaire brought the wine,
The Croquet-ers
The retirees on the land,
Here on Croquet Isle.

So this is the tale of the Croquet Club,
They went for their Christmas Cruise
One month out from the big day,
It was an awesome time!

The first mate and the Skipper too,
Got them back to have a rest,
They made the players comfortable,
In their sub-tropic coastal nest.

No phone, no lights, no motor cars,
Sailing in luxury,
Unlike Robinson Crusoe,
As enjoyable as can be.

“So come to Myall Park,” said Suzie
“Try your hand at croquet sport,
We always welcome new members,
Come see us at the court.”

By Thomas O’Keefe