Annual Report 1983-4

President’s Annual Report
1983-84.

Ladies, and Gentlemen, it is my pleasure to present the fifty sixth Annual Report of the Hastings Croquet Club.

Firstly, I would like to mention the maintenance and treatment of the lawns. A large amount of soil was shifted, and spread on the lawns, the sowing of seed, the chemical treatment to kill the grass grub, all entailed considerable work done by Mr. Spargo and also members. Last June it was necessary to purchase a new mower for $716 less $100 trade in.

Owing to the considerable build up of lawn clippings, and the flies and smell that resulted, a decision was made by the committee for Hopper Services to supply us with a bin to be emptied every fortnight. Which seems to be working satisfactorily.

During last winter we had a successful fund raising drive in the form of card afternoons, and a grocery raffle, run by Mrs. Lena Lambert, which raised over $200, with 2nd prize of half a lamb donated by Mr. Tom Quayle. Also we had a successful Trash and Treasure Sale which brought in over $300. My thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the fundraising. Other donations from the Eastern & Central Savings Bank, plus sponsorship by Broadbank of a tournament on the 6th March, – a half-day of golf croquet for the beginners, and on the 7th March a full day of progressive croquet, followed by buffet tea and prizegiving.

Owing to the wet weather, we were only able to have one twilight croquet evening.

We had a membership drive, which was most successful in having 15 new members and also 2 rejoining the club. I would like to thank Mrs. Lena Lambert for the time and effort she put into coaching our new members, and I am sure they have benefited by it. After the coaching lessons ceased, we had a draw on Wednesday afternoons from 1.30 to 3 o’clock with club members helping the juniors, then after afternoon tea, another draw for play in our own grades.

Three of our members have been away to tournaments. In November Mr. John Prince in the President’s Invitation in Gisborne and Mr. Ru Davis in the Junior President’s Invitation in Hamilton, and in February, Mrs. Jessie Hunter competed in Rotorua Tournament. In March, we had a very successful H. B. Centennial Tournament, with the Headquarters in Hastings, and managed by Mrs. Joan Kenning.

It started off with a social hour on Sunday to welcome players, and visitors. On Monday, the tournament opening was attended by Mr. David Butcher, our Member of Parliament, and Councillor Dot Thom, who presented the club with a Shield of the Hastings City Council Coat of Arms. Congratulations to John Prince for winning the Open Championship and to Jessie Hunter for winning the C Grade Championship.

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I would like to thank everyone who helped in any way to make the Tournament such a success.

Vandalism has again occurred. The clubhouse being broken into on several occasions this year, with windows and doors being broken.

We have been requested by the St. John’s College if we would have a number of their students to introduce to them the basics of croquet. Dates were set for the 26th April and 3rd May.

I would like to thank all the members who have helped in so many ways during the year, and particularly Jack Ewen, Ernie Williams and Tom Quayle for their untiring work in lawn marking, watering of the lawns fixing hoops, spraying of weeds and general maintenance. Also mending balls, Tom.

I want to make special mention to our Patroness and Life Mamber [ Member ], Mrs. Lochian Ritchie, for her club activities, help and advice.

My thanks to Vice President, Mr. Tom Quayle who has supported and helped me.

To the Secretary, Mrs. Averil Sullivan. I know it has not always been easy, but you have always done what was asked of you and more. A good secretary makes the President’s job much easier, and I do thank you.

To the Treasurer, Mrs. Jessie Hunter, who has very ably kept our financial affairs in order. We appreciate your work Jessie. Thank you for all you have done.

My thanks to our Captain, Mrs. Una Jeffries, who has executed her duties very capably. We do appreciate the pressure the demands of being Captain placed upon you. I thank you for the excellent work you have done.

I must mention Mrs. Moira Ewen who is our Vice-Captain. She has carried out her duties most successfully, as well as filling in as Captain while Una was in hospital. Thank you Moira.

My thanks to our Tea Convenor Mrs. Peggy Green, who has done a marvellous job.

I would also like to thank Mr. Gerald Kenning for auditing our books. To all committee members, whether retiring or available for re-election you have done a marvellous job throughout the year. My personal thanks. A Committee needs the co-operation and loyal support of every member of the club for the coming year in order to function harmoniously.

Jean Cross
President

5th May 1984.