Annual Report 1987-8

Presidents Annual Report 1987/88

Ladies & Gentlemen it is my pleasure to present the 60th. Annual Report of the Hastings Croquet Club. What an exciting year we have had. Firstly our extension being carried out so efficiently and economically. I’m sure that everyone is enjoying our extra space and I do thank all those who helped in this respect. Painting, kitchen fittings also those who cleaned up after the builder each week in readiness for play.

Our grocery & cake stall was once again a great success, due to the enthusiam [enthusiasm] of all club members participation. Also our monthly sales table is entered into with the club in mind. We appreciate the effort of our two ladies, Betty Melville & Peg. McCormick who so willingly man this each month.

During November an enjoyable social day was spent with members of the Dannevirke Rangatira Croquet Club. Here on our greens. Hopefully we shall be asked to visit with them this coming season. Also members of our club, who, participated in the mystery bus trip to Will’s  gardens at Te Pohue had a very enjoyable day. Maybe we can look forward to another bus trip somewhere this coming season.

During the year we have had ten new members join us but unfortunately six resignations which brings our membership back to 55. With the help of each one of us, to continue, to bring new members into the club we shall soon regain & pass the membership we have lost. I thank you all for the welcome & friendship you extend to all new members. This adds to the strength of a club.

It was with sadness that we all learnt of the passing of Joan Kenning. Joan was a valued member of this club having served on our committee as well as the H.B. Croquet Assn., for many years. Joan is still missed and in fitting memory the Kenning family have donated a cup to the runner up of the “B” grade championship. Sympathy was also expressed to the Curtin family with the passing of Pat a past member & the wife of one of our committee members at that time. Two of our ladies kindly helped with serving refreshments to the mourners after the service and for this Bill Curtin was most appreciative.

We were indeed fortunate and it was a privilege to watch the standard of play we had the opportunity to see on our lawns during the English silver & bronze medals event last November, also to make the acquaintance of many of the participants not known to us.

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Marewa members were delighted to have the use of three of our greens on a Thursday during last winter. As well as extra revenue to us this showed fellowship on our part and made me realise just how fortunate we are to own our own greens and be able to enjoy our sport all the year around. We are also indebted to a Marewa member, Mrs. Phy. Armitage, for making and donating our flag.

During the year our greens have been cored, fertilised and sprayed for worms which seem to be a never ending problem but lets hope with perseverance we shall be able to get this under control. Our gratitude is extended to the Hastings Rover Scouts who so willingly roll our greens whenever asked. Little is known of the kindly acts performed by the youth of our community.

Our lawn mowing man, John Bearsley, resigned during March and I think we have an asset in Bill Dougan. Besides mowing our lawns is agreeable to also help keep our surrounds tidy.

We are gradually building up our equipment with the purchase of 5 sets of Australian balls (2 sets unused) and a supply of cups and saucers. This doing away with hirage  [hireage] when extra are needed.

Your committee decided to increase the insurance on our building after the extension was completed but I urge members to be careful and so avoid fire, because the insurance would still not cover replacement.

Broadbank, now National Australia Bank no longer are prepared to sponsor a yearly tournament for us and we were fortunate in the offer of the Hastings Building Society to donate $200 for a club tournament as well as subsidise our yearly subscription.

The N.Z.I. Finance handicap singles event at club level was entered in to this year for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed by those participating. Best of all, one of our own players Mrs. Sandra Dolan being the H.B. winner & so went on to participate in the N.Z. finals. Congratulations Sandra, on your fine effort. Although not a pupil of our coach Mrs. Lena Lambert it must be very gratifying to you Lena to see how eagerly your pupils strive to improve, and we thank you & David Curtis for the time you spend in coaching us all of different grades, also to our district referee, Mrs. Lotchen Ritchie, for the help you give us through your knowledge, experience and expertise to the match committee.

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Unfortunately our 60th. Jubilee dinner had to be cancelled for lack of support but I’m sure all will agree that our little celebration on closing day was a success and our thanks go to Lena Lambert for the jubilee cake she made and donated, also to her daughter Joan for having iced it so beautifully.

I would like to record the much appreciated work of Mr. Ernie Williams for all the time you spend on our behalf both in watering & general maintenance. Also to Mr. Bill Harrison, as well as being our greenkeeper for the many extra tasks you have done throughout the year.

My thanks to our willing band of helpers who have kept our garden surround tidy. To David Curtis for having organised the lawn marking roster and to Mrs. Moira Ewen for so conscientiously seeing that the draw on “C” grade days was attended too [to].

In conclusion I would like to thank those committee members who are not seeking re election. To Mrs. Jean Cross, thank you for your loyalty & many years of service and to Mrs. Noeline Harrison also for the skills you have contributed and I know which you will continue to do. To Mrs. Bunty Kilgarriff with a sick husband your time is precious & I do appreciate what you have contributed to the committee. The club is indeed fortunate to have our secretary, Miss. Helen Burnard agree to carry on for another year. I appreciate your help & support Helen and know your continued work will be of benefit to us all. Likewise to our treasurer Mrs. Val. Clarkson who looks after our financial affairs so efficiently. To our tea convenor Miss. Gwen Baker who has done willingly what was required of her also Mrs. Betty Melville, Mrs. Peg. McCormick & Mrs. Doroty [Dorothy] McKenzie. To all our members who contribute in their quiet little way my grateful thanks to you all as well as Mr. Gerald Kenning our auditor & advisor. To Dr. Bruce Ritchie for copies of our balance sheet.

Thank you for giving me the privilege of again heading your committee and I look forward to the coming season and working with the existing as well as the new committee members that you elect today and I know I have the support and co-operation of all club members.

Jessie Hunter   President – 1987/88