Club Newsletter January 2024

Club Newsletter for Jan 2024

News from Committee

Hi everyone, Happy New Year and welcome to all our new members.

Now that the main holidays have been celebrated we can look forward to an exciting 2024.

Key Dates for your diaries

 Tues 23^rd January  Twilight fun  4pm for some fun golf and/or association  croquet with drinks and nibbles ( BYO) lets hope it’s not as hot as the last one! If it is we will have to start drinks early in our airconditioned club house!

Sunday 4^th February 12:30  Members meeting-bring your own lunch. An opportunity to meet the committee and get an update on what’s happening. If you have an item to raise please get it to us a week ahead and have  a seconder for any motions- see notices which will be posted at club and emailed.  The committee is the decision making body but Ideas and suggestions are welcome from members.

Sat 9^th March. Bunnings sausage sizzle-  a request for helpers will be posted at the club.

Other news

 Drainage- Work had commenced to plot all the drains from the club to determine if we could reduce flooding. Michael Love has generously been digging test ditches and exploring the variety of pottery and PVC drains- where they go and which ones are blocked or broken and need replacing.  Before this work was complete the club house ( office/ladies) was inundated. The carpet has been lifted and wet underlay removed ( by Michael) Dryers and dehumidifiers have also been loaned to the club by Di Commerford’s son. We plan to replace the underlay and if the carpet is ok relay it. This may also be an opportunity to do some levelling of the floor in that area.

Committee has agreed a small budget to cover costs of materials for both the underlay and drain repair- labour has been provided free of charge. We may be calling for more assistance in the future.

Lawns- Our playing surfaces are now in peak playing condition due to the Green Keeper, Matt Duff’s hard work. Of course, we all realise this doesn’t come without cost. Maintenance of our lawns consumes most of the club income from subscription and green fees (more than 50% ).

This cost includes regular mowing, fertilising, insect and pesticide management, annual scarification and top dressing, watering and care of the sprinklers.

White line painting is undertaken by John Brownsea and his helpers.

Hoop Management- a reminder to help keep things in good order. Hoop  positions are rotated weekly after mowing to reduce “stretch”.The hoops need to be inserted using a clamp and the rubber mallets provided on the trolleys. This ensures they are straight and firm. Removal is equally important by using the lifter also provided on each trolly. If you are unsure please check with a committee member. Please can you also put the trollys under cover if caught in the rain to avoid water damage.

Strategic Plan

The committee has finalised the strategic plan for the next 3 years. The major priorities continue to be recruitment of new members, financial resilience, viable club facilities and promoting the game(s) of croquet.

More detail on request or at the members meeting.

Club Championships

Watch for notices to enter the AC club  divisional championships to be played in April and May- watch the notice boards  at the club to sign up.

 Ricochet

Elwood has invited Brighton to return to Elwood for another round of Ricochet – a Round Robin half day on Monday February 26th

Here is the proposal – a morning session with players arriving at 9am for a cuppa, with play starting at 9.30am.

We could play 3 x 35 minute matches, with a new partner for each match.  We will provide a light lunch and it should be all wrapped up by 1pm. $10 green fee/lunch.

Sign up at the Club if interested

 Croquet Victoria (CV)

 BCC is affiliated with Croquet Victoria. Over the last few years there has been discussion regarding the State facilities at Cairnlea. An options paper is being prepared by the council of CV which will be circulated and voted on by all members at the next CV AGM in June. More information can be found on the croquet Victoria website or on request.

Marguerite Russell
0419874172