Club Newsletter January 2026

BCC NEWSLETTER – 30th January 2026

Happy New Year to all.
The Club commences 2026 on a very positive note with a continuing gradual increase in membership and an increasing interest in the Club from our various stakeholders. More on this later.
The Committee had its first meeting for the year on Thursday 29th January. I have framed this Newsletter around the issues addressed by the meeting.
‘Welcome to the BCC’ Guide
The Committee agreed to the circulation of a ‘Welcome’ guide to the Club document which has been prepared by David Ryan. The target audience is new members to the Club. The guide aims to give prospective and new members some background to the Club and the sport of croquet. Each new member will be provided with a copy of the document and existing members will no doubt be interested to read it.
The document explains how the Club is run, its governance structure, outlines some Club protocols, the games we play, the expectation associated with membership and how we communicate.
Watch out for hard copies of the document that will be available in the Club House.
The Committee expressed its thanks to David for his fantastic work.
MEMBERS’ MEETING
The Committee agreed to call a Members’ Meeting (as required under the Club Constitution) for Wednesday 25th February at 1 PM. If you have any matter that you would like to discuss, please include it on the schedule which will be available on the noticeboard soon.
In the December Newsletter I referred to a possible working bee in the New Year. Depending on the weather on 25th February, we may combine the Members Meeting with a working bee.
The 2025-26 half year financial report has been placed on the noticeboard for members’ information. The Club retains a very sound financial position and expects to achieve a small surplus by the 30 June 2026.
ELWOOD CROQUET CLUB
The most recent communication with Elwood indicates that the Club’s temporary closure will not occur until July 2026, at the earliest. The lack of certainty is frustrating, and it makes planning very difficult. Just imagine how Elwood members feel about the uncertainty!
EVENTS
The hosting and participation in events are important to the Club. Not only do they generate material revenue, but they also increase the Club’s exposure in the Bayside community. These events also enhance the Club’s reputation as a valuable resource in the community.
Known scheduled & planned events are:
1.    All Bayside Region Members are invited to a fun social day on Tuesday Feb 17th at the Frankston Croquet Club to play Snake in the Grass. A flyer for the event is attached. The registration sheet has been placed on the noticeboard. If you are available, I urge your participation. The BCC needs to be represented at these events and, of course, it actually is good fun.
2.   Unfortunately, the Frankston event clashes with a fund-raising event at Brighton. A gymnasium has hired the Clubhouse and courts on Tuesday February 17th between 4 PM – 7 PM on that day. We have up to 50 people attending so we will be calling on volunteers to assist. Some of us will make the dash from Frankston to Brighton. If you are able to assist, please let Clive Morley know. See the schedule on the noticeboard (if there is any space remaining).
3.   On Saturday 21st February 2026, 5:30 – 8:30  the Club will be hosting a 13th birthday party for some 30 girls from Firbank Grammar School. Their parents will be in charge. A few brave Committee members have agreed to attend to keep an eye on proceedings.
4.   On Saturday, 21st March, 1 – 4pm the Club will be hosting a group of up to 30 adults. Help will be needed. More to come.
MEETING WITH COUNCILLOR ROBERT IRLICHT
Some members of the Committee recently met with the Councillor for the Bayside Bleazby Ward, Robert Irlicht. It was a positive meeting. Robert is a long term Bayside resident and has only recently become aware of Club.  We discussed the role we see the Club playing in the Community and some of our challenges. Robert also demonstrated his potential as a croquet player.
In support of the Club, Robert has discussed the BCC with Bayside management and flagged the possibility of promoting the Club through Council resources.
ASSOCIATION CROQUET PENNANT COMPETITION
An interclub pennant competition is again planned for 2026 for Division 3 & 4 AC players (handicaps 10-20). Irrespective of your experience you are encouraged to give it a go. All you need to have is a basic knowledge of the AC Laws. While it is a formal competition, played in accordance with AC Laws, I can vouch for Pennant as a great learning experience and a good opportunity to meet players from other Clubs.
Games are played on a Wednesday at participating Clubs. The format is two singles games and one doubles game. The more players who make themselves available, the more flexibility we have around scheduling play.
Please let Julie Love know if you would like to participate.

PARKING IN BLEAZBY AVENUE
With all the activity in Bleazby Avenue, Bayside parking inspectors have been very active. Please take care where you park and check that you don’t exceed the listed restrictions.
CLUB BY-LAWS & PROTOCOLS
I am sure that all members are intimately aware of the provisions of the Club Constitution and By-Laws? In the unlikely event that you’re not, the Committee is reviewing the Club’s ‘protocols and procedures’ to ensure that we have adequately addressed the core operations of the Club and that they are readily accessible by members.
As a first step the Committee has endorsed a Club ‘Code of Conduct’ that all members will be expected to respect, as we all do anyway. The Code of Conduct will be placed prominently on a wall in the Club house.
BOUNDARY BOARDS There have been occasions when the boundary boards have been placed in such a way that they interfere with the sprinklers. Please be aware of this possibility when placing the boards. During the dry spell we’re currently experiencing it is important that the courts don’t miss their scheduled watering times.

Bill Marks