Club member Gail Williamson demonstrating to visitors
Jenny Dawson, Marie Groenestein and David Dawson
Jenny Dawson, Marie Groenestein and David Dawson
Nowra hosted the inaugural social day for the South Coast Branch of the NSW Retired Police Association on Friday 25 July, 2014. In splendent winter weather, 15 members of the RPA enjoyed a fun filled day of croquet provided by members of the Nowra Club. Some members of the RPA were unable to participate on the lawns but all enjoyed the "Soup and Sandwiches" luncheon prepared by club members. The visitors and club members are looking forward to making the day an annual event.
Bob Williamson (RPA)
 RPA members 'mug' shot!! |
 Club member Phil Pickard 'jumping' for visitor Bill Ralph |
 "Soup and Sandwiches" |
 Waiting your turn |
During April through to May, 2014 Nowra fielded a Division 2 and a Division 3 team in the NSW State Pennants in Golf Croquet. The State was divided into Southern, Metropolitan north and Northern Regions. Games consisted of thee matches of singles and doubles in round robin competition. Both Nowra teams contested games at Jamberoo, Wollongong Sutherland and at home. The finals were held at State headquarters, Tempe in Sydney.
The Division 3 team consisted of Annette Morris, Val Pickard, Terry Hoffman, Glyn Williams, Carol Williams who all played in their first inter club competition and Ann Worrall and Fay Marks. Keith Poynter was captain/Manager.
The Division 2 team consisted of Phil Pickard, Mike McKenzie both in their first inter club competition and David Turvey ,Wayne Worrall and Pat Poynter was also captain manager.
On the 19th June 2014, after progressing to the finals, Nowra Division 2 defeated Sutherland 2/1 whilst on the 26th June, 2014 Division 3 progressed to their final defeating Canberra(northern region) 2/1 All games were closely contested.
Local records show that this is the first time Nowra has been successful in becoming State Pennant winners Division 2 and 3.
Following on the success of the teams and standards achieved it is hoped to field a Division 1 as well in next years competitions.
Well done Nowra.
Bob Williamson
Back Row: Wayne Worrall.Glynn Williams, Ann Worrall Val Pickard, Terry Hoffmann Annette Morris, Carol Williams, Fay Marks, Mike McKenzie, David Turvey
Front Row: Keith Poynter, Margaret Sawers Club Captain, Pat Poynter, Pickard
Front Row: Keith Poynter, Margaret Sawers Club Captain, Pat Poynter, Pickard
Branxton Club members recently enjoyed a visit from our Patron, Clayton Barr MP. Mr Barr had morning tea with us and also participated in our games. A future member we hope.
We have completed our Club Handicap Doubles competition, which was won by Clare Clark and Peter Ernst, runners-up were Tim Haines and James Myles. Most of our club members participated in this competition.
Our Gala Day held on May 23rd was a huge success with nine clubs participating. The weather was made to order and players followed the directions of our Tournament Manager and had fun.
The overall winners were Elsina and Steve Dilley from the Maitland Club with Shirley and Kevin Parkes 2nd and Marie and Bill Munns 3rd, both these couples are from the Toronto Club.
We are now hoping for fine weather and a full compliment of players for our August 2nd and 3rd Doubles Tournament. Cash prizes will be given to the winners and runners-up in each division. Support has been received from local wineries and businesses for raffle prizes. A dinner will be held on the Saturday night at the Royal Federal, our local pub with a very good menu. We have plenty of room at our club for any one that wishes to bring their motor home or caravan, as long as you have your own facilities, but we ask that you do not bring your dogs along, as the area is not dog friendly.
We are holding another Gala Day on October 17th with the same conditions of play as the one held in May. These events have proved very popular and we would recommend that you enter both the tournament and gala days without delay, as we have room for limited numbers and they fill up quickly
Our Handicap Singles Tournament was held at the end of May. Peter Ernst won on a count back from Adrian Garton. Both only lost one game. Congratulations to both players
Helen Enright, Secretary
A happy David Turvey of Nowra
proudly displays the winning shield for Golf Croquet
proudly displays the winning shield for Golf Croquet
Teams from Canberra, Queanbeyan, Milton Ulladulla, Bermagui, and Narooma competed in both Golf croquet and Association croquet,
The Nowra team of Pat and Keith Poynter, Fay Marks and David Turvey were the winners of the golf croquet winning 12 games. The runners up were Narooma with 10 wins.
The Association was won by Canberra with 8 wins from The Nowra team of Graham Cullen, John Deeves, Margaret Sawers and Judith Ramadge with 7 wins on a count back from Narooma
Tony Hall from Canberra won the biggest break in the association with a beautiful break of 14 hoops
Keith Poynter won the shot of the tournament by hitting his ball through hoop 4 from hoop 3
Bob Williamson (photos courtesy Margaret Sawers)
 L-R: Narooma captain Sandra Bird with Pat and Keith Poynter, Fay Marks and David Turvey of Nowra, with Ken Cole, Narooma President, in the background |
 L-R: Ken Cole, President of Narooma, congratulates runner-ups in the Association final: Margaret Sawers, John Deeves, Judith Ramage, Graham Cullen |
The Battered Ball is a 3 way competition between Albury, Wodonga and Walla Walla. It was started up about 8 years ago, by our then Pastor. Unfortunately Walla Walla has only won it 3 times, but we are happy to take possession for the next 12 months.
Wendy Tolley
On Wednesday 26th March, eleven members of the Nowra club hosted a visit from nine members of the Bateau Bay Club. The Bateau Club was on a social tour playing croquet at Wollongong, Nowra, Jamberoo Bundanon and Exeter. Whilst the weather was inclement with patches of rain, all players enjoyed social games of Golf Coquet and making new friends. A barbecue lunch under shelter was provided with the visitors leaving during the afternoon having a fun but damp day at Nowra.
Bob Williamson
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As part of their 90 year anniversary, Cowra Croquet club has published its fascinating history, included in the March 2014 Newsletter, and also in our Club histories section.
On Friday the 14th February, 2014 the Nowra club and members hosted a training day at their lawns at Bomaderry with visitors from Narooma, Canberra, Wollongong and Port Hacking Clubs. The State Director of Coaching Barb Piggott from the Urunga Club and assisted by Peter Freer, Level One National Coach from Canberra conducted the "Improve your game Skills" training. During the morning session the training was directed to Golf Croquet and the afternoon session, to Association Croquet. Some 25 croquet players enjoyed the days training.
Bob Williamson
 In the "Field of opportunity" |
 Fay Marks (Nowra), Dianne and Barbara Scott (Wollongong), Adrienne Fazekas (Canberra) |
 The "tennis drill" |
 Peter Freer, Barb Piggot and Nowra Captain, Margaret Sawers |
 Barb Piggot and Margaret Hyland of Nowra |
 Nowra member Annette Morris and Peter Freer |
 Locals Val Pickard, David Turvey and Annette Morris |
 Attentive Students |
 Morning Tea Break |
Ready to Jump
John Deeves, Ralf Tankard ,Philip Pickard
John Deeves, Ralf Tankard ,Philip Pickard
The club held its inaugural Golf Croquet Australia Day Celebration at their lawns at Bomaderry this Australia Day. Sixteen members and other guests enjoyed the games and barbecue lunch in the typical Australian Day Tradition.
Bob Williamson
 All dressed up Marie Dillon,Vivan Bell, Sylvia Sheffield, Annette Morris, Fay Marks |
 Cooking up a storm Gail Williamson, Philip Pickard |
On 11 December, 2013 at the Nowra Croquet Club Christmas Function held at Bomaderry Bowling Club, present club captain Margaret Sawers was awarded Life Membership to the club.
Margaret joined Nowra in April 2001 and was elected to President in 2002 and served as treasurer from 2004 through to 2005. In 2006 Margaret became club captain a position she has carries capably with enthusiasm and dedication through to the present day. Margaret is and accredited croquet association and golf coach as well as being a golf croquet referee. Having been a delegate to Croquet New South Wales for a number of years she has travelled extensively to meetings and refereeing at various club tournaments and in 2012 and 2013 organised and ran with assistance, the Division 2 Golf Croquet State Championships for Croquet NSW.
As club captain Margaret organises local events and also promotes the game of croquet though training classes and social days, and is a hard working member of the club.
Nowra Croquet is proud to award the honour of life membership to Margaret Sawers.
Bob Williamson
 Club President John Deeves presents Life Membership certificate to Margaret Sawers |
 Long standing club member, Pat Poynter presents a floral tribute to Margaret Sawers |
competition
On Friday 27th September 2013 the Milton Ulladulla croquet club travelled to Nowra, to contest the Shoalhaven Challenge between themselves and Nowra the host club for the day.
The competition comprised of teams of four players playing Golf Croquet over six rounds under perfect conditions. At the completion of the day, Nowra ran out the winners with a 18 to 6 win over Milton Ulladulla.
Both clubs are looking forward to another return match in the future.
Bob Williamson
 John Gihooley Milton Ulladulla presenting shield to Margaret Sawers |
 watch out!!! |
Recently Nowra Croquet club hosted and entertained local probus clubs at their lawns at Bomaderry.
The clubs included Nowra who combined with Jervis Bay, Shoalhaven Heads mens and Shoalhaven Heads womens clubs on one day whilst South Nowra visited on another day Members of the croquet club invited the visitors to the game of Golf Croquet with hands on instruction and encouragement.
Whilst some visitors waited for a game they were entertained to croquet ball games by club members, with much fun and enjoyment.
On both days, the Probus clubs took advantage of the garden and facilities to provide wonderful Barbcue lunches for all those involved.
Nowra is looking forward to return visits from Probus Clubs.
 members and visitors enjoying the day |
 giving a helping hand |
 enjoying lunch |
 not always beer and skittles |
 thanks |