[New] Range croquet club

Contributed by Ken Barker

The year is getting well underway, with plans afoot for club activities and with Saturday morning coaching well attended as our players are looking to further their skills in 2023. On Saturday 14th, we had seven come along to learn from our experienced coaches Vince Carbery and Sarah Widin. All are hoping that the helpful advice brings an improvement in our games; on this occasion practicing clever use of the stop shot to place the croqueted ball ahead when playing a forward game as well as practicing use of the rush to move the roqueted ball to a better position for taking the subsequent croquet shot. We have enjoyed the company of Carole Atkinson from the Caloundra club who has joined us to take advantage of Vince and Sarah’s expertise. In the attached photo, Carole prepares to practice rushing the blue ball forward with the red strikers ball in while attempting a roquet, watched on by coach Sarah.

Thursday afternoon 12th January saw several games on the lawns with many of our players turning up to enjoy some great competition. In a singles match, Dianne Horsman continued her excellent form to beat Donna Manning 14:8. Meanwhile in an exciting and high scoring doubles match, Lynette Evans and Wallace Roy scored a whopping 26 hoops to Vince Carbery and Sally Adams’ 19 hoops. Well played everyone. In another singles match, Nick Cram took on Ken Barker, with Ken coming up with the win with 19 hoops to Nick’s 10.

Sunday 15th, although overcast, brought very pleasant conditions with seven players fronting up keen to play. Sarah Widin teamed up with Dianne Horsman to defeat Donna Manning and Lynette Evans 11:6. Meanwhile Wallace Roy single handedly conquered Stuart Craig and Vince Carbery with a score of 9 hoops to 6. It must be the new mallet Wallace got for Christmas fuelling his great success this past week!

We are looking forward to Australia Day when anyone interested will be able to visit us in the morning on our lawns at the showgrounds and learn something of the great game of croquet. We hope to see you there!

Play days: Thursday and Sunday 2.00 pm for 2.30.

Contact Sarah Widin for other days. Please arrive at 2 pm for games to be arranged by 2.30. Coaching is available on Saturday mornings at 8 am

Our web address is: https://rangecroquetatmaleny.org.au

For details contact Sarah Widin 0417 640 704 (President )

AqUARiUs

January 21 – February 18

Early this week, you should live your life hand in hand with your inner guidance. Choose to listen to those soft, and sometimes, barely audible whispers. Slow down, and truly embrace these special messages. Often, it’s not so much the words but the hum of the vibration that heals mind, body and soul.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

You need closure which, under normal circumstances, may cause some stress - but now feels welcoming. Maybe it’s because you’re more forgiving. Maybe it’s because others are forgiving you, or are sincerely sorry. Whatever the case, happiness is on the increase which, in turn, can’t help but spill over into love and friendship.

ARies

March 21 – april 20

Periods of high stress can make us feel like we’re losing it, as can being surrounded by people whose values are very different from our own. For most Arians, the key to survival in a week like this would be to step back, take a deep breath and regain your composure. Only then should you decide what course of action to take.

TAURUs

april 21 – May 20

This week, Taurean lives are up for a restructure - happily, in your favour. You should approach negotiations forcefully and with purpose. And now that you’ve finally decided to embark on that special journey or project - there’s no turning back. Someone in authority may also offer a helping hand. For many, it’s also a week of surprises.

Gemini

May 21 – June 21

Never doubt your own worth, Gemini. Always know that confidence is a state of mind. If you can appear positive, then others will think the same way about you. Try to think outside of your insecurities and ignore those voices that want to put you down. If all else fails, fake it until you make it - you’ll be amazed at the outcome.

cAnceR

June 22 - July 22

Problems hint at bigger issues that no one wants to discuss. While you’d rather not become involved, you may have no choicemostly because others’ worries are not as trivial as you thought. They’ve been downplaying it, so as not to worry you. Be helpful, but skip the martyrdom. The best lesson you can teach others right now is independence.

Leo July 23 – august 23

When on the attack, most Leos fire first and ask questions later. Sometimes, however, you can be too quick off the mark. This week check all facts before marching into battle - as someone could be planning an ambush. Unstable relationships may fall; but new romance looks set to flourish - great news if you’re back on the singles’ scene.

ViRgo august 24 – septeMber 22

If tensions or delays are getting you down, distancing yourself won’t make things any better - even if it is the easy option. If nothing seems to be going right, ask yourself whether you’ve become too inflexible. Admit it, Virgo - you can be stubborn. All that’s needed to get your life back on track is a little cooperation and mutual understanding.

LibRA

septeMber 23 – OctOber 23

Success could be yours for the taking, Libra, if you could only get over this debilitating fear of abandoning others. Shake off that old guilt trip and put your own needs first. In romance, too, you should throw off inhibitions and release repressed desires. Take control of your sexuality and rediscover “the sweetest taboo”.

scoRPio

OctOber 24 – nOveMber 22

You’ve been patient long enough, Scorpio. Others have had all the time in the world to resolve their issues. Problem is, they continue to rely on your help - whether you like it or not. If possible, break away for a while and get on with your own affairs. At work, your intuition should save you from difficult circumstances.

sAgiTTARiUs

nOveMber 23 – DeceMber 21

Previously closed doors may now be thrown open, encouraging you to experiment. But don’t rush into action. Devote more time and energy to long-term possibilities as well as thinking about the immediate implications. Some Sagittarians will meet new people or have more contact with family. An impulsive love affair could also reawaken passions.

cAPRicoRn

DeceMber 22 – January 20

Capricorns focus on finances this week, giving you an opportunity to increase income. Start saving now and you’ll soon have plenty to spare for that proverbial rainy day. Jobs connected with finances or the media do particularly well. Ditto for those linked with health care. Romantically, many discover a hot new stamping ground.

Just For Laughs

A MAN owned a small farm in Australia. The tax office claimed he was not paying proper wages to his staff and sent a representative out to interview him.

“Well,” replied the farmer, “there’s my farm hand who’s be with me for three years. I pay him $500 a week plus free room and board. He also gets triple time for working on a Sunday and slab of beer for a Happy Hour every Friday.

“The cook has been here for 18 months, and I pay her $400 per week plus free room and board. She

A MAN went to the doctor complaining.

“Doc, I can’t stop singing ‘The green, green grass of home’.”

“That sounds like Tom doesn’t work on Sundays and I provide paid satellite television for free in her room.

“Then here’s the half-wit. He works about 18 hours every day and does about 90% of all the work around here. He makes about $20 a week, pays his own room and board, and I buy him a bottle of whiskey every Saturday night. He also sleeps with my wife occasionally.”

“That’s the guy I want to talk to... the half-wit,” says the agent.

“That would be me,” replied the farmer

Jones Syndrome,” the doctor replied.

“Is it common?” asked the man.

“It’s not unusual.” said the doctor.

Sudoku

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