Croquet Matters_ Final February 2015 | Page 15

BROOKLYN CROQUET CLUB PROMOTES A SUN SMART POLICY 'Brooklyn Croquet Club, situated at Whitehead Park, Blenheim, has experienced increased patronage from local people, young and old, wanting to play Golf Croquet. Because Blenheim is renowned for its sunshine hours the Club's Management has initiated a 'Sun Smart' policy and has encouraged players to wear the Club's new sun smart shirts. These polo shirts which have ultra violet protection factor 25 incorporate the Club colours of sky blue with navy trim, look very smart and are comfortable and amazingly cool to wear. Some members felt it improved their gamesmanship and most importantly a great feel of Club association. Members are also encouraged to wear caps or hats while out playing and water is available at each green for those who do not bring their own water bottle. The Blenheim Cancer Society has generously provided our Club with UV sunscreen as part of our sun smart campaign which is much appreciated.' Pam Sawyer Brooklyn Croquet Club Blenheim ……………………………………………………. Croquet Nelson Croquet in Schools for Croquet Nelson Sport Development Officer Greg Bryant planted the seeds for schools to consider croquet a sport. He met many of the school principals and sports directors at a Sport Tasman quarterly meeting in October 2014. He explained how croquet could tick the boxes that schools need ticked. Invitations were sent to principals and sports directors of 14 intermediate and secondary schools to learn more about Croquet in Schools at a meeting held on 18 February 2015. From follow up calls to those who could not make the meeting, most of the schools have either set up a programme with Croquet Nelson or expressed an interest and are arranging for students to give croquet a go. From these meetings we have developed several options for the schools. We don’t expect every school to set up the same programme. Here are some examples: Nayland College will arrange for a day where no more than 32 students will be coached in the morning and have a mini tournament in the afternoon at the Richmond Club. Nelson College Prep is bringing the entire school for 4 weeks starting in April with a different “house” each week at Nelson Hinemoa Club. Nelson College for Girls has an enthusiastic teacher and principal who will bring the girls for 7 weekly sessions after school. Nelson College for Girls Prep is scheduling all the 7th year girls to give it a go. Tasman School is bringing 16 students to Riwaka. Nelson College brought 50 boys to Nelson Hinemoa Club and is setting up to bring more students. Other schools are working on setting up times for their students to play. Annie Henry and Neil Seagar are coordinating these efforts. Our goal is to have a commitment from the school to bring the studen ts to the lawns that are closest to the school and the club to follow up. Our goal is to have students become club members. We understand that it is the Club that will make a difference in keeping them as members. There are also lots of details that go into getting it started and keeping it working. If you are interested in more details, please contact Annie Henry at [email protected]. It is worth the effort! Annie Henry ********************************************************