Yet again our Members were flexing their muscles in order to have some fun while fundraising the other day - this time by playing croquet in order to raise funds for Polio+.
The Rotary Canterbury Croquet "Championship" was the latest in the year's social activities for Members of our Club, but it also provided the perfect opportunity for some fundraising.
The Championship itself was played in teams of two (consisting of a "boy" & "girl") drawn from a hat at the start. Two teams played each time and were allowed 20 minutes to complete the round of hoops (garden croquet, for those unfamiliar with the game, involves hitting balls with a mallet through a course of hoops planted in the ground). Points were awarded for each hoop completed and for hitting the post at the end. Time under 20 minutes also gained points. Each team's score was added together to arrive at the team's total. There was a lot of laughter and cheering as many playing had not done so before.
In all, there were about 36 Members and their guests at the event, held at President Stephen Thompson's home just outside Canterbury. The day itself started out grey - then of course it rained! But all felt good towards the end of the afternoon when, at last, the sun showed itself for about five minutes!
The prestigious title of Champion Team went to the team of Leslie Stephenson and Joan Hill, who won with 14 points. Each received a bottle of fizz for their efforts. Second place was taken by Andrew Barchi and Jayne Ward who were close behind with 13 points.
Tea, sandwiches and cakes were served all afternoon. The profit from the event was £143.50; this will go towards our Club's support for Polio +, the global initiative to help eradicate polio from the world.
Many thanks to everyone who helped out, whether it was making scones, making a cake, washing up, serving teas or clearing up afterwards. Stephen would also like to give special thanks to "star" Sidney Denham who umpired the whole afternoon and was still out there braving the rain, patiently shepherding everyone around the course and umpiring, when other less corageous folk were hiding under their umbrellas!
Picture: Our Members and guests have a go at hitting the mallet while umpire Sidney Denham looks on. Picture credit: Jayne Ward/Rotary Club of Canterbury.
You can see further pictures on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/rotarycanterbury
