President's Rpt

August 2011

August 2009

August 2008

August 2007

Bald Head island Club Croquet Club Annual Report

August 2010-August 2011

The past year has been a successful one for the Bald Head Island Club Croquet Club thanks to the dedicated and hard-working members of the executive board and the committee chairs. We are indeed fortunate to have volunteers who are willing to devote their time and talents to the many activities that you enjoy as members of the Club.

Thanks to Dick Johnson, vice-president; Brenda Quanstrom, secretary; Jay Gould and Bob Porter, treasurers; and Larry Lammert and Donna Finley, at-large members.

Also thanks to the hard-working committee chairs and special event organizers: John May, Tournament Committee; Diane Robinson, Social Committee; Sheila May and Anne Schick, Invitational Social Chairs; Anne Schick also coordinated the Joust team; Judy Porter, Invitational Tournament Manager; Pat Garrett, Outreach Committee; John Knott, Handicap Committee, and Trisha Barnard, who coordinated Jeff Soo’s visits. They have highlighted their committees’ accomplishments in the following reports.

My hat is off to all of them with many thanks!

Anne Boozell, President

Tournament Committee Report

John May

The year beginning on August 2010 saw the full complement of normal club croquet events. These included, with their starting date:

Doubles – August 13

Association Rules – October7

Golf Croquet – November 12

Handicap Adjuster – March 18

Singles – April 6

In addition, the club ran the Bald Head Invitational starting May 30. Judy Porter served as Tournament Director and Jeff Soo did the scheduling. The Club also participated in the Joust against Pinehurst beginning April 29. Bald Head players were victorious, bringing the traveling trophy back to the Island. We have won the trophy three out of four years.

Thus far, the only substantial change to the schedule is to swap the month for Doubles with the month for Association Rules. The expectation for this shift is a greater number of players for the Doubles because of cooler weather in October. Presumably those playing Association Rules are a hardier lot, and won’t be adversely affected by August’s warmer weather.

Handicap Committee Report

John Knott

The handicaps of club members were reduced by 15 ½ points during the year. These reductions were the result of both points earned during competition and the judgment of the handicap committee. Handicaps are designed so that players may receive the most enjoyment of the game by being matched with players of compatible abilities.

Outreach Committee Report

Patricia Garrett

The Outreach Committee initiated several activities this year, mostly focused on Golf Croquet as an introduction to the sport. We provided educational materials on line to the Pro shop for distribution to casual players. We promoted Thursday Golf Croquet for the BHI Croquet Club members and initiated Introduction to Golf Croquet on Saturday mornings once a month. We developed promotional material for the BHI Club to be included in the Club Directory, rental packets, and wedding promotions. Finally, and most importantly, we engaged Club members in the recruitment and engagement of new BHI CC members.

The Outreach Committee was chaired by Patricia Garrett, with active involvement of Trisha Barnard, John Chamberlain, Marilyn Ridgeway and Bob Timmons.

Social Chair Report

Diane Robinson

During 2011 we built upon the new system of managing monthly socials that began in 2010. The 33 couples or singles were divided into 11 months. Each month three couples or singles would give one third of a party. For the most part the groups remained the same so they could take turns using their homes for the event. If there was a problem I moved a person or couple or I switched with them myself. I tried to remain sensitive to each person's needs and offered them counseling on cost and amount of food and drink if asked. After each social in 2011, I sent a thank you note to the group. I think this system is working and is the first time things have been handled fairly. I remain open to ideas and suggestions to make 2012 the best year yet.

24^th Annual Bald Head Island Croquet Club Invitational

May 30-June 5, 2011

Sheila May and Anne Schick

Once, again, the Invitational was a huge success – with 26 players and four social guests attending. Eight Bald Head members housed the out-of-towners. Judy Porter was the tournament director and arranged (and rearranged!) the play schedule for six days. Two players had to withdraw due to health reasons, and their families left as well. All the players and guests raved about the courts and the hospitality of the Bald Head Club members. The players from Grand Haven Croquet Club in Florida sent a wonderful video thanking us for such a great time.

Sheila May and Anne Schick made the social arrangements, beginning with an elegant opening reception at the home of Pat and Dick Johnston. This was open to the entire membership. Wednesday was a Mexican Fiesta at the Club, also open to the entire membership. The Potluck supper at the home of Jarilyn and Bill Daigle was delicious and fun, and very well attended. By the Friday Toast and Tally at the home of Anne and Tom Schick, all were ready for a rest! Saturday night players and guests danced into the night at the annual Gala-in-White at the Club. The tournament finished on Sunday with the finals played in front of an appreciative crowd, followed by a delicious Awards Luncheon at the Club.

With charges of $380 for invitee players, $360 for non-participating guests, and $360 for Bald Head Croquet Club players, the event came very close to breaking even.

Part-time Pro Report

Trisha Barnard

Since the beginning of our Croquet Pro Program in October of 2010, we have had six sessions with Jeff Soo. We had an average of 21 participants in each session.

Totals to date by activity are as follows:

Assessments: 36

Lessons : 67 ( some of these were semi-private)

Clinics: 12

Coaching Games: 9

Currently, we have 37 people who have committed to participating in the program by signing up for an assessment and 4 lessons. That’s 148 lessons total. At this point one half of the lessons committed to have been taken. Of the 37 people, 5 have finished their 4 lessons and are eligible to sign up for 4 more. Three people just started in July.

The Croquet Club supported the two sessions which were held in 2010 in the amount of $1905. The BHI Club budgeted $6000 for this program in 2011. At this time, $2913 has been spent and there is $3087 remaining for the rest of the calendar year.

We have three sessions remaining in 2011: September, October and November. We hope that the BHI Club will continue their support in 2012, and we will plan to schedule six sessions next year.

BHI Club Croquet Club Secretary Responsibilities

Brenda Quanstrom

During the past year, Brenda Quanstrom has formalized the secretary’s responsibilities and developed an effective system of communication to keep members up-to-date on Club activities and issues. Following are guidelines for the coming year:

1. The secretary maintains a current e-mail list of all active members in an address folder that can easily be used to disseminate information.

2. Maintain minutes that are orderly, succinct, in complete sentences and professional. It is helpful to use the same format each time for ease of reading and consistency. This secretary can provide an electronic format that the next secretary can use..

3. Provide etiquette and rules reminders when appropriate.

4. Remind members of Wednesday Wickets, Women's Wickets, 4th Thursday Doubles Golf Croquet, Scramblers and tournaments. Be proactive on time changes.

5. Hosts and Scrambler Coordinators should be telling you location of social's and the Coordinator should be telling the secretary the time and play for Scramblers at least two weeks in advance. This has not been happening and the secretary has had to call or email people. Even with this, there have been very few Scrambler details. In the past Coordinators provided time, type of play, fun alternatives to play, cut off date for RSVP, etc.

6. Keep the Membership List current for the members and the Outreach Committee. It is easier for the Secretary to do this because the email list must be kept current as well.

BALD HEAD ISLAND CLUB

CROQUET CLUB

TREASURERS REPORT

YEAR ENDED

31 July 2011

REVENUES

Annual Dues (35 Couples + 3 Singles) $ 4,790.00

Jeff Soo Lessons Paid by Members 3,800.00

Invitational ($11,110 -$1,104.10 rebated) 10,005.90

Doubles Tournament 810.00

Association Rules Tournament 685.00

Golf Croquet Tournament 1,055.00

Handicap Adjustor 695.00

Singles Tournament 735.00

Pinehurst Joust 1,610.00

TOTAL REVENUES $24,185.90

EXPENSES

USCA Member Dues $3,330.00

Jeff Soo Lessons and Expenses 6,400.00

Invitational (to date) 9,787.79

Doubles Tournament* 790.55

Association Rules Tournament* 726.43

Golf Croquet Tournament * 981.08

Handicap Adjustor 248.62

Singles Tournament* 647.40

Pinehurst Joust 1,610.00

Croquet Demo of 7/16/11 Beverages 128.10

Misc Expenses & Supplies 121.41

TOTAL EXPENSES $24,771.38

Profit (Loss) to date $ (585.48)

Account Balance 8/1/10 4,965.20

Account Balance 7/31/11 $ 4,379.72

*Note: Tournament costs do not include the actual cost of purchasing cups when applicable.

Respectfully submitted:

Bob Porter, Treasurer

__________________________________________________________________________________________

President’s Report

Bald Head Island Croquet Club

August 2009

John May

I thank our club members for their support for club activities and for me in particular over the past year.

In particular, thanks to the Executive Committee:

Bob Porter, Vice President and Treasurer

Tom Schick, Secretary

at-large members Joe Ridgeway, Anne Boozell, and Dick Johnston.

In addition, thanks to the following who filled committee chairs:

John Knott, Tournament and Handicap

Anne Boozell, Invitational

Jarilyn Daigle, Social

Brenda Quanstrom, Education

Diane Robinson, Historian

Finally, thanks to John Knott for chairing this year’s Nominating Committee

Invitational: Anne Boozell, Tournament Manager

Twenty-seven players competed in Singles and Waterford Doubles during the 22^nd Annual Bald Head Island Club Croquet Club Invitational, May 25-31. This was the largest field of competitors in several years with all of the flights filled except the Championship Flight. All but six players were guests from other clubs, and tournament director John Knott had to turn away several players whose flights were filled.

Members of the Bald Head Croquet Club went out of their way to provide housing and hospitality for the players. Special thanks to: Marilyn Ridgeway who coordinated housing; Sheila May who chose and ordered trophies; Judy Knott who organized hospitality and board keepers on court; Bob and Sylvia Timmons who hosted the opening party; Anne Schick who coordinated the opening party; and Brenda and Dana Quanstrom who hosted the potluck.

Also thanks to everyone who provided guest housing for out-of-town players. That amenity is the single most important reason for the success of the tournament.

Tournament: John Knott

In addition to our regular schedule of tournaments and adjusters, we had two “Jousts” with Pinehurst—one in the fall, the second this Spring. †We’re looking forward to hosting the State Singles Championship to be held on Bald Head September 10-13.

In the Spring, the Croquet Club joined with the Golf Club and hosted a “Scrambler for Charity” event. The event was a success in raising money for local charities and in fostering congenial relations with members of the Golf Cluib.

Social: Jarilyn Daigle

Thanks to Jarilyn for graciously doing the work of coordinating hosts, co-hosts, and food committee for events held in member’s homes. She was assisted by Sheila May who coordinated events at the club. Thanks to all who served as a host, co-host or food committee. Our social schedule only works if each member serves in one of these capacities each year.

Membership:

The chair of this committee was vacant this year. The challenge for the coming year is to energize programs, both play and social, to attract new members and engage existing ones.

Education Committee: Brenda Quanstrom

The committee revised its list of responsibilities. The current list may be found at http://www.bhicroquet.org/EducationCmteProcedures.htm.

Under the direction of the committee, the Croquet College’s curriculum was revised and a very successful Croquet College was run.

Wednesday Wickets included a monthly instruction session, with the Education Committee selecting the topic.

Instruction by two outstanding pros—Ron Lloyd and Danny Hunneycutt--is scheduled for September 30 to October 3. Thanks to Brenda and her committee for their excellent work.

Thanks to the Bald Head Island Club:

In addition to maintaining the greenswards in excellent playing condition, something difficult in our environment, the BHI club has provided other support for croquet. This includes outstanding support for events held at the club, and the maintenance of our financial account, under Croquet Club direction.

President’s Report

Bald Head Island Croquet Club

August 2008

John May

I appreciate the support which the membership has afforded to club activities.

In particular, thanks to the Executive Committee: Marilyn Ridgeway, Vice President; Bill Johnson, Treasurer; Tom Schick, Secretary; and Judy Porter, John Knott and Dick Johnston, at large. In addition, thanks to the committee chairs: Judy Porter, Invitational; John Knott, Tournament and Handicap; Anne Boozell, Education; Sheila May, Membership; Barbara McQuaide, Social; Sky Conklin, Grounds/Equipment; Diane Robinson, Historian; Dick Johnston, Nominating

Membership: Sheila May, Chair

The Croquet Club currently has 71 members including 34 family memberships and three individual members. This figure is virtually unchanged from a year ago. Wine and Wickets was held on June 21^st. It was well attended and a follow up e-mail was sent to each guest. To date, we have not realized new members from this event. The most effective means of attracting new members remains personal contacts with friends and acquaintances, along with the offer of free instruction with membership.

Tournament: John Knott, Chair

Tournaments included Doubles, Singles, Association Rules, Golf Croquet and a handicap adjuster.

Invitational: Judy Porter, Tournament Manager

Particular thanks to Judy Porter who organized every facet of this tournament, and thanks to all who assisted her. Club members stepped up by supporting housing, hosting, the opening reception, board keeping and trophies. Nineteen players participated, including eight from other clubs. Participation was reduced because the Invitational followed closely another tournament which was afforded special incentives. This should not repeat for the 2009 Invitational, and we should expect more players from other clubs.

Social Committee: Barbara McQuaide

Barbara capably coordinated the monthly socials at members’ homes. She was assisted by Sheila May who coordinated events at the club. Thanks to all who served as host, co-host or food committee. (We have found that having a host and co-host is adequate to support the socials. By dropping the additional person on the food committee, staffing the socials has become much easier.)

Education Committee: Anne Boozell

Rules:

An event was held at the club which presented rules in a humorous manner.

Wednesday Wickets:

Once a month, Dave Strawson gives a 15-minute lesson prior to play.

Mentoring:

Members were polled to see who wished to have a mentor and who was willing to be a mentor. All those desiring a mentor were satisfied.

Croquet College:

Once again, a very successful Croquet College was run. Particular thanks to all who provided instruction.

Other Items of Note:

Sixteen members of the Pinehurst club will visit us from August 10 to August 13 fro what we are describing as a "Joust." Thanks to Anne Boozell who is Joust Manager, and thanks to all who are assisting her by providing support, including lodging for our guests.

Particular thanks to the Bald Head Island Club which has provided a very high level of support the the Croquet Club. This support includes a new set of tournament balls, new umbrellas, new wickets and a new tent. This in addition to their exceptional efforts to maintain the greenswards, including the addition of berming.

President's Report

Bald Head Island Croquet Club

August 2007

Judy Porter

The purpose of this report is to provide the membership with a review of all of the Croquet Club activities during the past year. I want to thank all members of the Club for their support and help over the past year. Special thanks to the Executive Committee: Mike Boozell, Bill Johnson, Brenda Quanstrom, Mary Conklin, Trisha Barnard, John May, Anne Schick, and John Knott. And to Committee Chairs: Sky Conklin, Marilyn Ridgeway, Dick Johnston, Diane Robinson, and Anne Boozell.

Membership Committee: Marilyn Ridgeway Chairperson

The Bald Head Island Croquet Club hosted two Wine and Wickets: Oct 14, 2006 and June 3, 2007.

Both events were very popular and well attended. Members of the Croquet Club had a chance to introduce new comers to the sport and while not everyone joined the Bald Head Island Croquet Club, more people now recognize the preciseness,strategy and fun that croquet can offer.

The following people have decided that membership is a must:

John and Lou Chamberlain

Bill and Jarilyn Daigle

Judy Hart

John and Ellie Sias

Brenda and Larry Jones

Barabara McQuaide

Harry and Suzanne Miller

Diane Robinson

Larry Kirby.

The new members have been enthusiastic and a welcomed addition to our club.

Suggestion to new chair. Get a BHI Club membership list and send invitations to non croquet members. Beth Burger will help you with this.

Tournament Committee: John Knott, Chairperson

This year’s tournament schedule included 4 tournaments, Golf, Doubles, Association and Singles and also one handicap adjuster. Committee members thank the players who have participated in these events.

Invitational Tournament: Judy Porter, Tournament Manager

Twenty-two players participated in the 2007 Invitational. Twelve players from other clubs joined with ten players from Bald Head Island Croquet Club. The success of the Invitational was due to the support from all members of out Club. This was truly a Club effort with members working on housing, hosting, the opening reception, board keeping, greeting, trophies, etc. I have to say the trophies were spectacular. People are already talking about the 2008 Invitational and I know that we can get our goal of 32 players..

Social Committee: Anne Schick, Chairperson

This year was a great year for the social success of the Croquet Club. Having the Social Chairman as part of the Executive Committee made communications much easier for planning of the events. The notices of events went much better this year, and we have had an easy time with lunch orders and drinks on the court. New forms for communication with the Club have made things even easier.

We were able to work very well with the staff at the Bald Head Island Club to plan and host Awards luncheons and brunches for the Croquet Club. We tried to have the opening parties for tournaments at the Club, but the members voted to return to our old format with all parties at members’ homes. This added extra scheduling for our members, but happily, we have all the socials scheduled through December 2007. Thanks especially to all the new members who have jumped in and accepted duties as hosts, co-hosts and food committee members.

Although the membership has shrunk a bit, we averaged 34 people attending each social during the 2006-2007 year. Thank you to everyone who has made this year a success – particularly to Judy Hasson and Judy Knott who bolstered me with extra help and support.

Education Committee: Trisha Barnard Chairperson

The members of this year’s Education Committee were: Mike Boozell, Chris Christian, Susy Gillilan, Judy Hasson, John May, Jan Triplett, and Dave Strawson. We held one meeting on November 30, 2006 and the rest of business was carried out via email.

The following were discussed at the meeting and later carried out:

Rules:

On Dec. 14, 2006 a session was hosted by Chris Christian for all Referees to go over the new rules.

For non-Referees, a 2 session course was taught by Judy and Bob Porter on the entire rule book. This was attended by 4 people, and was a valuable experience for all. It would be a good thing to repeat on a yearly basis.

Wednesday Wickets:

It was decided to limit the educational component of Wednesday Wickets to 15 minutes before starting time, once a month. Dave Strawson stepped up to doing this and has done an excellent job with sessions on jump shots, angle shots, wiring etc.

Group Mentoring:

Group Mentoring for beginning players was organized by Jan Triplett during January through March. It was well attended each month and attendees reported that it was very worthwhile.

Helpmates:

An email was sent out to the entire membership requesting volunteers to be part of a list of players who are willing to help other players improve their game. The list was compiled by Mike Boozell, and emailed to all Croquet Club members. Any player was invited to call upon anyone on the list to make arrangements to get together to work on their game. For any new players who might not know the people on the list, Mike was available to act as liaison to hook people up.

Croquet College:

This year’s Croquet College began the last week of March and was completed by the last week of April in order for all the College students to participate in the Handicap Adjuster Tournament May 5-6. A meeting was held a week before the start of Croquet College in order for students and instructors to meet, get class materials, and set up times for their classes. There were 5 classes, and a total of 20 students, with class sizes ranging from 2 students to 6. The ideal class size is no more than 4, but the handicaps of participants made it necessary to have some smaller and some bigger classes.

Feedback from Students, and Instructors alike was very positive.

Clinics/Lessons with a Pro:

Oct. 15-18, 2007, we have scheduled Ron Lloyd to come to BHI to give clinics and lessons. At the present time, we have 20 people who have expressed a desire to participate. The schedule for this event will be created when the time is closer.

Women’s Wickets:

This is the first year for Women’s Wickets. It does not currently have a formal educational component, however, some of our women, including new players, have enjoyed getting together to play and learn from one another on Friday mornings. If any men want to come, the women are happy to have them join in.

Croquet School:

The Education Committee continues to recommend that anyone wishing to improve their game consider attending a 3 day USCA Croquet School offered National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach.