Like all clubs, associations, organisations, and various other formalised bun-fights, Dubbo Croquet Club has an annual general meeting and quarterly general meetings.

South Stake’s excitement in anticipation of these occasions is as alarming to observers as it is intense to experience. After all, there might be cake!

First snag in this system is that the cake — if there be some — is served at the conclusion of the meeting and accompanied by tea and coffee and other such slop-kettle.

Second snag is that folks look askance if one arrives towards the end of the meeting, bearing an expression of expectation. With exceeding forbearance, South Stake therefore sat quietly and demurely throughout.

The latest general meeting of the club was held this week on Monday, November 17, at the clubhouse.

President Kate Colwell is currently away, leaving the vice president, Graham Bender, in the chair for the meet. Graham settled into the chair and wielded the miniature mallet against the bell with the skill one expects from a three-handicap player.

On the other side of the equation, he was able to count noses and correctly pronounce the word, “quorate”.

As to counting, the club’s total membership, across all categories, is on 80. The attendance of 32 is indicative of its strength and commitment.

Our accomplished secretary, Ray Doyle, steered us through the list of apologies, correspondence, motions to accept new members, and the technicalities of motions across matters arising, general business, and the ever-dreary, any other business.

Nominations for two new members were received and approved for Lloyd and Sue Graham.

Alannah Fraser updated the meeting on our financial position. Sound management leads to a comforting sense of security, for which we all give thanks.

Finally, Dubbo Croquet Club Inc, as the crown land manager of that portion of the Muller Park Reserve, had some matters to deal with and then the morning’s business was done, dusted, filed, and finished.

At last, time for cake! Thank you, Sandra Burns!