BLOG POST 7.  It was extremely fitting to celebrate the life of Hedley Daniels with a bunch of Croquet Players. Taken from a short bio on the GCCC website, Hedley’s passion for the game was very apparent, and what made the game even more special, was the joy of playing alongside him. There was no two ways about his loud penetrating vocals when a scoring a hoop and his ability to do a moon walk (alias Michael Jackson) style across the lawn.

It was here that I was first introduced to Croquet and have been hooked on it for the past 6 years. It’s more than just a matter of getting balls through hoops. I love the strategising, the forth-thinking of every shot, the banter on the field, and maybe most of all, the applause and ‘welldones’ from team mates after a ‘jump shot’ well played. My wife, Karen, and I have recently been presented with some rather huge life challenges in recent weeks and the support from our team on as well as off the field has been quite humbling. I love Croquet. Playing has become a real highlight of my week. Here’s to many more happy years of playing.

But more importantly his absolute love in his walk was with his Heavenly Father. It was humbling to sit by him and chat on a subject that he lived by. So, the weekend was a reflection of everything that this man stood. Teams from False Bay and Kelvin Grove joined us. We saw highly competitive games, banter, and plenty of wine and beer consumed. An evening of “croquet spirit”, with +- 30 of us sitting down to a wonder springbok potjie, care of Nicholas Downing and his fine shooting, and a delicious lunch, salads and teas, care of Heidi von Caues.

Hedley’s wife Karen joined us both days with his Mom. With prize giving on the Sunday, Karen presented & handed out the prizes reminding us all, in some very moving words, about her dear husband.

Many thanks to all those who were involved – the weekend could not have happened without you?

Hedley you remain in many of our hearts and thank you for smiling down on us…