As a haven for retirees, Port Stephens has over many years been able to sustain a strong development in many of sport's gentler pursuits, most notably golf and tennis.
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More recently, however, there has been a spike in interest in lawn croquet because of its appeal to both men and women of all ages and all abilities - and the dedication and devotion of one Margaret-Rose Thompson.
Through her passion for playing, coaching and refereeing, Margaret, who has lived in the Bay for 32 years, has been instrumental in elevating croquet to its growing popularity not only in Port Stephens but across the state and indeed the nation.
She was part of the team that founded Nelson Bay Croquet Club in 1996, along with Eric and Anne Bone and her devoted husband Tommy Thompson, and the couples have been duly recognised with the naming of the club's first two lawns in their honour.
Her sustained contributions over many years are a tribute to her administrative prowess and ability to remain active throughout her retirement year.
From humble beginnings, the club has thrived starting with an initial membership of 17 people and growing to in excess of 100.
The club's home base has also prospered. Initially playing on a piece of hockey turf on the old Tomaree complex, the club has been able to upgrade by first moving to one of the greens at Nelson Bay Bowling Club before finally securing their own brand new facility adjacent to the Tomaree match field.
It was a small advertisement in the Examiner calling for players interested in croquet that got the ball rolling and the mallets swinging. There were 11 people who turned up that day and little did they realise the great heights the almost obscure sport would scale over the ensuing 26 years.
Born in England where she later met and married childhood sweetheart Tommy (an Air Force pilot), Margaret enjoyed a carefree childhood and developed a love for the outdoors, which included trying her hand at a variety of sports.
"My father was in the British Air Force so we travelled a lot. In addition to travelling around Britain we also had stints in California (three years), Malta (three years) and Germany (2.5 years)," Margaret said.
"I was able to adapt to the changes by picking up what was required at school but my greatest passion was being in the outdoors, and that involved playing sport, most particularly netball, hockey, squash and tennis.
"Croquet had a big following in Britain and I had admired the game as a child. It was something I dreamed of playing one day." Little did she realise that the sport would later engulf her life.
The Thompsons - the proud parents of three children and four grandchildren - decided to emigrate to Australia for a better, "and warmer", life in 1968 "and I have never regretted one minute of it".
Since helping establish the Nelson Bay club 25 years ago, Margaret says that croquet has become her life and she has loved every minute
"I love the club, I love the people ... it's one big happy family."
Having lost her devoted husband Tommy after 64 years of marriage in 2020, Margaret says she has slowed down just a little. "I only play socially these days but I get just as much enjoyment and satisfaction from coaching and refereeing."
Margaret, who has occupied a number of positions on the Nelson Bay Croquet Club committee, including two years as president, was made a Life Member in 2008.
She has coached, played and refereed all three forms of croquet: association, ricochet and golf. In fact, she was responsible for introducing ricochet croquet to Nelson Bay and across NSW around 10 years ago.
The game of ricochet croquet was devised in 1984 by an Australian, John Riches and Margaret has been its main proponent, running coaching sessions and referee courses throughout the state.
"I drove to Queensland to complete a referee's course and then travelled across the state doing workshops."
Margaret has refereed at international, national, state and club level, including the inaugural women's world championships held at Cairnlea (Melbourne), the Australian singles championships and the Interstate Shield on many occasions, and the Croquet NSW State singles and doubles championships, as well as district and club events within the Hunter region.
Today the club plays both social and competitive games five days a week on four professionally maintained full sized courts and has a small clubhouse on-site. "We also have an active program of social events."
Despite her husband Tommy's failing health, she continued her travelling selflessly providing coaching sessions and referees examinations, she would never say no.
"I could never have achieved all this without the great support and care of my husband Tommy. He had always been encouraging and was my greatest fan."
Margaret's tireless work in promoting and developing the club since its inception has been recognised through a number of awards and certificates over the years. She has also been instrumental in recruiting and coaching players with the enviable records of a 100 per cent retention rate.
When Fingal Haven looked to form a club on their Fingal Bay site some years ago, Margaret went out of her way to coach 35 members who had no previous experience on the basics of golf croquet along with several follow-up sessions.
Peter Freer, of Canberra Croquet Club and an Australian player at three world championships, said that if ever he was stuck for anything, he would ring Margaret and she was always prepared to help.
The club has also honoured Margaret and Tommy Thompson with a Trophy - an annual level singles golf croquet competition open to all Nelson Bay Croquet Club members.
For the uninitiated, golf croquet (social) playing sessions run for about three hours, and involve three games with a tea break between the second and third games. On Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings, players can just turn up for a game, while Wednesday, Friday mornings and Saturday afternoons are designated full-court sessions and players must pre-enter before the session.
There is usually a random draw for partners and opponents, though on occasion handicap events are run.
"What is special about our club is that men can play women and get along. You don't have all the men over in one corner and the women in another. We welcome all comers, including people with a disability."
For details go to nelsonbaycroquet.org.au.
We want to find the people in the Port's sporting community who deserve the spotlight. Whether it's a star athlete, a quiet achiever, a dedicated volunteer, we want to know who they are. In an email titled 'Sport Nomination', send the details including name, sport/club, a bit about the person you're nominating and a photo to portstephens@austcommunitymedia.com.au.