Dusting off old mallets to create new memories

A few residents at the Ron Smith Care Centre recently decided they would like to re-engage in a certain past-time of their more youthful days; croquet.

Out came the mallets and balls, which all needed a good dusting off, as it had been some time since they had been in use.

The first croquet session with care centre residents took place on June 2, even though the participants were a bit rusty.

They had to first re-learn and polish up their ball skills. In addition, there were a number of people who needed to be taught what to do, as the game of croquet was totally new to them.

The players were diverse in their physical abilities and while some residents were mobile enough to move around the croquet course, others gamely attempted the sport seated, or from their wheelchairs.

The second croquet session occurred on June 9 and one could already see improved ability and confidence.

To make things more exciting, some of the seated residents were in competition with each other to see who would be first to hit 10 balls through a wicket placed in front of them.

Debbie Christen, Rand Aid’s Manager: Recreational Programmes said the residents thoroughly enjoyed themselves and had lots of fun.

“It is satisfying to hear the whack of one’s mallet making contact with the ball and even more satisfying when one manages to knock it through a wicket.

It was lovely to see folks enjoying a bit of gentle sport and exercise in the beautiful Johannesburg winter sunshine, and inspiring to see their determination and competitive spirit come to the fore. And of course, a spot of tea when the games were over, went down well indeed,” said Christen.