MALDON PETANQUE CLUB INC
2024/5 proved to be a year of mixed emotions for the club; sadly we lost a long time member in Steve Phillis, Steve had been an active player and committee member over the years, a trophy winner and a sponsor with the donation of paintings. We also lost another club stalwart Mike Forsyth, who had been  a player for a number years and in latter days was our official scorer. Len Paul, our current Player of the Year Trophy holder, has moved interstate, we hope he finds a new club. It was great to welcome Memphis Sheppard as our first junior member, she brought our average age down considerably.
The highlight of the year was again our annual triples tournament “The Forster Cup” with a full complement of 72 players. The tournament Director was again Sue Ackland,who ran the show with great aplomb and a minimum of fuss. This event is now a popular fixture on the Petanque calendar and brings our small club great credit. Thanks to all who contributed, special thanks to the Maldon Mens Shed who again provided a tasty BBQ this year on the purpose-built BBQ from the Maldon Golf Club. We ran a successful community raffle in Maldon which helped supplement funds.
In preparation for the tournament a group of volunteers laid down parachute cord for the piste marking lines, a great addition which has been much complimented. It is amazing the activities of our members doing things around the club that need to be done, many times without being asked.
We ran a major membership promotion thanks to a grant from Mt Alexander Shire; thanks to Viv Markham for her co-ordination. Although we did not gain greatly in numbers, the Club definitely became prominent in the town through the publicity.
Our new sponsor, Cantwell Property, helped set up our own website, (www.maldonpetanqueclub.com.au) and  also provided the Encouragement Award at our tournament. The Community Bank Maldon & District was again our major sponsor at the tournament. They have been the major club sponsor for a number of years. The third of our sponsors was Chris from Boules Australia who not only provided donations but is always ready to help in general petanque equipment advice.
I would especially like to thank the committee for their time and effort throughout the year, all done in good grace. Viv Markham has been a great project co-ordinator keeping us on our toes and up to date on what we should be doing. George Forster just keeps rolling on as Secretary, keeping our administration up to date, and also produces a monthly newsletter which is widely circulated. Bev Forsyth is our contact with the higher authorities of petanque through her umpiring and tournament play. Sue Ackland as mentioned before has done a great job as Tournament Director . Phil Hopley in his first year on the committee has given us sound advice and has become team manager for the Club’s competitions.
The Club has contested a number of inter club competitions throughout the year and has always been competitive. A number of players have received a lot of extra skill and knowledge of the game through these activities. We have instituted a practice session on Thursday afternoons which is attracting  people new to the game and also helps others hone their skills. Once again I would like to acknowledge the St Brigid’s community for allowing us to use the facilities, especially Fr Wahid the Parish Priest who will be leaving in 4 weeks. Let's hope the new landlord will be as easy to work with! Thanks one and all for another successful year for the Maldon Petanque Club
Geoff McLennan President