New at Ron Smith Care Centre: Croquet anyone?

Irene Jarman (left) and Debbie Christen (right) give Sylvia Laserow encouragement as she prepares to take her shot. 

A few residents at Rand Aid’s Ron Smith Care Centre recently decided that they would like to re-engage in a certain past-time of their more youthful days – croquet!  So out came the wickets, 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 and as all 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 (residents and staff) who needed to be taught what to do, as the game of croquet was totally new to them. The players were very diverse in their physical abilities and whilst 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. And 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 comments:

“The residents thoroughly enjoyed themselves and had lots of fun. It is very 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 spirt come to the fore. And of course, a spot of tea when the games were over, went down very well indeed.”

Kedibone Shongoane lines up her shot and shows fine form for her first attempt at croquet!

Isaac Poulton looking strong. 

 Debbie Christen gives Sylvia Laserow a few pointers. 

Peter Barker shows us the way it’s done.

Louise Newman and Debbie Christen have a laugh as Louise tries to get to grips with a roll-y ball. 

June Smith – an inspiration to us all. 

Christine Kincaid-Smith concentrates on her shot whist Bianca Richards looks on. 

Looking like seasoned players -  Enzo Merolla and Christine Kincaid-Smith.

From top left to right - the competitors:  June Smith, Margaret Richardson, Irene Jarman, Sylvia Laserow and Louise Newman.