Over 60 new and experienced members attended the New Member Appreciation evening at 5:30 on Friday, September 4. The event is typically held in July but as the organizer I let it slip to September. Perhaps that “slippage” as the politicians might say was a good thing. Great weather and an amazing turn out by our new members was amazing. The West  green was filled with croquet players and the East green was full of bowlers playing triples. Numerous spectators closely followed the play on both greens. Following the games the bar was open and members sat down to a delightful array of pizza’s from Hot House Pizza. The cost for the pizza was covered by Tony Tucker of the Oak Bay Pharmasave and Matt MacNeil of the Penny Farthing Pub both on Oak Bay Avenue. Not only did Matt and Tony pay for the pizza but together they collectively provided $225 in gift cards – Tony and Matt we thank you for your generous support.  The last draw of the evening was for  the $135 share of the 50:50 draw. Modesty prevents me from identifying the winner but he is a close personal friend of mine. Our new members can now look forward to all the activities taking place in October not to mention our Christmas supper on December 13. And finally a big thank you to all our new members who joined this year – it’s great to have all of you join our croquet and bowling family – you really do make our club so much better.