Croquet couple made to mallet

Pukekohe Croquet Club members raised a glass to a couple of stalwarts recently – Jenny and Alex Begg were recognised for decades of contributions to the club.

“While being in the spotlight felt a bit awkward, the gesture was very much appreciated,” Jenny Begg told the Times.  “We’ve always believed giving back is a natural part of belonging to a community.”

While Jenny was still playing up until last year, Alex continues to compete. However, there is more satisfaction to be gained than by simply ‘shooting hoops’.

“The most satisfying reward for us is seeing people having fun on the lawns. It’s knowing we had a part in introducing them to croquet and a thriving club with a great group of people enjoying each other’s company no matter their age,” Jenny Begg adds.

Both past club presidents, the Beggs are still active committee members. They have undertaken numerous roles, including as referees, coaches, captains and greenskeepers, club captain Dellis Hunt confirms.

“The Beggs have been integral to our club for more than 30 years.  They coached some youngsters from Pukekohe Intermediate for eight years.  One of the lads, Sean Foster, was coached by the Beggs all the way through to the Under 21 world champs in England,” she says.

“They remain active with the club on a near-daily basis – it’s a testament to their enduring passion for the sport and our local community.”

The Beggs weren’t the only members honoured; Sarah Lin became the inaugural winner of the Alex and Jenny Begg Trophy for her outstanding contribution to the club.

The members clubbed together to purchase the new silverware. Lin was its ideal first recipient, Hunt adds.

“Sarah is an active committee member who’s assisted in virtually every project we have completed. Her biggest achievement of the year was as runner-up in the Arthur Ross Memorial Event, a national event hosted at our club,” she says.

“Although she’s been with the club for less than two years, Sarah has already made wonderful progress.”