A Presentation to Bruce McAlister

At the QLD State Gateball Teams and Doubles Championship held in Rockhampton 18-20th August, 2018 a surprise presentation was made to Bruce McAlister. Bruce began his role as Director of QLD Gateball in 2004 and continued until the end of 2017. In the 13 years as Director, Gateball has expended greatly throughout QLD. His enthusiasm, energy, dedication and attention to detail has been a big asset to his role. As a result, QLD has more Referees than any other State and he is one of four International Referees in QLD. The number of clubs and players has also increased.

Bruce McAlister with his portrait.

The presentation was a painting/ portrait done by the very talented artist, Frances Wregg, from McIlwraith Croquet Club. As you can see it is a wonderful likeness that will be cherished always by Bruce and his family. Clubs in QLD assisted in the purchase of the frame to this creative work done by Frances who is a very keen Gateball player. Thank you very much, Frances.

Frances Wregg, the Artist, with Bruce McAlister.

Bruce played in the World Gateball Championship in Shanghai in 2010 and officiated as an International Referee at the 2014 in Niigata in Japan. Being a strong advocate for Gateball as being one of the four codes played under the title of “Croquet”, he plays all four codes to a very high standard. Now Bruce can continue playing his sport free from the demands of being the Director of QLD Gateball. Thank you from all of us, Bruce!

Don Close, QLD President, Bruce McAlister and Frances Wregg

Organising State Championships  and helping to organise the Australian Championships in the State, Bruce is always at the helm to ensure all flows smoothly. With the support of his wife, Fiona, he has given a great deal of his time to the sport. It was his wife’s parents Bill and Lola Whyte- who introduced him to the sport at Ipswich Croquet Club back in 2002. The trophy for the best Team at the QLD State Team Championship is dedicated to Lola Whyte. The best Doubles team was donated by Bruce.

The Lola Whyte Trophy for the team that wins the QLD State Gateball Championship

 

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