Background
I was born in Perth in 1951.

Occupation
I was a Manager's Secretary until I married in 1973.

Home Club
I’ve been a member of Como, W.A. since 1984.

Administrative Positions
I have served on various committees for Como Croquet Club, the WACA and the ACA. I was WACA President for 4 years, WACA Selector 5 years, ACA Selector 4 years and ACA Referee since 1990.

How and when did you start to play croquet?

I’ve played croquet for 24 years – it started through a chance meeting with Merryl Garrod, a former member of the WA State Team. Merryl's mother was Coach at Como Croquet Club at that time. Merryl invited me to visit the Club and "have a go". Since that time, I have had a wonderful croquet career.

What keeps you playing?
The continuous challenge of the game. I also want to continue to improve my playing ability.

Other sports interests
In the past I have played tennis and hockey. Currently I am enjoying playing Lawn Bowls which I find very frustrating. but I keep going back for more as it is a new challenge in my life.

Preferred grip
I played with the Standard Grip until about 1991, then changed to the Solomon Grip as I was having wrist problems.

Preferred Mallet
Dawson 2000 Millennium.

Preferred Croquet Balls
Dawson International.

Most significant accomplishments to date?

I have had many wonderful accomplishments, however being a member of the West Australian State Team on 15 occasions and representing Australia several times since 1992 has been both a great experience and an honour. During that period I have won the Australian Women's Singles on seven occasions and the Australian Open in 2001.

Favourite venue
I was lucky enough to play at Sonoma-Cutrer, California, on four occasions and the lawns were fast and smooth to play on.

Most memorable characters in croquet

Audrey Burrows, Aggie Read, Barrie Chambers, David Weaver, and Sid Greene, just to name a few.

What changes would you like to see in the sport?

I don't think any changes to the actual sport are necessary; however I would like to see players working together, rather than against each other, for the betterment of croquet.

General comments
I have had a wonderful time during the past 24 years meeting croquet players throughout Australia and the rest of the World. Many have become very dear friends who I enjoy catching up with at the Eire Cup. I would like to thank everyone who has shared his/her knowledge of the wonderful game of croquet with me, some of them official Coaches and others who are legends of the game, but most of all, I thank everyone who has supported me at both administrative and playing levels and wish all croquet players every success in the coming years.

	PLAYER PROFILE – HELENE THURSTON

	*Background* I was born in Perth in 1951. *Occupation* I was a Manager's Secretary until I married in 1973. *Home Club* I’ve been a member of Como, W.A. since 1984. *Administrative Positions* I have served on various committees for Como Croquet Club, the WACA and the ACA. I was WACA President for 4 years, WACA Selector 5 years, ACA Selector 4 years and ACA Referee since 1990. *How and when did you start to play croquet? I’ve played croquet for 24 years – it started through a chance meeting with Merryl Garrod, a former member of the WA State Team. Merryl's mother was Coach at Como Croquet Club at that time. Merryl invited me to visit the Club and "have a go". Since that time, I have had a wonderful croquet career. What keeps you playing?* The continuous challenge of the game. I also want to continue to improve my playing ability. *Other sports interests* In the past I have played tennis and hockey. Currently I am enjoying playing Lawn Bowls which I find very frustrating. but I keep going back for more as it is a new challenge in my life. *Preferred grip* I played with the Standard Grip until about 1991, then changed to the Solomon Grip as I was having wrist problems. *Preferred Mallet* Dawson 2000 Millennium. *Preferred Croquet Balls* Dawson International. *Most significant accomplishments to date?* I have had many wonderful accomplishments, however being a member of the West Australian State Team on 15 occasions and representing Australia several times since 1992 has been both a great experience and an honour. During that period I have won the Australian Women's Singles on seven occasions and the Australian Open in 2001. *Favourite venue* I was lucky enough to play at Sonoma-Cutrer, California, on four occasions and the lawns were fast and smooth to play on. *Most memorable characters in croquet* Audrey Burrows, Aggie Read, Barrie Chambers, David Weaver, and Sid Greene, just to name a few. *What changes would you like to see in the sport?* I don't think any changes to the actual sport are necessary; however I would like to see players working together, rather than against each other, for the betterment of croquet. *General comments* I have had a wonderful time during the past 24 years meeting croquet players throughout Australia and the rest of the World. Many have become very dear friends who I enjoy catching up with at the Eire Cup. I would like to thank everyone who has shared his/her knowledge of the wonderful game of croquet with me, some of them official Coaches and others who are legends of the game, but most of all, I thank everyone who has supported me at both administrative and playing levels and wish all croquet players every success in the coming years.

Email:	Last Modified: 16 July, 2008

PLAYER PROFILE – HELENE THURSTON