Hit me with your best shot

The crack of the break, friendly banter from across the room and bursts of laughter between shots. At Sugarland Gardens Retirement Village the weekly pool games are about much more than friendly competition. 

What started as a handful of residents gathering around an underused pool table has grown into one of the village's most popular social activities, bringing people together for friendship, conversation and connection.

For resident Jim Geary, the pool group has become one of the highlights of village life.

Since moving to Sugarland Gardens more than five years ago, Jim has embraced everything the community has to offer. But when he first arrived, he noticed the pool table wasn't getting much love and attention.

After losing his wife, creating a regular pool group gave him a renewed sense of purpose and helped him form meaningful friendships.

"I said to Les, our Service Manager, that I'd get it going," Jim said.

"Now there are four different groups that play pool. I play four times a week and plenty of other people do too."

What began as a small gathering of players has evolved into four regular groups that meet throughout the week. Some are fiercely competitive, while others focus more on the social side of the game.

"One group is very social. We'll play for a while, then stop for coffee, biscuits and a yarn before getting back to the table. Other groups play straight through. Every group is a little different,” Jim said.

The friendships formed around the pool table have become just as important as the game itself.

"Everyone gets on really well. We ring each other and invite each other down," he said.

Looking around the busy recreation hall today, Jim feels proud of what the group has become.

"It feels absolutely fantastic to see something I started and now everyone comes together for it," he said.

"I love seeing this hall being used. There are so many activities here, from bingo and indoor bowls to puzzles and social gatherings. There is always something happening."

Finding fun and friendship

One of the regular pool groups is made up entirely of women, proving the game appeals to everyone.

Resident Margaret Schulz joined the Friday morning social games after moving to Sugarland Gardens with her husband Garry 18 months ago.

After dealing with some health challenges and maintaining a larger property, the couple decided it was time to simplify life.

"We decided to make a change and live an easier life," Margaret said.

"We didn't want the burden of looking after a big property anymore."

Since moving in, Margaret has immersed herself in village life.

"I really love getting involved with people and attending the functions here."

Alongside her favourite Wednesday Pilates class, pool mornings have quickly become a weekly highlight.

"We have social pool on Friday mornings and we really love it, especially with the music playing," she said.

"There are a few of us ladies who play, so there's always plenty of laughs. We have a great time."

While Margaret is quick to praise some of the village's more accomplished players, including her husband Garry, Nigel and Bruce, she's happy to admit she's there more for the enjoyment than the scoreboard.

The secret ingredient: morning tea

Of course, no pool morning would be complete without the tea, coffee and homemade treats that bring everyone together between games.

That's where resident Dawn Shield and her fellow volunteers, affectionately known as the "Catering Chicks", step in.

Having lived in Bundaberg for more than five decades and called Sugarland Gardens home for 19 years, Dawn has witnessed firsthand the power of community connections.

"We've loved every moment of being here and being involved in village activities," she said.

The Catering Chicks began several years ago when a group of women regularly organising morning teas decided they needed a name.

Today, the group plays an important role in creating the welcoming atmosphere residents cherish.

"We put on morning tea for the players and it's all about bringing people together," Dawn said.

"The food is nice, but it's really the friendships and conversations that matter."

For Dawn, activities like pool are vital to healthy ageing.

"Keeping healthy in our senior years is a priority. Activities like pool keep people active, engaged and connected, and that's just as important as physical exercise."A second chance at an old passion

For resident Nigel Radin, stepping up to the pool table reignited a passion he hadn't explored for decades. 

Nigel and his wife June moved into Sugarland Gardens two-and-a half-years ago. Before retiring, he spent 10 years as a police officer in Australia and New Zealand.

As a teenager, he developed quite a reputation around the pool table.

"From the time I was 16 or 17, I was a bit of a gun pool player," he laughed.

But life, work and frequent moves eventually saw him put the cue away.

"When I moved in here, I hadn't played pool for about 50 years."

To his surprise, the skills quickly returned.

"I picked it up pretty quickly again and I guess I'm up in the top three," he joked. "I don't like to brag."

Beyond the competition, Nigel values the sense of community the games create.

"It's people getting together. That's the important thing."

More than a pool game

Whether residents are chasing victory, enjoying coffee and biscuits between games or simply catching up with friends, the pool tables at Sugarland Gardens have become much more than a place to play.

Each week, they provide an opportunity to connect, belong and build friendships that enrich everyday life.

Because while the pool games may bring people to the table, it's the laughter, camaraderie and sense of community that keep them coming back.

If you want to find out more about how you can join the Sugarland Gardens’ community, click here.