On October 31, 1922, 17 ladies met at 3pm at the Kyabram Mechanics’ Institute to discuss forming a croquet club.
On October 31, 2022, members and friends of Kyabram Croquet Club met to celebrate the club’s 100th birthday.
Members dressed in period costume and the courts looked festive with picket fencing and decorated with bunting.
Past members, office bearers of Goulburn Valley Croquet Association and representatives of GVCA clubs joined members for morning tea and a memorabilia display at the clubhouse before moving across to the Kyabram Bowls Club for lunch.
The day was a great get-together for past members who hadn’t seen each other for quite a while, and light relief for GVCA members who have endured cancellation after cancellation of events due to the flooding crisis across the region.
The club was pleased to have Kenn Boal, a well-known croquet identity and former club member, act as MC for the day’s activities. Kenn gave a witty and informative opening address to start proceedings.
Campaspe Shire Council Deputy Mayor Cr Colleen Gates was present to run a hoop, a traditional opening to croquet events.
After lunch, guests were entertained by Mick Coventry, a very funny and engaging bush poet, whose story-telling and poetry were appreciated by all.
Then followed the launch of a book researched and written for the occasion by club members Margaret Sullivan and Di Smyth.
The birthday cake was cut by club president Val Mulholland and member Annaliese Metzger, who has held continuous membership since joining the club in 1988.
The club appreciates the efforts of members, guests, the bowls club, Campaspe Shire Council and all who contributed to making the day a great success.