Before setting the hoops Monday, I thought I’d take some time to browse through some the cupboards at the club in the hope of finding some early photos of Moorabinda before our move to Hay Park in 1980.
I never found exactly what I was after, but I did turn up a few things of interest:
- Most copies of The Yardline.
- Almost a compete set of the Australian Croquet Gazzettes
- and a number of History Leaflets
I had never seen the leaflets before (and neither has Marty) and so I’m unsure as to how many were published but I do know that there were at least 5 of them.
History Leaflets
- 1 – Floreat / City Beach Croquet Club (1991)
- 2 – ??????
- 3 – Como Croquet Club (1992)
- 4 – Pingelly Croquet Club
- 5 – East Fremantle Croquet Club (1994)
Anyway, this morning I thought I’d spend a bit more time searching, but alas no more turned up. I did manage to find a folder; however, full of information about some of the club members from both Bunbury Central and Moorabinda that was compiled in 1997.
One of the questions they were asked was: Who introduced you to croquet and any other interesting comments that you might have to share including your thoughts on the game.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading through them and so I decided it might be nice to share some of their responses.
Eileen Toolan: Bunbury Central
I’ve always wanted to play croquet. Mrs Myrile Griffin was the one who sponsored me to join Central. It’s a great game , but had I realised how much concentration and things to be remembered, I would probably not have been game to play. Thank goodness for my ignorance!!!
Patricia Hodgson: Moorabinda
Introduced by Lynne Wilkinson and have enjoyed competing from Geraldton to Albany. Also in the UK on a private lawn. Afternoon tea served was cucumber sandwiches and champagne!!! I enjoy the companionship and the many friendships gained from playing croquet.
Elizabeth (Libby) Christmass: Bridgetown & Moorabinda
I began because Bridgetown had a lawn, some equipment and a book on How to Play Croquet. Later, Bob and Dulcie Harwood gave me lots of help. I became hooked on the game and joined Moorabinda where everyone was friendly and really helpful. It’s a wonderful occupation and win or lose, I love it!
Peg Bilsby: Moorabinda
Pauline Hislop asked me to come to a coaching clinic for beginners taken by Bert Gasnier in 1981 and we started playing in October of that year. I’ve enjoyed the challenge of croquet in spite of frustration. Its a difficult but rewarding game.
Frank Collins: Bunbury Central
S Sadler. A game of concentration with large balls and narrow hoops!
Vi Kershaw: Bunbury Central
My first interest was as a child and seeing a lady names Trixie Harris (York) walking to play croquet with mallet in one hand and a crutch under her arm. Later years, Olga Martin (now 101 yrs old) encouraged me to join and I have not regretted it. I started to play whilst my children were school age and unfortunately, did not have the time to be the player I knew I could be.
Lucy Panes: Bunbury Central
My mother Ethel Lindley who played the game of croquet into her 92nd year and my two sisters Verna Maschette and Jo Bartlett, all from Busselton.
I wonder what is tucked away in your cupboards?
