Ipswich Croquet Club marks 120 years in Queens Park

On Wednesday 28th May 1902, a few lines appeared on page 11 of the Courier Mail, reading: "The Parks Committee of the Municipal Council have recommended that the application of the newly founded Ipswich Croquet Club for permission to play in Queens Park, be granted".

And so, with a sweep of the Council pen of the day Ipswich Croquet Club began, and amazingly 120 years later we still play in the same spot, still enjoying a strong partnership with our local Council.

Ipswich Croquet Club celebrated their 120th birthday on Tuesday 26th July, the very same play day so long ago, and just as in 1902 we were surrounded by friends and well-wishers; honouring the past, celebrating the present and joining with us to dream for a continuing strong future.

The welcome was peppered with reminders of how those strong, stalwart women of the day (because men were not admitted into the club until 1966, and they were almost 100 before their first male president) dug deep, raised funds and were not afraid to ask for members to put up loaned funds for a third lawn or a new clubhouse to be developed. A clubhouse designed by William Haekne, a well celebrated designer of many Ipswich buildings and likely seconded to the task as many husbands were, useful to network, lift and carry, and some croquet husbands may ask "what has changed" in 120 years.

Past members were generous with their time, and with funds raised through times of war and even still today members are generous to their surrounding community and always hospitable to visitors making the trip out to Ipswich to play.

We often wonder what those early foundation members may think of today; play has come a long way without the long skirts or the side swings for decorum. But I believe they would be looking on with a small smile knowing that we continue to make a dent into the sports arena of Ipswich, showcasing an old-world sport with a new modern face.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding, President Jannene Wall and CAQ President Pat Habner at the 120th birthday celebration.

By Jannene Wall, Ipswich. From the Croquet Newsletter, October 2022, pages 21, 22.