Stephens Croquet Club celebrates centenary, new LED lights

Stephens Croquet Club celebrates its centenary

Smiling woman in glasses pours tea at a white-clothed table with cakes, while seated guests enjoy afternoon tea under croquet trophy boards

he club's CENTENARY on Sunday 15th October - many friends from the local community, President of Croquet Queensland Pat Habner, and other croquet clubs joined us to celebrate. Thank you all for coming.

Croquet clubs have always been renowned for the edible delights offered on any occasion. This tradition was continued under the leadership of President Jacky Lynch. The clubhouse and outdoor area were beautifully decorated thanks to the efforts of many members.

On display was memorabilia including photos, trophies from local to international competitions won by members, and old equipment we are very glad has been upgraded over the years.

Past President Val Layne gave a brief club history, and State Member Mark Bailey MP remarked on what has been a very busy 100 years in our corner of Yeronga Memorial Park, through two pandemics, the Great Depression, a world war and a growing local community.

The club's Honorary Life Member, Ernie Melville, cut the Birthday Cake.

To take us into the next century, Club Patron Cr Nicole Johnston, on behalf of the Brisbane City Council, switched on the brand new LED court lighting. This project was proudly supported by a Lord Mayor's Better Suburbs grant.

All then went out onto the courts to witness the Ceremonial Cutting of the Lawn by Greens Director, Bruce Ford.

Our Club Patron sponsored a test of croquet skill, "Land on the Money". Stephens members obviously had a home ground advantage, with Geoff Hunt, Bruce Ford and Maude Berry taking home the cash.

It was a very enjoyable and Joy-ous occasion, not least because we had three Joys from three different clubs (Graceville, Stephens and Laurel Bank, Toowoomba) in attendance!

Thanks also to: Laurel Bank Croquet Club, Merthyr Croquet Club, Ipswich Croquet Club Inc, Twin Rivers Community Mallet Sports Club Inc, Windsor Croquet Club, Eildon Croquet Club Inc, Toombul Croquet Club, Queensland Croquet Community, Graceville Croquet Club, East Brisbane Croquet Club, Nambour Croquet Club, Croquet Australia, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, Annerley-Stephens History Group Inc, Stephens Sub-branch RSL, Graham Perrett MP, Yeronga Services Club, Annerley Junction, Community Plus+, Yeronga Community Centre, Yeronga District Residents Association (YDRA), Yeronga State School and Yeronga State High School.