Stephens turns 100 with a Horse and Plough Challenge, a centenary cake, and new LED lights

There was a weekend of celebrations to mark the 100th Anniversary of Stephens Croquet Club. First up was the inaugural Horse and Plough Challenge and breakfast. In 1923, the horse and plough to construct our first two courts was guided by the Stephens Shire Chairman, Councillor F. A. Stimpson, and Mrs Stimpson was the inaugural President. Our current President, Jacky Lynch, urged on our enthusiastic members, "This challenge is meant to be a bit of fun, with relaxed social play, so kick your heels up and enjoy!"

On the actual centenary date of Sunday 15th October, many friends from the local community, the President of Croquet Queensland, Pat Habner, and lots of members of other Croquet Clubs joined us to celebrate. It was a very en-Joy-able afternoon tea not least because the food was fantastic and we had three Joys from three different clubs (Graceville, Stephens and Laurel Bank, Toowoomba) in attendance.

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.

Re-enactment of the inaugural sod-turning of the Stephens Croquet Ground at Yeronga Park, 15 October 1923.

The cake was cut by Honorary Life Member, Ernie Melville, who has been a keen croquet player since 1988. Jacky and Louise captured the unique trophy of a horseshoe made by Val Layne's father who was a blacksmith.

Jacky and Louise captured the unique trophy, a horseshoe made by Val Layne's father.

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 Courts Lighting. This project was proudly supported by a Lord Mayor's Better Suburbs grant. Soon after these festivities, we had more to celebrate as four Stephens members have been selected to represent Queensland in the 2024 Eire Cup (the interstate Association Croquet competition) in Hobart in March.

Congratulations to Jacky Lynch, Bruce Ford, Rosemary Newsham and Heather Knight. Over the hot summer months, we anticipate that the State Team will take advantage of training in the evening at Stephens.

Visitors to the Club during the centenary celebrations.

"A big congratulations for the club hitting triple figures, still operating after 100 years!"

Season's Greetings to all.

By Heather Knight, Stephens. From the Croquet Newsletter, November/December 2023, pages 24-26.