Twin Rivers names its first two courts

Saturday 10th Sept was a very special day for the Twin Rivers Croquet Club. Club members and family members of Des Schodel and Ian Every gathered for the naming of our first two courts.

It gave us great pleasure to be able to dedicate our courts to two people who had such an impact on our club. Without Des we wouldn't even have a club, as it was his vision and passion that started it all. He and his wife Beryl came up from the Gold Coast and identified a need for a croquet club in the area.

As well as being the founder, Des served as President until 2015, when Ian took over.

Ian held the position of President from 2015 until 2021, with the exception of one year due to ill health. The club started off at the Oliver Sports Complex in 2010, but during the next few years played at no less than five different venues, including the Bethania Cricket Club, Beenleigh soccer ground, Beenleigh RSL, Beenleigh Bowls Club and back to the soccer ground, like wandering minstrels!

Both Des and Ian were successful in obtaining several grants over the years and worked closely with Logan City Council. However, it was not until 2018 that we were fortunate enough to secure this piece of land and begin the process of having the two courts and the shed built. Ian put in an enormous amount of work to ensure this came to fruition. It was his persistence and drive that finally got us over the line, and we moved to Bedford Park early in 2020.

Both Des and Ian thoroughly deserve this honour. However, we also acknowledge the support that they both had from their families. Beryl was tireless in her support of the club and is now a life member. Their grandsons were junior members, but the whole family would get on board for special event days. Des's brother, Ron, has also held the position of President. Ian's wife Maryanne was also a long-time member, and their daughters would support our events, notably our raffles. It was a standing joke that Edith would always win something! This all goes to show that behind every great man there is a great woman, if not several!

Des Schodel and Ian Every Sadly Missed