ONE of the oldest croquet clubs in the Upper Hunter has celebrated its 60th anniversary.
St Andrews Croquet Club marked the milestone on April 9, with former, current and potentially future members turning up to play a game.
The first meeting to form a club at St Andrews church grounds was held in 1954.
From this meeting it was decided to set up a croquet lawn on the disused third tennis court. President Don Gardiner said the club was initially limited to Presbyterian ladies.
Later, in 1956, ladies from Methodist and Anglican faiths were accepted following nomination and acceptance by members.
“In 1978 a social evening was held and men were invited to play,” Mr Gardiner said.
“[But] men didn’t really start playing until the 1990s or thereabouts; there was an enlargement of the grounds early in that decade and a new clubhouse was built at that time,” Mr Gardiner said.
Membership has fluctuated over the years, with more than 30 at times and down to about 14 during the club’s lowest point.
