I was asked about the history of the Ida Thorpe Trophy on the weekend. As is the norm, I went to the fount of all knowledge in Marty.
Mrs Ida Thorpe lived in Cannington and was a member of the Victoria Park Club.
As well as a player, she served as Victoria Park club secretary, WACA State secretary, and ACC national secretary. She was a very capable secretary and carried out the onerous duties pertaining to the planning of Interstate Carnivals held in a different state each year. She was also a state selector for many years.
On the field, she had wins in some major events and represented the State both as a player 7 times and as a captain 5 times.
Ida was the niece of another great WA croquet player and administrator in Irene Cruttenden.
Ida died unexpectedly (although apparently it was a medical condition that could have caused her to pass at any age) on the 22nd April 1961 aged 64. The WACA was so shocked that it virtually went into lockdown for the rest of the year, with all major events except the ACC Gold Medal being cancelled. Even the State Teams did not travel that year.
Her family donated a perpetual trophy to honour her in 1962 and the event continues on today.
Martin Clarke
