The Yearlering Croquet Club was formed on the 13th of May 1939, after a meeting was held at the Commercial Hotel.
Mrs C Elsegood was elected the first president and Mrs L Bailey first secretary.
After much fundraising and discussion on a site for the club, it was decided that the lakeside site was more in favour than the site opposite the hotel. It was also decided not to plant grass due the the lack of water, so it was always known as the “Croquet Court.”
On 6th September 1939, chairman of the Wickepin Roads Boards, Mr Simpson, officially opened the Croquet Court.
At this point in history, the war years intervened. The Club reopened on the 17th October 1944.
During the 40’s and 50’s, the club kept improving the court and surrounds. In February 1946, a shelter/clubhouse was erected by Mr Harris and Mr Kerr. That same clubhouse still stands here today. By March 1949, the court was full sized.
The Muriel Trophy, also a tray, was first competed for in 1958, then in 1977, the Edith Muir Perpetual Trophy, also a tray, was competed for.
During the 60’s, the numbers were dropping until several men took up the game.
1979 saw the club celebrate its 40th birthday with many of the older players returning to help the club celebrate. Mr Kelly donated a Perpetual Aggregate Trophy in 1980. The in 1986 the club received $200 from the estate of Mrs Billings. The club decided it was a fitting tribute to erect a memorial gateway at the entrance in her memory.
By September 198, the club numbers had declined so much the club went into recess. For twelve months hoping numbers may improve. Sadly this did not happen. So after 49 years of playing croquet at Yearlering, a chapter of history of the town had come to an end.
The club had four life members in this time. They were; Mrs L Bailey, Mrs Fuller, Mrs AJ Sibley and Mrs B Swainston.
We should also mention Mr Charlie Rushton who was the grounds man for many years, kept the gardens neat and tidy, and the playing field always ready to play on.
(The above text is inscribed on a wall plaque inside the pavillion)
TP checking out part of the old court.
It was clear that the members of Yearlering enjoyed travelling to to other venues as indicated in the article below from 1949. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page29027080
