It has been through the hoops, weathered every challenge that the century could roll at it and come out the other side to celebrate its one hundredth birthday; congratulations to Maldon Croquet Club!

The club held a party on Tuesday 1 April under a stupendous autumn blue sky, with a gathering of members from Maldon and other nearby clubs, speeches by dignitaries and cake. After a generous and delicious morning tea, the club offered attendees the chance to play some croquet with an extra challenge: quirky, wonky mallets.

Maldon Croquet Club President Gary Dyles addresses attendees at the 100 Year Party, Long-time club member Cheryl Lang cuts the cake. Photos: Tarrangower Times

Mayor Rosie Annear spoke about the value of the long-running club to the town. “What being mayor has provided me is that wider context of all the beautiful community groups that add to the depth of making this a wonderful place to live,” she said.

“I’m really keen to have a whack!” Councillor Rosalie Hastwell also addressed the party from the clubhouse deck: “Maldon is known for its strength of community and its active community. Congratulations: one hundred years!”

Maldon Croquet Club President Gary Dyles reinforced the point. “Community is the main purpose of the club and sport — croquet— is second,” he said.

Mayor Rosie Annear and Councillor Rosalie Hastwell with the newly unveiled centenary plaque, Playing with wonky mallets after a delicious morning tea celebration. Photos: Tarrangower Times

“It’s amazing to me how it’s such an inclusive sport; a range of ages, a range of abilities. It’s a very proud tradition.”

President of Croquet Victoria Kate Patrick spoke about the kind of effort and collaboration that keeps a club together for so long. “What a fantastic milestone!” She highlighted the fact that it takes more than a few people to maintain a club and such lovely grounds, calling croquet, “A sport that spans the ages and has spanned the ages.”

This article appeared in Tarrangower, Times, 4 April 2025.