Our club members play Golf Croquet socially every Tuesday and Thursday. This is a game for everyone and for all abilities.Not too strenuous on your body but can be challenging for your mind.We are an associated club so we are part of the larger network nationally and state and come under their umbrella for Insurance and support.What this means is people wishing to play do need to join our club and we play all year round and rates are reasonable and we even offer half price for club fees in the first year. We do offer Come and Try before joining and this can be at anytime.
Our History
The Murray Bridge Croquet Club was established on the 11th April 1913. Then known as the Murray Bridge Ladies Croquet Club until 1978 when it became an Incorporated Club. All members at that time were female and had to be 60 or over to join.
The club was originally located on the corner of Bridge St and Swanport Rd (formally David Tce) alongside the Murray Bridge Bowling Club. The club was established after lobbying the Council to clear the block which was quite wild with a creek running through it (this creek came from Clara St and ran down to the Mills on Mary Tce). Located on this block is now Edwards Square sound shell.
Games were played every afternoon, and members soon became very skilled at the game.There were many clubs opening up around the area so Exhibition Days (now known as Gala days) were established. To raise funds, they used to play Euchre, hold balls, monthly dances and had stalls at the Murray Bridge Show.In 1945 the club paid 2/- (shillings) per hour to cut the lawns, 5/- (shillings) was the joining fee and 1/6 (1 shilling and sixpence) for afternoon tea.
A special day was held every November as opening day to commence the annual competitions. In 1926 there were 43 members. This is quite a good number particularly as you had to be aged 60 and a lady to join. From 1974 men were graciously allowed to play.
In 1978 discussions were held with Council and the Bowling club to move both clubs to Thomas Street. David Wotton MP suggested researching for grants to help establish the new courts. At this time there were only 24 members and it took 2 years to establish the new courts and not without many headaches. The first meeting was held in the new clubrooms on May 22nd 1981. In all this time the only break from play has been over Christmas/New Year and there has always been a close relationship with other country clubs.
We are still enjoying the game albeit a few changes with the introduction of Golf and Aussie Croquet which have opened up the game for those wishing to enjoy a more social game.
Fundraising to maintain our courts continues with Garage Sales, Bunnings BBQs, Gala Days and social events.