The official birthday of Wynnum Croquet Club is 17 February 1925.
Croquet was first played privately at the residence of Mrs J. Sands, close to the Shire Clerk's Cottage in Tingal Road, Wynnum. Nine players attended a meeting at Mrs Sands' and a club was formed with Mrs J. Brimblecombe as the first president, and Mrs J. Greene (Mayoress of Wynnum) as Patroness. It was soon necessary to provide further lawns as membership increased rapidly from the original 17. Arrangements were made with the Wynnum Town Council for the lease of a portion of Kitchener Park. Initially two lawns were constructed and made available for play. After much local fund raising £100 was collected, and used to prepare the lawns. There were picture benefits at Mr Sam Green's Star Theatre as well as Coin Afternoons. With the assistance of the Wynnum Town Council, water pipes were installed and a pavilion was erected - the present clubhouse! Cost £98! The third lawn was the  n constructed, arrangements were made for the extension of the pavilion, and the lease obtained for an area for the fourth lawn. (The photo shows the "pavilion" in 2003.) On 12 June 1926, with a membership of 34, the lawns and pavilion were officially opened for play by Alderman A. Watson. The first ball was played by Mrs Watson. The club was incorporated in 1989, and the official name became Wynnum Croquet Club Inc. In March 1994 a "Back to Kitchener Park" Open Day was held and the club's history was read aloud by "Viscount General Lord Horatio Herbert Kitchener" when he revisited the Park. It was a colourful day, with the actors in authentic uniforms, and the brass band playing tunes from the era of the "first" visit in 1910. The club has operated continuously since its inception, always with players active in Pennant matches, Inter-Club and other competitions, and regular club games. |