Full Club History

BLUE MOUNTAINS CROQUET CLUB

The Katoomba Croquet Club had its beginning in 1974, when Alan and Margarette Graham left Sydney to live at Leura in the Blue Mountains.

At that time, with Alan being semi-retired from his tailoring business and Margarette still working, they looked around for an activity they could share and answered an advertisement for new members to join the Hazelbrook Croquet Club, which had been formed after croquet ceased at Lawson.

Alan played frequently, both at Hazelbrook and at Sydney clubs, developing proficiency and a very good knowledge of the game, which in turn helped Margarette.

Then in 1980, he was approached by the Secretary of the Leura Golf Club with an offer to use one of the Leura Bowling Club greens that was not in use. The Leura Croquet Club was formed with the inaugural meeting taking place on 17 September 1980, convened by Alan, with a membership of 13.

The foundation members present and elected as honoraries were: Alan Graham (President), Bettina Fable-Cumming (Treasurer), Margaret Gill (Secretary), Margarette Graham (Publicity Officer), Ruth Hudson, Dr John Hadley, Kate Ennis, Tony Ennis, Christopher Clarke, Phyllis Clarke and Jean Carlisle. Two other foundation members, not present, were Pat Knoetzsch and Marjorie (Peg) Still.

At this time, the proposed constitution in draft form was submitted and passed and thus the club began its existence as The Leura Croquet Club and was affiliated with The Croquet Players' Association of NSW. Croquet was to be played on the no. 2 bowls lawn, Leura, for the first time on 15 October 1980.

The equipment collected over the years by the President was purchased for the club. Other clubs kindly donated extras. Bathurst Croquet Club gave a set of new balls and Hazelbrook Croquet Club lent a set of hoops, the clips were made from bulldog clips, with a set of covers crocheted by Margarette, the club still having these in its archives today.

Ross Free, then the local federal member, became our patron. The new club had its first gala day in March 1982 resulting in a financial success and this was followed the next year with an attendance of 88.

At this time, Margarette gained her Australian Referee's Certificate, acquiring a similar qualification as Alan.

During the prolonged drought of 1984, the members worked on a roster system watering the lawn. A trophy was donated by Ross Free for the inauguration of a `C' grade interclub competition between Hazelbrook, Lithgow and Leura. Golf croquet was introduced as an occasional relaxation from playing Association croquet. The same year Alan pass the state examiners referee's examination.

Open days over the next few years resulted in the proceeds being donated to the Katoomba Hospital.

The mid-eighties saw the membership falling and prompted a concerted drive for new players. This included three members doing a letterbox delivery of 2,900 circulars in Leura, Wentworth Falls and Katoomba, which showed true dedication.

In 1987, a perpetual trophy 'Macquarie Trophy', was donated by local Member of Parliament, Alasdair Webster and played between Hazelbrook and Leura for the first time, Leura winning. The same year Jean Carlisle and Tony Graham won the Makara and in the following year, which was Australia's bicentennial, Tony and Rosemary Graham won the division II doubles for the NSW Championship and Tony went on to win the division II singles.

In December 1988, eight members attended the CPA luncheon at Henley Bowling Club and received the 'A' grade pennants trophy for NSW and the 'A' grade pennant for the Blue Mountains zone.

`Learn to play croquet' classes, sponsored by the Department of Sport and Recreation in 1989, gained the club six new members; however, for various reasons, 10 members were lost from the previous year.

The Bowlers and Croquet Clubs opened a common fund for banking at this time. Leura's gala day, held in October, was well attended and raised an astonishing $1,061.

Between 1990 and 1993, our members were competing and also taking part in some unusual activities, one being an introduction to croquet being organised for the 100th anniversary of the Sherlock Holmes Society at their invitation at the Fairmont Resort. Rosemary Graham won the state division III championship and followed it up by winning the NSW Women's Open Championship.

1993 saw Margarette and Alan attending the `MacRoberston Shield' as referees. They saw England/Ireland win.

In 1994 the club increased its membership by 33%. New clubs state-wide increased in excess of 10%.

Over the following years, foundation members Ruth Hudson, and Alan and Margarette Graham were made honorary life members in recognition of their years of dedication to our club. The club also recognised the success of our club member, Caroline Slee, in winning the CPA's Bronze Brooch, by creating The Caroline Slee Memorial Achiever's Award' for individual achievement by a member of the club.

During 1996 the club decided to commence playing Golf croquet on a regular basis, in addition to Association croquet, some members finding it a good alternative and less demanding. It was during November 1997 that the club learnt the disturbing news that the Leura Golf Club had sold the 'Old Club House' and with it the bowling greens to a developer and it would sever its connection with both the croquet and bowling clubs. The new owner could not guarantee the club permanent tenure as an affiliated self-governing club within the Croquet Players Association of NSW, as it was then known. This was particularly disappointing following our club sharing in the refurbishment of the clubhouse.

Over the next two months the future of the club was of paramount importance and the executives were faced with having to find a new home. After several meetings with the executive of the Katoomba RSL, who were most helpful, the decision was taken to transfer the entire club operations to Dora Street, Katoomba.

The club would become the Katoomba RSL ASC Croquet Club on 27 May 1998, after having played on the Leura lawns for 18 years.

By the time the 1998 annual report was tabled, our membership stood at 29. Rosemary Graham was the current NSW Women's Open Champion, having held that title in 1995 and 1996.

In 1999, we commenced a competition with Hazelbrook in Golf croquet with six couples vying for the 'Friendship Shield' at six weekly intervals over the year, Katoomba winning the inaugural one. That competition continues today.

In 2001, our President at that time, Judy Kerr, along with a member from Bathurst, of which she was also a member, and two from Orange, took part in an attempt to beat the world record (402 hoops) in a continuous game of croquet in 24 hours. This they did, scoring 819 hoops, rewriting the Guinness Book of World Records and at the same time raising $12,000 for the Children's Cancer Institute.

Sadly, in this year, the club lost its mentor, Alan Graham, who had participated in all aspects of the club and continued to play the game he loved until the end.

Rosemary continued to represent our club, winning the NSW Women's Open Single in 2002 and was named the top NSW player in 2003.

Margarette still plays and referees.

Now, in 2004, another change is looming for our club. Katoomba RSL has amalgamated with Blackheath Bowling and Recreation Club, now to be known as Blackheath Sports Club. This has created an opportunity for our club to avail itself of a dedicated croquet lawn, our name changing to 'Blue Mountains Croquet Club'.

In 2004, another change loomed for our club. Katoomba RSL has amalgamated with Blackheath Bowling and Recreation Club, now to be known as Blackheath Sports Club. This has created an opportunity for our club to avail itself of a dedicated croquet lawn, our name changing to 'Blue Mountains Croquet Club'.

Membership gradually increased for croquet but the Bowlers lost their lawn due to the drought conditions. They had to go to Katoomba to play. This acted as a catalyst and the clubhouse was open for less and less hours. The kitchen was removed and our access to the facilities of the club diminished.

The Club made the move to Blackheath in January 2005, not having played since October 8th 2004.

It took some time to receive the galvanized metal "mini" hut from Katoomba RSL and, when the concrete slab was laid, club members erected and fitted it out voluntarily. It held all our equipment, as well as four or five members when raining - if we all held our breath!

We started teaching Golf croquet to Blackheath Primary School children from years 4, 5 and 6 on Fridays for an hour, under the auspices of Bill Haines.

January 21st 2006 saw us holding a Gala Day in conjunction with the Blackheath Rotary Club. It was most successful, lots of fun and games and a delicious lunch - and it was reported in the Blue Mountains Gazette.

Some members commenced playing in Golf croquet competitions in "away" destinations, with considerable success. This prompted a decision to have a distinctive uniform and members have Michael Lyle to thank for a logo that earns praise wherever we play.

The "Friendship Shield" was discontinued at Hazelbrook's request, their members finding the travelling too much. We did, however, attend their Open Day. In November 2006 the school children entered the inaugural NSW Primary Schools Golf Croquet Championship, the only primary school to enter. It was refereed by Croquet NSW President, Jacky McDonald, and NSW Golf Croquet champion, Geoff McDonald. Classes from the school came at intervals to watch, as did Club members and some parents.

In 2007 we continue to travel to other clubs' competitions. Our member, Rosemary Graham, was in the NSW team which went to Perth and won back the "Eire Cup" after many years.

Golf Croquet Pennants commenced this year. We fielded two teams and, while not progressing, made sure our Club competed. One of our players, Edith Turnbull, who has just turned 90, took part.

Membership now stood at 30, but more change were in store. We had been informed by our greenkeeper that the Sports Club and lawns will be sold. There will be a bowling green lawn at Katoomba that we can use.

In 2006 our young Primary Students played in the Inaugural Primary School Golf Croquet Competition in Sydney and won. There were rumours of the R.S.L. considering selling the Blackheath Sports Club. In the following year the bowlers moved to Katoomba and we became aware that we needed a permanent home. A further worrying event happened when the R.S.L. closed the Katoomba Bowling Club.

In 2010 the Blackheath Climb Centre became the leasee of Blackheath Sports Club. We continued to have the use of the lawn at this time, under an informal arrangement, at no cost, but were responsible for maintenance of the surrounds of lawns and use and cost of water. We contributed to the Tennis Club for the heating of our water and used the facilities in the sports oval. The Climb Club's lease would expire in 2015. We continued with our requests to Katoomba R.S.L. and Blue Mountains Council for a permanent Croquet Lawn. Our club

Because of deteriorating lawn, in 2011 a former green keeper from Blackheath Golf Club was engaged by the Club to maintain our lawn. Gateball was introduced by new members who undertook participating in Active After School Communities, teaching sporting skills at Hazelbrook initially and other primary schools in an endeavour to raise our funds. A new, large aluminium shed which we had saved for, was erected but then duly destroyed in the July, when our area was declared a natural disaster area. With help from a Disaster Grant, a new Shed was erected by the willing family of one of our members. Around this time we took on our own maintenance because of the cost involved with the purchase of equipment. A Gateball competition was held around this time.

In 2012 we started paying weekly rent for our lawn of $110. We still contributed to the Blackheath Tennis Club for use of electricity for our hot water urn and we were using the toilet facilities in the Blackheath Oval park. We did all the usual things to raise funds and held another Gateball Competition. One particularly nice occasion was to help celebrate Hazelbrook Croquet Club's 40th Anniversary with them.

Committee Members 2012/2013 President: John Park Vice President: Betty Gledhill Secretary: Maggie Williams Treasurer: Bill Haines/ Gail Siccardi Ordinary Member: Vacant

By 2013 we had exhausted all possible sites in Blackheath for a lawn. Wherever we chose to go, we would have to provide disabled toilet, access path and parking before we could develop a lawn. We went ahead and purchased a second-hand mower, hoping for the best.

Committee Members 2013/2014 President: John Park Vice President: Betty Gledhill Secretary: Anne Llewellyn Treasurer: Gail Siccardi Ordinary Member: Vacant

Club members decided in 2014 to work towards preparing a Medlow Bath site where the Elsie Langford building was. The site needed considerable work to achieve a result, but we were encouraged to put plans in motion with support from Medlow Bath Residents Association and Council. A considerable amount of time, planning and resources followed, culminating in March 2015 with a decision by Council to not support our plans, believing it impossible to achieve economically. However it was suggested that we approach the Blue Mountains Cricket Association at the Peter Carroll Field, Leura, who were looking for a group to share and jointly maintain their new pavilion as it was nearing completion. There was the possibility of having two lawns on the cricket outer while a new lawn was built and Council agreed to us having an area where we could build an independent lawn. At this time we had an $18,000 NSW Government Community Building Partnership Grant, which we could use for the establishment of a new lawn.

Committee Members 2014/2015 President: John Park Vice President: Betty Gledhill Secretary: Anglia Doran Treasurer: Gail Siccardi Ordinary Member: Lorraine Friend

Through the following months there was a large amount of arduous work done by many dedicated people to bring our aims to fruition. We ceased playing at Blackheath on 25th November, 2015 and played on our lawns on the cricket outer at Peter Carroll Field for the first time on 30th November, 2015.

Committee Members 2015/2016 President: Barry Moray Vice President: John Siccardi Secretary: Pete Beerkens Treasurer: Gail Siccardi Ordinary Member: Lorraine Friend

Establishing the new independent lawn took an enormous effort from all throughout 2016, but even so, the membership has grown. Today, Katoomba R.S.L. sponsors us, and on the 1st April, 2017 the new lawn was officially opened by dignitaries from Blue Mountains City Council and Croquet N.S.W. and the President of the croquet club Mr. Adrian Rowland. Also in attendance were past President Mr. Barry Moray, Trish Doyle M.P., representatives of the Blue Mountains Cricket Association executive and Hazelbrook Croquet Club.

Members had provided a lovely repast in the Clubhouse, along with a celebratory cake to cut. Present President, Mr Adrian Rowland, presented an award to John Siccardi [Vice President] and Gail Siccardi [Treasurer], for their efforts to see us reach our ultimate target.

Late in 2016, Life Member, Margarette Graham, Co-Founder of the Club, passed away.

Committee Members 2016/2017 President: Adrian Rowland Vice President: John Siccardi Secretary: Jim Cook Treasurer: Gail Siccardi Ordinary Member: Pete Beerkens

Late 2017 club members will be playing for the Inaugural Bill Haines Singles Trophy. This competition is in memory of our late valued member, player and Referee, who also passed away in 2016. The remainder of the year saw the idea of regionalisation raised by Croquet NSW, with further follow up in 2018. Our membership grew to 39 and we were playing both Golf and Association. Some Katoomba High School students learnt golf croquet over two terms. At the Christmas luncheon Peter Beerkens received a trophy for outstanding service to the club throughout 2017.

Committee Members 2017/2018 President: Adrian Rowland Vice President: John Siccardi Secretary: Jim Cook Treasurer: Gail Siccardi Ordinary Member: Pete Beerkens

In 2018 following last year’s successful celebration of world Croquet Day in May, once again we hosted our neighbour, Hazelbrook, in friendly competition. Over the year our club held several competitions for members: singles, doubles, most jump shots and most hoops run in year - all aimed at involving everyone. There were a number of months when rain curtailed play. Since the completion of our lawn last year, we were focused, more than ever, on raising more funds for a new mower, so we knew the next years would mean extra commitment.

Committee Members 2018/2019 President: Jim Cook Vice President: John Siccardi Secretary: Lyn Cook Treasurer: Gail Siccardi Ordinary Member: Pete Beerkens

2019 After a break of many years, club members participated in the NSW Pennants, two teams, all new to the format. It meant a 2½ hour train trip, both ways, to Tempe as all the games took place in Sydney. This World Croquet Day we had visitors from Hazelbrook and Bathurst. Other clubs had found the distance too great. In June our move with the council was formalised, a very important event for the club. We doubled down on raising money for the replacement mower. We had been fortunate in having an able and dedicated member to look after and maintain our existing one, but it was becoming more and more demanding. Late 2018 and throughout 2019, we hosted Probus, seniors, a caravanning group and any potential visitors we could approach. We applied for the My Community Fund Grant, but to no avail. However, with the help of Trish Doyle MP, we were able to apply for a new grant in September. Results would not be known until March 2020. That’s a long time when you are nervously waiting. The lawns suffered flooding in July, then the drought hit, but our members kept coming. Bushfires were also causing a lot of concern for some of them. In December, Lorraine Friend was named life member. Also in this year a Memorandum of Understanding, was formalised with the BMCC. This was of importance to the Club

Committee Members 2019/2020 President: Vacant Vice President: John Siccardi Secretary: Annette Woods Treasurer: Gail Siccardi Ordinary Member: Pete Beerkens

In January 2020 helicopters used the oval to fight local fires so we could only use our no. 1 lawn. There was always smoke around. The Covid Virus struck the world but the news for which we had been waiting so long came through. The grant from the My Community Building Program, halved from our request but still making the purchase of the new mower possible, was ours. The organising of it would prove long and complicated, but the culmination of its arrival and the 40th anniversary of our club in September (17 September 1980) gave us the excuse to celebrate and give ourselves an opportunity to pat ourselves on the back. Of course, during these last months, the Covid Virus has dominated our thoughts and how we play. It’s amazing how quickly you adjust to new conditions and like all the clubs, we just get on with it. The last special event for 2020 was our club Christmas lunch. Figures had to conform to rules, of course, but it was enjoyed by all who could attend and our big fundraiser for the year, two Christmas hampers, raised the most money it ever has.

Committee Members 2020/2021 President: Vacant Vice President: John Siccardi Secretary: Annette Woods Treasurer: Gail Siccardi Ordinary Member: Pete Beerkens

2021

The New Year brought Covid electronic recording to clubs, twilight play and wet lawns. For quite some time we had been hoping to have approval from council to have four seats around No. 1 Lawn, rather than our plastic chairs. A verbal agreement meant we could get on with the project. It was to prove to be a long, drawn out process. May brought more heavy rain, but in June we sold our old mower to a buyer in South Australia. By July, Covid was rampant, we were staying home, all ovals and parks were closed to groups with bookings. September saw a slight easing of restrictions for the fully vaccinated. In October, approval came from council for our seating and we approached Bendigo Bank for a donation. It was to be $1,500, the remainder would be from our funds. November the council closed all parks and ovals for a time because of rain, but a start was made on the seating. All the bad weather and the lockdown with Covid meant fewer fees for the year and no Christmas hamper – but we certainly deserved a Christmas luncheon.

Committee Members 2021/2022 President: John Siccardi Vice President: Glen Johnson Secretary: Georgia Knight Treasurer: Gail Siccardi Ordinary Member: Pete Beerkens

2022

January was a disappointing start to 2022 with wet lawns; however, Bendigo Bank agreed to donate one of our seats. Even though February saw more Covid guidelines relaxed, play was impacted by wet weather. In fact, in March, April and May we saw more oval closures and rain.

Blue Mountains City Council Seniors Week Recognition Awards took place in April. There were 23 Individual Awards and Gail Siccardi, our Treasurer and Club Captain, was among them for her contribution to croquet. It was well deserved. Anyone who has read our history of ups and downs over the years and compared it to our current situation will know it takes drive and determination to arrive at where we are now. Gail works tirelessly for the Blue Mountains Croquet Club. Currently we have 41 members.

Rain plagues us in July and causes the oval to be closed. Lawns take a while to dry out but the occasional sunny day brings us out with our jackets and mallets, ready to make the most of it.

Committee Members 2022/2023 President: John Siccardi Vice President: Glen Johnson Secretary: Georgia Knight Treasurer: Gail Siccardi Ordinary Member: Pete Beerkens