CHARLTON CROQUET CLUB INC.
The first reference to the Charlton Croquet Club is recorded in the East Charlton Tribune 10 March 1880 – “We have been asked by the lady promoters of the croquet club to request the attendance of members at practice on the afternoons of Mondays and Thursdays, on the ground adjoining the StateSchool, at three o’clock.” The court was earth and in Learmonth St.
In September 1906 it was decided to amalgamate with the Tennis Club in Halliday St. A “sanded green” was to be prepared.
In September 1909 the Croquet Club decided to separate from the Tennis Club and croquet would now use the ground at the rear of the Mechanics Institute.
In 1922 Rev. Day (who was the Methodist Minister and a keen sportsman) planted grass on the croquet court so this was the first lawn croquet played in Charlton.
From 1923 the Croquet Club and the Bowling Club worked closely together, often having the same opening day. The members of the Bowling Club rendered assistance to the Croquet Club.
From the 1920s to 1950s the ladies travelled to Wycheproof, St Arnaud, Bendigo, Donald and SeaLake for inter club games. Gymkhanas were often held on opening and closing days.
In 1923 on opening day “a series of games, including a gymkhana tournament, golf croquet, feathering and other refinements of play” were held.
In October 1953 the club made its final move, this time to GordonPark where 2 A grade lawns (or 4 B grade lawns) were established.
In 1956 Charlton held its first Open Tournament which was an outstanding success. “Visitors came from Wycheproof, Donald, St Arnaud, Eaglehawk and locally. There were 70 entries received for the tournament which commenced on Tuesday and continued throughout the week, the final of one event being played off on Saturday.”
Also in 1956 the Kara Kara Association was formed so a pennant competition with the surrounding towns could be held. St Arnaud, Donald, Wycheproof and Charlton were the original members. Games were to be played every 3rd Monday. In 1961 Charlton won the pennant for the 3rd time and so retained the Neary Cup.
During the 1970s Pelargonium and Geranium Shows, open gardens, stalls, BBQ lunches and an art display were held to raise funds.
In 1972 a new clubhouse was officially opened.
In 1975 Charlton affiliated with the Murray Valley Association. Also in 1975 an automatic watering system was installed.
In 1985 The club decided to have a “Centenary Plus” party as it had just discovered it was 105 years old, not 80 years as it thought!
In 1987 Charlton hosted the Victorian Country Croquet Regional Championships.
Since 1980 some fund raising activities have been: a recipe book, a linen and lace manchester party, a garage sale and Melbourne Cup Social Days. We have held Men’s Social Nights, Come ‘n Try days, visits from - Rotary, Lions ladies, Cabbaritta, school students and the Lite Ladies.
In 1994 lights were installed over one lawn and in 2002 a second set of lights was installed.
In 1999 a Golf Croquet Tournament was held with 48 entries.
In 2003 Charlton hosted the Inaugural Schools Aussie Croquet Championships with 42 entrants.
Over the weekend of 1st & 2nd October 2005 Charlton celebrated its 125th birthday.
Since 2005 Charlton has participated in the “Access For All Abilities Program” co – ordinated by the Mallee Sports Assembly.
In 2013/14 the club completed the 6 modules required to become A Healthy Sporting Club & also a Good Sports Club.
Early this century our club battled through drought years. Since 2009 corellas have been a problem attacking our lawns. Then in January 2011Charlton had its worst flood ever. The clubhouse and storage sheds had water up to 5 bricks high throughout and the lawns were inundated. With support from many areas & grant money we recovered and although gaining new members is an ongoing problem our club continues to do well.