FROM the lush surrounds of the Murray Downs Homestead in the 1860s to the local lawn tennis courts in the 21st century, croquet has provided a unique thread in the rich sporting tapestry across the Swan Hill region.
Formed just on a hundred years ago, the Swan Hill Croquet Club has seen plenty of changes in a century as committee members plan the club’s centenary celebration early next year.
Play has taken place at a couple of different venues and there have been name changes. Three decades ago the then-Swan Hill City Croquet Club and the Swan Hill riverside club merged.
The club has fought to keep its own identity and been assisted by the Swan Hill Lawn Tennis Club where players have met for competition and social days since 2008.
The initial invitation to play on the tennis courts saved the club’s annual winter tournament, with the club officially trading as the Swan Hill Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
For more on this story, pick up a copy of Wednesday’s Guardian (Nov 19).
