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Fifty members, former players and special guests gathered on September 12 to mark 50 years of the Ōrewa Croquet Club.
Club president Ian Mathieson opened the celebrations with a speech reflecting on the club’s history, followed by a sit-down meal and the cutting of an anniversary cake by the club’s oldest member, 97-year-old Pam Grant, alongside its youngest, 13-year-old Clark Rive.
Life member John Merredew then played the ceremonial first hoop of the season, before guests braved the cold winds for a series of lawn games.
The club’s story began in September 1976, when Harold and Leone Salt held a meeting at their home to gauge local interest in establishing a croquet club. When the council initially offered land that could accommodate only one lawn, the couple pushed for enough space to allow the club to grow.
The club officially opened in October 1977, with early members tasked with developing what was then swampy land, raising funds, building a pavilion, and sourcing equipment.
The club now has around 80 to 90 members and hosts regular games and national tournaments.
Mathieson says the club offers more than competitive play.
“Being a member at Ōrewa Croquet is about friendly and competitive play, but it’s also about social interaction and lasting friendships,” he said.
The Ōrewa Croquet Club welcomes new members of all ages and experience levels.
The club is based at 43 Hatton Road, Ōrewa. For more information, contact the secretary, Kirstin Mathieson, at Secretary.orewacroquet@gmail.com, the president, Ian Mathieson, on 027 246 8521, or the coach, Pixie Jones, on 021 0249 5910. The clubhouse can be reached on 09 426 3506.
