One of the charming things about Kyneton is that it is steeped in history. Take the Kyneton Croquet Club, for example. Did you know it is the oldest croquet club in Australia and quite possibly the second oldest in the world after Wimbledon? Croquet began in the region in Malmsbury during the gold rush period but Kyneton was the first to set up a club. The sport was initially popular among females and a local group of older women took it upon themselves in 1866 to establish the club in Kyneton next to the Lawn Bowls Club.
The Kyneton Croquet Club is still running today and currently has over 30 members, most of whom are retired or over the age of 65. Despite its beginnings, croquet is actually open to both males and females. In fact, it is one of the few sports where there are no designated men’s or women’s competitions. Everyone plays together. In that way, the sport was truly ahead of its time.
It’s not all about competition though. Whilst there are local, regional and Pennant competitions, many members play socially on a Monday, Wednesday and Saturday afternoon. The club also occasionally runs open days. Usually one of these is around the time of the Kyneton Daffodil Festival. U3A (University of the Third Age) has also been running programs to introduce younger people to croquet in Kyneton.
Age is certainly not a barrier for croquet despite it being popular amongst the older generations. People of all ages are welcome to try croquet. If you would like to be involved in the Kyneton Croquet Club you can contact the club via their Facebook page; email; through the website provided below, by following the link; or you can just turn up at the club. They are always looking for and happy to welcome new members. Why not try out this unique sport? Or even just head down to the historical club that was established over 150 years ago and take a look at this part of Kyneton’s history.
Contact the Kyneton Croquet Club
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kynetoncroquetclub/
Email: kynetoncroquetclub@gmail.com
Website: http://www.croquetvic.asn.au
