Bendigo Croquet Club

The Bendigo Croquet Club, located at 185-189 Barnard Street in Bendigo, is a destination for croquet enthusiasts in Victoria. Situated next to the Bendigo Bowls Club, it offers a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for players of all levels.

The club primarily focuses on Golf Croquet and is proud to be an inaugural member of the Goldfields Croquet Association. They extend a warm invitation to players from other clubs to join them during their visits to Bendigo or participate in their social days. These social days are regularly announced via flyers that are emailed to various clubs, ensuring that everyone is updated on the upcoming events. To be added to their mailing list, interested individuals can simply send an email.

During the summer, the club follows a heat policy to ensure the safety and comfort of its members. If the Bureau of Meteorology predicts that the maximum temperature will be 32C or above the evening before a scheduled game, the club starts at 8:30pm. If the prediction exceeds 36C, play is cancelled for the day.

The Bendigo Croquet Club is not just a place for recreational play but also a versatile venue for hire. They offer their club facilities for a wide range of events, from work functions and special parties to meetings. Furthermore, they take pride in coaching school children and often host PE classes or alternative programmes for secondary schools throughout the year. New participants are always welcome, and interested individuals can reach out to the club to inquire about booking or coaching opportunities.

The Bendigo Croquet Club is run by an enthusiastic team, with Philip DeAraugo serving as the Club President and Brian Loughran as the Club Secretary. The club can be contacted via email at bendigocroquetclub@gmail. Com or by phone at 0488283465. The Club Treasurer, Terry Barnes, can be reached by phone, and the full members list is available for reference.

Visitors and prospective new members are encouraged to join the club at any time during the year. Prospective members are even entitled to four free lessons before deciding whether to officially join the club. The game of croquet at Bendigo Croquet Club is known to be highly addictive, so be prepared to fall in love with the sport!

The club takes pride in various accomplishments and events. For instance, Brian Loughran won his section to represent NDCA in the regional championships in 2019, showcasing the skill and talent of members. The club also holds its own club championships, with Peter Martyn winning in 2017 and Brian Loughran securing victory in 2018 and 2019.

The Bendigo Croquet Club recently celebrated its official reopening after a devastating fire in May 2015. The Governor of Victoria, The Honourable Linda Dessau, not only attended the event but also had the honour of playing a ball through a hoop to mark the occasion. The day was filled with celebration, champagne, and a table full of delicious treats.

The club also regularly hosts social days, such as the successful one held on April 10th, 2019. Barb Thorne emerged as the overall winner, with Irene Murdoch as the runner-up. Kenny Logan was the lucky winner of the gourmet hamper raffle. Various clubs, including Wonthaggi, participated in the event.

The club extends its gratitude to Bunnings-Epsom, Hume & Iser, and its members for their generous support.

For those interested in participating in tournaments, the Bendigo Croquet Club provides up-to-date information on association tournaments, golf tournaments, ricochet tournaments, and gateball tournaments. This ensures that members can stay informed about upcoming competitions and make the most of their croquet experience.

In summary, the Bendigo Croquet Club is a vibrant and passionate community of croquet enthusiasts. With its beautiful location and welcoming atmosphere, it offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the sport, socialise, and participate in a variety of events. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, the Bendigo Croquet Club provides a warm and supportive environment for all.