Rain may have ruined any hope of play during Doubtless Bay Croquet Club's 21st birthday celebrations, but that didn't stop the season being opened for croquet in Northland.
Northland Croquet president Godfrey Rogers kicked off the winterless north's season with its first hoop as birthday celebrations moved inside.
Saturday morningwas spent catching up with friends who had travelled from Takapuna, Waipu, Whangarei, Kensington, Kerikeri, and Kaitaia clubs for the 21st and the official opening day for Northland Croquet.
One thing for sure is the club has come a long way since its inception in September 1993 by Shirley Patterson and her late husband, Don. The club at Cable Bay has grown from small beginnings to the top-grade facility it is today.
Life member Betty Dawson recalled picking up stones as they played on extremely rough lawns. She watched the club rooms grow each week as it was built by Don Patterson, members, friends, and with a lot of help from Northland businesses.
Today the club is thriving and, although membership is still small, the club is a generous and friendly group who enjoy playing and working together.
Thanks was given to life members Betty Dawson and Freda Archibald along with Lynn Hill and all club members for their work on lawns and gardens prior to the day.
Anyone wishing to try croquet phone Gillian Bond on 09-408 7995 or Beryl Smith on 09-406 1320.
