Lilydale Croquet Club
In April 1894 the Lilydale Tennis Club petitioned the Shire Council to grant an area in Lilydale Park (which later became known as Melba Park) to be a croquet lawn and for the establishment of a Croquet Club. The request was granted for an area of 25 yards by 10 yards and Lilydale Croquet Club was formed.
Over the years this area was expanded to provide a full size croquet lawn, but the club still occupies its original position in Melba Park. Like many Clubs at the time it appears that the Croquet Club, Tennis Club and Bowling Clubs shared common facilities but later the Bowling Club and Tennis Club moved to more spacious facilities. Having only one court has limited the number of members who could play and Lilydale has always remained a small, but very friendly club, yet very one conscious of its history.
At some stage a Community Centre was built in Melba Park and served as a Club house to the Croquet Club. The building was burnt down in about 1990 and many club records were lost.
However thanks to the persistence of the then President Peter Norman, the Shire eventually agreed to build a new clubhouse and install lights, which continue to serve members today.
Pictured below is Croquet Victoria EMCA Regional Director Deb Newbold presenting a plaque commemorating the 130th Anniversary of the club to the current Club Secretary, Craig McCracken with Life Member Patrick Hartley looking on.
