Over the last three years of global pandemic and its aftermath, when it was at times difficult to keep

calm and carry on, we were fortunate to have a former nurse and a former sailor to help us navigate

through it all and continue to enjoy the game of croquet at Kelburn.

Our thanks go to retiring President Mary Stevens and Secretary John Stevens for all they did to steer

the club through those peculiar years, and for their combined total of some 13 years’ service in

executive roles out of their 18 years as members.

Mary has served as Club Captain as well as President. John has served as President and twice as

Secretary. Mary coordinates the gardening group, where John also helps, and both assist with

corporate functions, and all the club’s major events.

Despite their extensive family and other community commitments, they have devoted a lot of time

to Kelburn Croquet Club out of their wish to share their own enjoyment of the game. New members

have seen a glimmer of this in John’s cheerful sign-off on club communications: “Enjoy the Game!”.

Before ‘discovering’ croquet, Mary and John had long been keen trampers and gardeners, activities

Mary found achievable at a time when most organised sports were incompatible with the odd hours

of her nursing career. John had enjoyed sailing before their marriage and had shown his flair for

organisational leadership while still at university, as President of the New Zealand Universities Sports

Union.

But they had never played croquet until they got an opportunity while on holiday in Norfolk,

England, in 2008, which they both enjoyed it immensely. They returned home determined to find a

club and play more croquet, ending up at Kelburn, where John’s mother had played.

Their enthusiasm and abilities were noticed. John was almost immediately “press-ganged” into being

President, although he had not yet retired, and Mary agreed to become Club Captain for a three-

year term … despite getting a heads-up from Marion McInnes about what may be one of the more

challenging committee roles.

Despite challenges of all varieties, including a global pandemic, Mary and John can count many

notable and enduring achievements during their several terms of office. These include the grand

celebrations for the club’s 100th anniversary in 2013, significant improvements to the club and

clubhouse, and the introduction of innovations such as name discs and the website, working in

conjunction with many other long-serving club and committee members.

Their motivation has been a shared love of the game and enjoyment of the community of croquet

players. John likes the fact that the club has a single purpose: “People belong to the club because

they really want to play croquet.”

For Mary, as for so many of our members, it’s the people: “It’s a family, and I really enjoy the family

feeling and working with each other.”

They will continue to help with projects such as the remodelling of the garden between the club and

Kelburn Park. Any new garden volunteer helpers are likely to be rewarded with excellent home

baking.

Article added: Saturday 27 May 2023