GEORGE NEWS - The members of Wilderness Croquet Club wish their good friends and founders of the club, Peter and Chris Eckford, bon voyage as they leave South Africa for a new life in the UK, after more than 40 years here.
Arriving in Natal with their two young sons, they quickly established themselves as South African citizens, eventually retiring to Lake Road in Wilderness. Their keen interest in croquet led them to build a full-size lawn between 2003 and 2004 on an abutting vacant erf, together with all the necessary equipment, much of it made and provided by Peter and his woodworking friends.
This became the focus of many fun-filled informal gatherings for neighbours in Lake Road and their many friends in Wilderness.
In 2008 Peter negotiated affiliate membership for croquet players with the Wilderness Bowling Club based at the hotel in the village. In the last few years they have become well known in the Rondevlei area, having built a charming house and yet another croquet lawn!
Peter and Chris will both be sorely missed and the many "swallows" among the membership will certainly be visiting them in their new home in Kent.
The club plays on the green each Friday afternoon at 15:00 in winter and 16:00 in summer. All new members are welcome.
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'
