On 16 January, the Lilydale Croquet Club farewelled Alan Jones, a longtime member of the croquet club.
Alan loved being outdoors, whether it was paddling his canoe in the Murray River Marathon, riding his bike in the Simpson Desert, bush walking or playing croquet, Alan would put his heart and soul into whatever he took on.
Alan was a great clubman; he was always there to lend a hand, whether it was giving advice to less experienced players to help them improve their game or helping out around the club in any way he could. Alan was a very accomplished woodworker and made a number of things for the club, such as the cabinet that holds the club’s historical mallet, the club championship honour board, and, along with another member, Glenn Crook, made quite a number of croquet mallets for the club.
Alan captained the club’s Level Play teams to victory in the 2024 Spring and 2025 Autumn South East Metro Competition, and his name is on a number of other winning plaques as well.
Alan and his wife Coral lived in Healesville for many years, where he was actively involved in the local community, being a member of the local Probus Club and also the local Men’s Shed.
The thing that stands out above all of Alan’s achievements is the fact that he was a damn good bloke and liked by all.
Vale Alan Jones, 1941-2025
RIP OLD FRIEND
Your mates at Lilydale Croquet Club
