At 101 years young, May Beveridge loves her family, her croquet club and her community.
The Lake Tyers resident is regularly found at the croquet club in nearby Lakes Entrance, a holiday hotspot 321 kilometres east of Melbourne in Gippsland.
Her devotion to the sport could soon earn her a world record title.
Mrs Beveridge is awaiting official confirmation that she is the world’s oldest recognised female croquet player, after an officially filmed and documented attempt last month.
The centenarian is something of a latecomer to the sport, only taking up croquet in her 80s as a way to keep fit and connect with her community.
“It’s just a wonderful exercise, not only for your body but for your brain,” she said.
“People think you just have to hit a ball through a hoop. It’s nothing like that. You have to think ahead.
May and Allen Beveridge at their wedding at Bairnsdale Presbyterian Church on February 8, 1947. (Supplied: Linda Noden)
Mrs Beveridge lives independently in her marital home on the farm she shared with her late husband, Allen.
They were married in 1947 for 68 years before he died in 2015.
A fierce tennis player for decades, Mrs Beveridge has become a welcome fixture of her croquet club, which she helped found.
“She comes three times a week. She’ll normally play three games and will be disappointed if she only plays two,” said club president Neil Robbins.
May Beveridge is one of the founding members of the Lakes Entrance Croquet Club. (ABC News: Danielle Pope)
“She’s been a stalwart of the club, a foundation member and we just love her.”
World record officials will assess video and paperwork from the match before verifying Mrs Beveridge’s attempt.
May Beveridge with her family at her 100th birthday celebration in March last year. (Supplied: Linda Noden)
Record in the making
The record for the world’s oldest female croquet player is held by Jean Farguson of Lodsworth, in West Sussex, in the United Kingdom.
She completed the South East Croquet Federation’s Carnival Day at the age of 98 years and 327 days old.
“I thought it was a joke,” Mrs Beveridge said of her club’s suggestion that she break the record.
“I said yes. He said it would just be a fun day. I never dreamt it would turn out to be what it is.”
May Beveridge with match officials John and Lynley Mitchell. (Supplied: John Mitchell)
Mrs Beveridge’s world record attempt was held in front of friends and family at Lakes Entrance on May 28.
She said she felt slightly overwhelmed when she took to the court.
“There are only two reasons I’m doing it: to support my family and the club, and to bring some publicity to our club, which is the best club in Australia,” Mrs Beveridge said.
Coupled with her 90-year-old playing partner, Fay Kleehammer, Mrs Beveridge played a shortened doubles game that was officiated and recorded for verification purposes.
An avid croquet player, May Beveridge says the sport helps “keep you sane”. (Supplied: John Mitchell)
“I’m afraid I do get a bit competitive, but I don’t care whether I win or lose, but I do try my hardest,”
she said.
“I just play my game.”
A sport for all
Mr Robbins said Mrs Beveridge proved how accessible croquet was for people of all ages and skill levels.
“It’s just a great game where people can keep on playing when they get older,” he said.
“All over the world, anywhere in Australia, you can just walk into a croquet club, and they will welcome you with open arms.”
A close doubles match of seven hoops followed the world-record game, with Mrs Beveridge remaining cool under pressure.
Just do not expect her to take it easy.
May Beveridge prepares to take a shot in her record-breaking croquet game at Lakes Entrance. (Supplied: John Mitchell)
“Terrible shot,” she muttered to herself during the match, when her ball veered slightly off course.
At the end of seven hoops, Mrs Beveridge and her partner lost.
Neil Robbins presents May Beveridge with a bouquet after her game. (Supplied: John Mitchell)
She took the loss with the same grace that she has taken through life.
“You’ve just got to keep going. It’s no good sitting at home in your slippers and dressing gown. You’ve got to get up and get out,”
Mrs Beveridge said.
“I’m hoping it’s made all my family and the club really proud of me.”
