THIRTY YEARS YOUNG
It was a superb “Birthday Bash” to celebrate thirty years since the opening of “The Village Green” complex just south of Strath Creek. Founded by Don McQueen and family originally known as “Hume and Hovell Cricket Club” the bush site nestled in the “Valley of a Thousand Hills” was the result of Don’s dream to build his own cricket ground revelling the scenic fields dotted all over the UK. The site Don chose was a wilderness in an area which the famous explorers Hume and Hovell rested on their trek south. Hard work and initiative led to the “Field of Dreams” taking shape. An iconic pavilion, bunkhouse, pristine oval with its white picket fence, surrounded by native trees, gardens and a stunning vista of the surrounding hills makes it a little bit of paradise. The McQueen family worked hard to establish the project as a viable venture. Cricket teams from Victoria, NSW and even overseas came regularly for games and practice and the venue grew in popularity. The hospitality of Don and Anne was a feature visitors were often regaled with Don’s magnificent bush ballad recitals and Marnie’s glorious singing.
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After more than a decade and a half it was time to change hands, and the venue was sold to John Rogers and family. John represented NSW in cricket and son Chris played 25 tests for Australia and hit five centuries. He had a very successful career with West Australia and Victoria and is currently coach of Victoria. John and Ros Rogers, Chris’ parents carried on the good work at Hume and Hovell which was later to be renamed simply “The Village Green”.
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In 2021 the ownership was taken by an innovative couple Elizabeth and Anthony who are carrying on the legacy of those who came before them. They have family connections going back to early 1800’s.
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In the past twelve months the precinct has had 500 bookings embracing cricket, football health and nature camps, weddings and special functions. On site there are B&B facilities, a bunkhouse for 40, and splendid catering facilities.
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Liz and Anthony provided a wonderful repast – fine food and drinks for the packed pavilion of guests – all “on the house”. Don McQueen regaled the assemblage with a brilliant recital and daughter Marnie with a rollicking song. The seated guests could look out to the magnificent vista beyond or gaze at the gallery of portraits on the walls- stars of cricket and football including a framed signed Australian jersey of test captain Pat Cummins.
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It was great to renew acquaintances with the McQueen family and recall the many times I took ACK cricketers there to train, play and enjoy a bush BBQ. Gerry Hanson, of the legendary Hanson cricketing family was among the guests. He was captain of Don’s XI for a number of years. Also, it was good to speak with a number of fine folk including area residents Betty Ladbury and Bee Wilson.
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All in all, it was a truly memorable occasion, and the McQueen family has left a wonderful legacy which, in Don’s speech he said, “I hope it lasts 500 years”.
The Village Green Pavilion
VARIA
A happy occasion took place for Sarah Phillips 21st birthday in Avenel-a lovely venue. Sarah attended ACK as did her sister Hannah and brother James. All three were vibrant college students and are impressive young people. Springfield farmer and dad Jeremy spoke to me of the trio the other day. He is rightly proud of them.
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Wallan Cricket Club is celebrating premierships in the GDCA and SDCA. On a glorious autumn weekend at an immaculate Greenhill Reserve the home side defeated Eastern Hill (Seymour). Very good crowds turned out on both days especially on the Sunday to see Wallan easily chase down their opponents 9/150. The win puts the 116 year-old club into the GDCA top division McIntyre Cup next season- a great reward for the dedication of players officials and the club sponsors.
