Old-school community feel for Joy Mead at Ivanhoe Croquet Club
Joy Meade will celebrate her 100th birthday next week, but she’s not slowing down any time soon. This active member of the Ivanhoe Croquet Club has revealed her longevity secret.
East
Don't miss out on the headlines from East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
Joy Meade is no typical sportswoman — she’s about to celebrate her 100th birthday and the competitive streak within her is still strong.
She plays at the Ivanhoe Croquet Club every few weeks and said her active lifestyle might be the key to her reaching the magical century milestone.
“I love it here, the people are lovely and I think my competitiveness is what's kept me going,” Ms Mead said.
She still plays every few weeks, and club president Pat Leech said everyone was very proud of her.
“She’s a very good player and very determined, you have to have that sort of determination to get to 100 years old,” Ms Leech said.
Ms Meade joined the croquet club in 2007, looking for a way to keep active after giving up golf, which she had played for 30 years.
“I always wanted to be the best at whatever I did, I wanted to make it to the top,” she said.
Ms Meade was a milliner on Flinders Lane before she got married and moved to Ivanhoe East 70 years ago.
She has three children, three grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
“Back then being a mother was considered a full-time job and you got on with your neighbours and had mothers’ groups. The croquet club still gives me that community feel,” Ms Meade said.
MORE: ONJC UNVEILS NEW ANTI-CANCER EQUIPMENT
$80,000 CONSERVATION PLAN FOR IVANHOE ARTIST HOME
BANYULE COUNCIL OUTLINES CARBON NEUTRALITY PLAN
She’s modest about her extraordinary accomplishment of still being an active croquet player at her advanced age.
“I’m no champion but you have your good days. I played a couple of weeks ago and they were all amazed at me. I’ve always liked to be competitive,” she said.
Ms Meade credits her competitiveness as the secret to reaching her centenary — along with a cheeky glass of brandy and dry ginger every night before bed.
Ms Meade will quietly celebrate her 100th birthday on October 25 with friends and family.