Some month’s ago the Chewton Domain Society opened an opportunity for donations towards the construction of a petanque piste in Chewton’s Ellery Park.
Captain James Trewartha had owned and run the Golden Hope Hotel on that very site and had provided community entertainment for the gold rush community of the time. That community entertainment included bowls games.
When the piste fundraising had nearly met the target, the bullet was bitten and the court constructed – and what a success it has been! Regular gatherings, family games and even questions raised about booking arrangements!
And on Sunday it was bocce. A Chewton Bocce Club (founded 2025) turned out in force, complete with spectators, nibbles and drinks. Impressively, they had their own flag to denote their presence, and a scoreboard to keep tabs on member’s progress. Despite the games and competition, the group were happy to take a break for a group photo, and ask questions about the history of the site, the former Golden Hope Hotel and the diversions on offer there.
There are plans ahead for future bocce outings, and next Sunday will see Chewton Bocce Club face off against a team from Castlemaine at 4pm.
The Castlemaine Thumpers versus Chewton – an event sure to stir up memories of Chewton/Castlemaine rivalries that have festered since gold rush times.