Club Info
History
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Glen Meadows Golf and Country Club was first envisioned in the late 1950s by Percy and Rae Criddle. The Criddle family arrived in Manitoba in 1882 and homesteaded about thirty miles south east of Brandon. The CPR had just been built through that area. They eventually built a nine-hole golf course, several tennis courts and a cricket pitch on the 5000-acre farm for themselves and their friends to enjoy. To sell the beloved farm and relocate to British Columbia took a lot of soul searching, but all agreed and Percy and his family, and the senior Criddles, Stuart, Maida and Evelyn all moved to Vancouver Island in 1960.
The 140-acre parcel bordered by McTavish Road and West Saanich Road was purchased and the challenge of building a golf course began in 1961. Nearly half the land was covered in second growth forest and there were huge tree stumps left from past logging. Large boulders had to be removed and solid rock along McTavish Road had to be cut down and covered with soil. The north portion was knee deep in water and had to be drained. Undaunted Percy began his dream. He drew up several designs before settling on one.
He purchased a small bulldozer, but had to hire two much larger ones to help. Even they couldn’t cope with the largest stumps and eventually Mr. Hastings was hired to blast them out with dynamite. The three senior Criddles were in their eighties, but came out nearly every day to help where they could. Percy and Rae’s six children Perry, Ron, Jo-Ann, Larry, Helen, and Greg also helped as they became old enough. Percy worked long hours into the nights with lights on and fires burning.
Finally in 1965 the course was opened for play. The following year the clubhouse was built. It was complete with a pro shop, a coffee shop, a lounge, dance floor, and locker rooms with saunas. For several years Rae Criddle did the catering and laundry, worked in the office and still found time to maintain her household and raise six children.
Rae and Percy Criddle |
Many wedding receptions, family and business parties, and reunions enjoy these facilities daily. In 1968 three outdoor asphalt tennis courts were built and in 1975 a six sheet curling rink was added onto the clubhouse. It was now a true County Club offering three sports facilities. Decks have been added to the clubhouse where one can enjoy a drink or bite to eat while overlooking the golf course or tennis courts. Unlike most golf courses Glen Meadows is still privately owned. The Criddle family continues to work together to maintain and improve the facilities. Throughout the summers you will find three generations working side by side to provide a permanent green belt of enjoyment to all those who participate at the facilities. |
