northsider celebrates North Sydney local Margaret Kroboth’s recent lifetime achievement
An active and integral member of Norths Cammeray, Margaret Kroboth has nurtured the clubs’ community for over 40 years, bringing positivity, tenacity and a sense of fun to everything she does.
Her contribution was recently recognised when Margaret was honoured with the first Norths’ Life Membership to be awarded in 25 years.
“The last 40 years of being a member of Norths has been an amazing, crazy and
wonderful period in my life,” Margaret tells northsider. “It’s been a time of happiness and many keepsake memories. I’ve met a lot of people over the years, I’ve made friends and connections and there’s lots of laughs.”
Margaret, who grew up in North Sydney, can be found at The Club most days of
the week. From Bridge to Euchre, Bingo, Trivia and much more, the 83-year-old is
a cornerstone of the club’s community and a friendly face to many at the Abbott
Street venue.
“I helped out with the Sunday morning concerts quite a few years ago selling raffle tickets and believe it or not, I even ended up telling jokes on stage to over 300 members in the audience,” Margaret remembers. “I did that for nearly two years!”
As President of the Bridge Club in 2009, she raised membership to new heights, doubling the numbers in just a year thanks to her enthusiasm and dedication.
“Before I took over, the Bridge Club was very much walk in, walk out,” Margaret remembers. “I taught myself how to use a computer and set up a database so I could keep in touch with everyone. I wrote a constitution for the club and whenever I went out walking in the local area, I’d put posters up at the bus stops inviting people to become members.”
In 2010, Margaret was nominated for, and won, the President’s Shield for her Bridge Club building efforts.
“I was surprised!” she remembers. “I’d been nominated by the Bridge Club so it was a marvellous recognition of the work I’d put in and I was very grateful.”
Since handing over the reins of the Bridge Club in 2014, Margaret still remains an active member, playing twice a week in-between her other activities and local charity work.
“I’m so thankful to Norths for giving me Life Membership, the first to happen in 25 years and guess what? I’m the first ever female to receive it too!,” Margaret enthuses. “I’ve had friends tell me that I’ve paved the way for the girls so it’s definitely a wow moment for me. I never did any of this for the thanks but it’s really lovely to know that the work you’ve done has
been appreciated and that it’s been worthwhile to the community.”
Left: Bridge Club’s Jennie, Margaret, Beverly and Diane
Right: Margaret has been part of the Norths’ community for over 40 years