ABOUT US
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
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ABOUT US.
Join Us for Exciting Gatherings
OUR STORY.
The Legacy of Groot Drakenstein
Our story began in 1895, when the Groot Drakenstein Games Club was founded with a simple vision: to be a place for sport and true sportsmanship. In those early days, players would travel by mule-drawn wagon to play cricket and hockey on makeshift fields. But a remarkable act of generosity in 1921 set the course for our future.
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A farmer named H.E.V. Pickstone leased a 10-acre piece of land to the club for a symbolic 10 shillings per year, on one condition: at least one game of cricket had to be played on the field each year. With a community spirit that defines us to this day, our members—known as “The Forest Span”—spent their Saturdays clearing the land, and in 1926, they achieved a landmark feat: establishing the first-ever turf cricket wicket in South Africa. This hallowed ground, now known as The Pickstone Oval, became the heart of our club.
Over the decades, we have evolved, but our "village green" atmosphere remains timeless. We've welcomed some of the biggest names in international cricket, including legends like Jacques Kallis, Kevin Pietersen, and Jonny Bairstow, all of whom have graced our field.
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A New Chapter Begins
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While our history is the foundation of who we are, we are always looking to the future.
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On 1st June 2025, a new and exciting chapter began as the Franschhoek Sport & Social Club was appointed as the management company. We immediately undertook a focused renovation of the clubhouse and grounds, elevating our historic pitch to the highest standards. Most excitingly, we are currently busy building three state-of-the-art padel courts, which are set to open in November 2025.
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The club is now home to a vibrant community of cricket, cycling, and running enthusiasts, and we look forward to welcoming padel players to the mix. We honour our past while building a bright and dynamic future for our members and the wider community.
