Many people have asked us about the Druids link to the Preston Druids 

The Druids originated as a learned class among the ancient Celts, with the earliest records dating to around the 3rd–4th century BCE.  Their name is believed to come from a Celtic word meaning “knower of the oak tree”. The oak tree became a central symbol in their emblems and logos, representing strength and wisdom

Druids served as priests, teachers, judges, and scholars within Celtic society, overseeing religious rituals, legal matters, and education. They were known for their deep knowledge of nature, philosophy, and the spiritual world, and they played a key role in maintaining the traditions and laws of their communities. 

The Ancient Order of Druids (founded in London in 1781) adopted the name and symbolism of the ancient Druids to promote values such as justice, philanthropy, and brotherly love and this group is not direct continuations of the ancient priesthood. 

The Druids formed in Australia through the establishment of fraternal societies inspired by the Ancient Order of Druids (AOD). The first Druids lodge in Australia was set up in Adelaide, South Australia, in 1850.

The United Ancient Order of Druids (UAOD), a more inclusive offshoot from the AOD, was founded in Victoria around 1862, and by 1867 there were already 11 lodges in the state. These societies operated as friendly or benefit societies, providing mutual aid, medical support, and social activities, rather than serving religious or spiritual functions. The Druids’ presence spread rapidly to other states and mining regions, reflecting their popularity among working communities in colonial Australia.

The Victorian Druids Cricket Association was active in Melbourne by at least the mid-1920s. Evidence from December 1925 shows the Association organizing representative teams and interstate matches, such as sending a team to Adelaide to compete against South Australian Druids. Earlier, in 1907, Druids-affiliated teams from Ballarat and Melbourne played matches, indicating that Druids cricket activity in Victoria dates back to the early 20th century.  The Association likely emerged from these early social and fraternal cricket gatherings among members of the Druids, a friendly society, before formalizing into an organized cricket body by the 1920s with the Preston Druids forming by 1926.