The game of Croquet is very old. It is known that a form of the game was played in ancient Egypt.

Age is no barrier - it is suitable for players aged 10 to 80+

Thanks to a handicapping system, players of varied ability can play on the same basis.

The game can be played in different ways to suit players’ desires and needs.

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In England, croquet developed as a favourite sport between 1852 and 1890 after it arrived from Ireland.  Since then it has evolved in several stages of popularity and now has two main forms: Golf Croquet and Association Croquet.

 

While it first began here in upper class Victorian Society, the game is no longer restricted to country houses  and rural vicarages. There are clubs catering for all of a sporting inclination throughout the United Kingdom and in about 30 other countries. 

 

The game is played on a large,level lawn, or court, on which are set out six metal hoops and a central wooden peg  Players use mallets, which are usually fashioned from wood and weigh about three pounds to drive wooden balls of various colours towards and through the hoops in a specific order. While the Club has a number of mallets available for players’ use, we find that most players prefer to buy their own very soon after taking up the game.

 

The Club also has sufficient sets of balls for games on all of the lawns.

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Golf Croquet is a quicker form of the game. It gained real popularity in this country early this century (although it was played with different rules before that). All players are on the lawn at the same time, which means that games can be very sociable, with discussions on the lawn about play, tactics, etc. It also means that there can be a more competitive element, with a degree of combat in the play, which appeals to those who thrive on competition. Games typically take thirty minutes to an hour.

 

Association Croquet is a deeply skilled and intriguing game in which the aim is to put the side’s croquet balls through twelve hoops in a specific order and then hit the centre  peg. Bouncing off the opponents’ balls in order to get around the lawn is permitted. It is also permissible to hit opponents’ balls away with the mallet and to position any ball anywhere to the player’s advantage. Missing hitting a targeted ball, or failing to get through a hoop, ends that player’s turn. Players  successfully hitting other balls and passing through hoops are entitled to more shots. Some very skilled players can build up a big break by taking balls through several hoops in turn. Shots are often taken that involve fine movement of two balls in contact, As a break comes to an end, the player will try to leave the balls in difficult positions for the next player. Correct judgement of angles is crucial. Most hoops are run in a very controlled way from close distance. This form is in some ways like the game of snooker. Games typically take two hours with one player or side making a break while the opposing player or side sits out.

 

Many players enjoy both forms of the game and are catered for in our club.        

 

Why not come to try it out? You will be most welcome, especially if you go on to become one of our members. Please email us to arrange a taster session.

We look forward to seeing you.