EVEN on the dullest days of this dull, dull winter, members of Camerton and Peasedown Croquet Club have been out playing.

In the autumn of 2024 the winter lawns were set and, provided the lawns were not flooded or frosted, play has continued. The lawns are always reset for winter so that the full sized summer lawns get a chance to recover and the professional grounds men can apply restorative treatments to the grass.

This winter the lawns were set using the clubs ‘second best’ hoops which is a popular choice as these hoops are just a tiny bit wider, and everyone finds them easy to score.

Croquet is a very accessible game and it can be played socially or competitively. The game uses a combination of mallet and ball skills, strategy and tactics; age is no barrier and men and women play together on equal terms. It gets you out in the fresh air and mixing with other people.

The club will be running a ‘turn up and play’ session on the first Sunday afternoon of every month throughout the spring and summer. Just turn up at the club’s lawns in Whitebrook Lane in Peasedown St John (accessed through the Peasedown Cricket Club entrance, BA2 8LD) , wearing flat soled shoes and you will be provided with a mallet and shown some basic shot making.

After minimal practice you will be able to play a game on the same afternoon and you could sign up for a Beginner’s Course of lessons from the club’s qualified coaches. These courses start in April and, if you subsequently decide to join the club, the Membership Fee is reduced.

There is a ‘turn up and play’ session planned for Sunday, March 2. Why not go along and see what all the fun is about.

The club website www.camertonpeasedowncroquet.co.uk has more information.