Welcome to Canterbury Croquet Club

Membership fee £80pa. To Join call Yvonne Hill 01227 738219.

The good news is that membership is growing steadily and is now approaching 40.

Most people imagine croquet to be a simple game involving hitting a ball through a hoop in the garden. There is, however, another side to it. Played to Association Rules, it is transformed into a highly competitive sport which not only requires excellent eye-to-hand co-ordination but also a strong sense of tactical awareness.

There are now over 150 clubs in the Croquet Association which organises national and regional competitions. 18 countries are represented in The World Croquet Federation.

THE CLUB
The Club was founded in a garden in the village of Chartham Hatch in 1991. It moved to the Polo Farm site in 1996 where it now has two full-sized lawns and its own pavilion. Most of the activity is during the summer months but play is possible throughout the year.

THE GAME
There are two types of croquet, association and golf, both of which are played at Polo Farm. Golf croquet, the simpler form of the game, is proving very popular, particularly with newcomers to the sport. Association croquet can be loosely described as snooker on grass. Tactics play an important part. Games can take up to three hours to complete and good breakmaking requires sustained concentration. Golf croquet requires quick thinking and concentration but over a much shorter period. Handicap systems allow players of differing ability to enjoy games together in golf or association.

THE SEASON
The main croquet season is from April to the end of September. At Canterbury we are fortunate to be able to play all year.

CLUB SESSIONS
Golf croquet: Thursdays from 5pm; Fridays from 2pm. Association croquet: Wednesdays 10am; Saturdays 2pm. High handicappers training sessions Tuesdats from 2pm with Brenda Powney.

Out of season start times vary so potential new members should check with the secretary. (See details on this page) At other times members can arrange to play games with each other.

Other key dates: Wednesday April 22 summer club sessions start. April 29 spring opener club competition. April 30 annual meeting. May 4 open day, 2pm for visitors. May 11 monthly medal golf. May 25 m medal association; June 1 Women's Institute taster pm. June 8 m medal golf. June 15 U3A taster pm. June 22 m medal assoc. June 26-29 Ireland tournament. July 6 m medal golf. July 20 m medal assoc. August 10 m medal golf. August 24 m medal assoc. September 6 barbecue and Alf Moat knockout competition finals. September 13 Maurice Copus Cup final. September 20 end of summer club sessions. Winnter sessions start on winter lawns. November 13 annual dinner.

Note: There will be at least 8 dates when our three teams in the South Eastern League will be playing home so the club's lawns will not then be available. However the winter lawns may be available if cricket is not being played. These match dates will be posted on the clubhouse noticeboards as and when they become available..

COMPETITIONS
In 2008 Canterbury Croquet Club won its first national tournament. The club qualified to enter the Croquet Association's Secretary's Shield knockout competition by winning the South Eastern CA Unlimited Handicap League in 2007. This was the second time in three years that club had won the league. In the first instance Canterbury lost to Yorkshire side Beverley in a semi-final at home. Last year Canterbury defeated West Midlands side Kenilworth at home and Nottingham on a neutral ground before meeting Buckinghamshire side High Wycombe at Medway in the final which Canterbury won convincingly.

As shield holders Canterbury have accepted the challenge of defending their title and will meet Essex side Colchester in the quarter-finals, having been given a bye in the first round.

The club also has internal leagues and knockout competitions.

Details of all events are posted on the club's noticeboards in the croquet clubhouse.

THE LAWNS
The clubs two lawns are tended by the clubs groundsman, Tim Smith. Mr Smith provides the club with two other, adjacent, lawns for winter use so that play can continue throughout the year. Players must wear flat footwear to avoid damaging the surface.

LEADERSHIP
The club committee meets regularly to administer the club. Its members are: Ken Dawes, chairman; Jean Byers Vice-chairman; Yvonne Hill, secretary; Elaine Salisbury, treasurer; Frank Hughes, captain of association; Brenda Porrer, captain of golf. Peter Jones, Judy Sturrock, co-opted. Golf Croquet Handicapper Brenda Porrer. Brenda Powney is high handicappers' trainer, Yvonne Hill is catering organiser and Jean Byers supplies club clothing.

All members are eligible to attend the annual meeting at the beginning of the summer season when subscriptions are payable.

SOCIAL EVENTS
Croquet at Polo Farm is competitive but there is a social side to the sport. Events for members during the season include barbecues and an annual dinner. It is hoped to organise some social croquet sessions during the summer.

MEMBERSHIP
The current membership fee is £80, which includes the right to use the extensive facilities provided in the main Polo Farm clubhouse. The club has some spare mallets which potential new members can use on a trial basis but players are expected to buy their own mallets once they decide to join the club. Green fees (for a limited period) £2 a session.

There is a reduced rate of £30 for members under 17. Coaching sessions are arranged when possible.

PUBLICITY
The clubs external, and key internal, league matches, as well as other major events, are featured in Canterbury's local paper The Kentish Gazette.

INFORMATION
Further information can be obtained from the Club Secretary on 01227 738219 or by email.

THE CROQUET ASSOCIATION:
The Croquet Association is the official body for the sport in this country which also operates a shop selling mallets, clothing, books and other items on its website shop at http://www.croquet.org.uk/shop.

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