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Stanway in Colchester

Croquet

Status:	Active, open to new members
Leader:	Croquet Group enquiry
When:	Fortnightly on Wednesday afternoons 1:30 pm-3:30 pm Apr-Oct
Venue:	Colchester area

We meet in Colchester on every other Wednesday afternoon from April to October at 1.15pm. Play starts at 1.30pm, finishes at 3.30pm and we enjoy tea/coffee and biscuits afterwards.

The venue plays on international standard croquet lawns and all equipment is provided, as is a brief introductory practical tutorial by a Club Member for those new to the game (see “How to play Croquet” under “Links” on this page).

We are unique amongst Groups in that we have to commit in advance to paying a fee for the facilities, while needing a set number of players (16) playing in each session. This is for both financing and playing (we need 4 sets of 4 players to play on the two lawns). So we have 16 players, referred to as our Registered Players, who make the commitment and pay in advance for each complete Block of sessions (8 in the 1st Block - April to July, 6 in the 2nd Block - August to October). By doing so they are guaranteed a game in all playing sessions.

Of course, it’s not possible for the Registered Players to guarantee in advance to be able to play in every session. So we offer those who do not wish to be a Registered Player the opportunity to become one of our Stand-by Players. These play when Registered Players are unable to, and are then invited to take their place, usually with about 3 days’ notice. It also provides members with the opportunity to join the Group during the season, to see if they enjoy the experience and, if so, become a Registered Player should the situation arise.

We are always happy to add to our list of Stand-by Players, who are almost as important as our Registered Players, as they make a major contribution to both the playing experience (by completing the foursomes) and the finances (they pay on the day for the individual session – this is currently £10.00).

Although there is an element of competition, the emphasis is on having a relaxed afternoon, with plenty of non-strenuous exercise and good humour. If you would like to give it a try, please contact the Group Leader using the link above.