Latest News and
Events
January 2024
​
Swindon Croquet Club has secured an extension to its Swindon Borough Council lease which means that the Club’s ambitious expansion project can go ahead. As part of the £6.3m Moredon Sporting Hub development, the Club has been allocated an area of land to enable expansion from the existing 3 full lawns to 5 full lawns so it’s now all systems go!
There is much to be done, including erection of perimeter fencing, procurement of additional balls and hoops, levelling of ground and preparation of smooth lawn surfaces along with installation of a storage unit and a players’ shelter.
The Club has long established links with various community groups who regularly enjoy the facilities and the creation of the 2 additional lawns means that other community groups will also be accommodated and enjoy croquet sessions. Equipment, free tuition and refreshments are always provided and a warm welcome is guaranteed.
Colin Bailey carried out sterling work in securing the lease extension and Steve Hares has offered to make trolleys to carry the additional hoops. This is typical of the willingness of members to contribute to the wellbeing of the Club as time consuming tasks such as grass cutting, line painting, providing refreshments, clubhouse cleaning, general maintenance etc are all done ‘in house’ thereby enabling the Club to thrive.
Club Chair Clive Smith said “there is a lot of work ahead but this is certainly an exciting time for the Club as we will be able to welcome new community groups and, of course, we are keen to attract new members. Croquet provides gentle exercise, mental stimulation and it’s a competitive game but the emphasis at our Club is always on enjoyment in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. The Sporting Hub development at Moredon means our Club will be far more visible and will attract far more interest from the Swindon community – it’s all positive and very exciting!”
The new season begins on 1st April further details to follow
Interested? Visit our website (swindoncroquetclub.org.uk), find us on Facebook or email swindon.croquet@outlook.com for further information.
July 2023
​
​
​
​
​
17th April 2023
Swindon Croquet Club win back to back promotions. The croquet season starts traditionally with a short croquet tournament at Nailsea at which most clubs from the South West and South Wales compete with most of the best players from these clubs taking part. The competition is in five divisions. In 2022, Swindon were champions of Division 3 and promoted. This year, they went one better topping Division 2 and earning a back to back promotion having won 12 of their 16 matches. Maybe next year they will emerge as overall champions!
​
2nd April 2023
-
Lawns open! Bring a friend and play. 2pm, all welcome, no need to book and free of charge!
​
​14th December 2022
-
Due to frost and snow all lawns remain closed.
-
All lawns are closed from 18th December for treatment and recovery and re-open in April.
​
6th December 2022
-
Christmas Sausage Sizzle - a fun competition enjoyed by 24 members, finished off with a BBQ! Congratulations to competition winners David Acheson, Tony Mayer and Mick Humphries!
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
Winners of the Club's progressive doubles competition. Steve Hares (left) and Terry Theobald (right) receiving the cup from Chair Clive Smith.
The High Handicap team led by Tony Tomlin before their defeat at Moreton in Marsh.
Members taking part in the progressive doubles competition
The Handicap team before their game against Cheltenham
Swindon’s winning team (L to R):
Harvey Smith (the youngest player in the tournament,
Tony Mayer (captain), Andy Smith (Harvey’s father) and Terry Clements
