Club out to capitalise on surge in croquet

A CROQUET Club, which covers all areas of Rochdale, are looking for new members after purchases of garden croquet sets shot up during lockdown.

Bury Croquet Club already have long standing members from within the borough of Rochdale.

The Croquet Association experienced a 120 per cent increase in sales of equipment in lockdown, John Lewis an increase of 600 per cent on the same period last year and many online retailers were out of stock.

There was also a surge in enquiries from people wanting to join the clubs, though safety concerns meant no new members were being accepted by many clubs.

Croquet was one of the first sports that it was possible to play when the initial lockdown restrictions were eased, as it naturally lends itself to social distancing when played. Most croquet lawns are bigger than tennis courts.

Rochdale comes within the Croquet Association catchment area for Bury

Croquet Club, and has a number of players from the borough – three have taken part recently in national and regional tournaments.

Club publicity Officer, Roy Spencer, said: “If you have bought a garden croquet set and developed your skills on your lawn at home, why not give the real thing a try?

“A typical comment is ‘I’m a new player and confess I was put off by the old-fashioned image.

“‘Turns out that croquet is an awesome game and I’m so glad I gave it a try.’

“The club, under normal circumstances has a regularly active social scene, and normally operates a winter programme, providing an opportunity to meet and make new friends of all age groups and backgrounds.”

If you would like to register your interest now in joining Bury Croquet Club for the 2021 season, send your details to enq@ burycroquet.com, or telephone the secretary on 07856 348706. The club observes strict Data Protection protocols and details will not be divulged or shared with third parties.