Mallets at the ready

Croquet has long been popular at Summerset, and one village lawn has been livelier than ever since a resident expert started giving lessons.

When croquet coach and referee Julie Parry offered to teach fellow residents how to swing a mallet, she hoped that half a dozen people might join in. But when 50 residents turned up to the croquet lawn, she knew she was on to something.

"I was so surprised and delighted by the response," says Julie, who has lived at Summerset Monterey Park in Hobsonville, Auckland, for about three years.

As a croquet coach who has also refereed around Auckland at national championships and club events, it's safe to say she knows a thing or two about the game. Over the years, Julie has taught everyone from golfers looking for something different, to people who have never played sport in their lives.

She says that with a bit of perseverance and practice, anyone can learn. But as a sport known for its tricky tactics, it helps to learn some tips from an expert.

"It's certainly a game where you take no prisoners! You can hit other people's balls out of the way, but everyone is quite friendly," Julie says. "In my time as a referee, I've never struck anyone who's been really nasty. But if they are, as a referee I can remove them from play, which I've always thought is quite hilarious!"

With the help of a few residents who are handy with hammers, the former creamery of Clark Cottage (a historic cottage on the village site) has been transformed into a croquet equipment shed. And after spying a piece of unused land that looked like the perfect spot for croquet, Julie has been working with a team of enthusiastic helpers to get a new village lawn completed.

"Hopefully, we can have a special opening gathering once it's all finished," Julie says.

"From the lawn you look down onto the water, and if you look the other way you have a view of the historic cottage. It's a really beautiful spot." Love the life you choose. summerset.co.nz

"It's certainly a game where you take no prisoners! You can hit other people's balls out of the way, but everyone is quite friendly"