Have you considered trying your hand at croquet, asks Richard Peck. Yes, that’s right, croquet!
The Auckland/Chilton Croquet Club is located at the Miners Welfare Recreation Ground in Chilton, and we are looking to welcome new players.
Did you know that croquet is one of the few sports where men and women can play alongside and against each other on an equal footing?
Croquet has an image as a toff’s game or an old person’s pastime but that’s not the case.
The captain of the England team is in his twenties and the current world champion is not yet 40!
At Chilton we offer gentle exercise in a pleasant setting, plenty of fresh air and healthy competition in a friendly atmosphere.
When not playing, the park is an attractive place to walk around or simply sit and watch and relax.
You can learn as you play – it’s not a difficult game although there are skills and strategies to be picked up as you develop your game.
You can also play as much or as little as you please, there’s no pressure to be ‘good enough for the club team’, although we are always looking for new talent.
Some people lost self-confidence during the Covid lockdowns, and we believe that some may be able to regain some self-esteem by coming down and taking part in order to combat loneliness and prevent social isolation.
In the past, croquet has been proven to aid in the rehabilitation of stroke- victims and it could be an ideal sport for those recovering from Long Covid.
Two of our members are carers and playing croquet once or twice a week can provide them with a brief respite from their caring responsibilities, helping to reduce stress and offer some brain and memory stimulation.
Auckland/Chilton Croquet Club practice on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays from 2pm until 4.30pm (approx.). You can pay as you play on a daily basis and your first two sessions are totally free! After that the cost is £5 per person per visit. All equipment is free to use through the club and is regularly sanitised.
There is car parking available as well as a nearby bus stop. We are located behind the Jet petrol station off the A167 Chilton roundabout.
Give us a call on 07801 190896 or just turn up on the day. All you need is a pair of flat shoes, a sun hat and a waterproof jacket – just in case!
You can get an overview of the NE croquet scene at www.croquetnorth.org.uk
So come on down and give it a go and ‘Keep Fit and Socialise’!
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