About the club
The club was formed in 2008, and is based at Chester-le-Street Riverside Park Park, where we share facilities with Chester-le-Street Bowling Club.
Our season runs from April to September, and membership is open to people of any age. New recruits are always welcome, and all members have the use of our equipment as well as access to coaching from our more experienced players. [See Calendar page for club opening and events.]
There is no particular dress code, except that we ask players to wear flat-soled shoes to protect the lawns.
Our club focuses on Golf Croquet, and the large majority of our sessions are designed as social play with members of all abilities playing with and against each other.
We also run internal competitions open to all, again catering for all levels of player from beginner to expert. The club participates in regional leagues and national competitions, and, for those who wish to play more competitively there are opportunities to enter tournaments regionally and nationally on an individual basis.
Croquet is one of the finest outdoor sports. It is a friendly game combining ball skills as well as tactics, it’s relatively easy to understand, and it’s fun to play.
We are always pleased to receive new members, of any age or level of experience from beginner to advanced. If you are an experienced club or match player, please click on our club section to learn more about the club and how to get in touch.
If you are thinking of taking up croquet from scratch, please keep reading this section for a brief introduction to the game and its benefits.
Why play croquet?
Croquet is an enjoyable, sociable game that can be played by people of any age and of either sex.
There are two principal forms of the game – Association and Golf.
Association Croquet is a game of complex strategy and high levels of skill, and is similar in many ways to games like snooker or pool.
Golf Croquet is quick to learn, but requires accuracy and tactics to master.
Both forms of the game may be played as singles or doubles and many people enjoy playing both, as skills learned in one form of the game may be applied to the other.
Croquet’s effective handicap system recognises smart thinking as much as physical skill, so everyone has a good chance of winning.
As with any game, the best players probably start young, but many take it up after retiring from more energetic pursuits. It can be as skilful as you want it to be – advanced players can take it very seriously, but most club members probably see it as a relaxing and friendly way of passing an afternoon.
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Interested in playing?
Before deciding whether to join the club, prospective members are welcome to try the game. See our taking part section for details, and contact us if you want more information.