HORSES, PENNY FARTHINGS AND CROQUET CONTINUED
competition to go through four of those hoops in the lowest number of shots. The prize of a large luxury box of chocolates provided the incentive to enter. There were a few bumps in the lawn – the grounds requirements of polo and croquet are different, to say the least – but that was helpful in providing excuses to our three committee members whenever we missed a hoop while trying to show visitors how it was done! We were able to set up a table in the shade of a nearby tree, on which we placed lots of literature about our club and croquet more generally; we took email addresses from a number of visitors and will be following up the contacts made. We introduced many to croquet and reignited the interest of people who hadn’t played for years. And it was great to see children having a good time with the mini- mallets we had taken along. The polo club appreciated our presence too, commenting on the event Laura Hedley, Events and Sponsorship Manager at the club said: “The croquet taster sessions were a brilliant
addition to our centenary open day. Our members had a great time learning about the sport and thoroughly enjoyed the coaching that Surbiton offered.” Altogether, an enjoyable, interesting and successful afternoon. If only the temperature had been a few degrees lower…… Looking to the future we’re planning a croquet evening for polo club members later in the summer, and possibly extra joint events in the more distant future, with both sports, perhaps each seen as a minority interest by many, benefitting. Ham Polo Club, in the London Borough of Richmond, was formed in 1926 and, like Surbiton Croquet Club, is the largest of its sport in London. They run an attractive series of events through the summer for members and non-members alike. More details at https://www.hampoloclub.com/whats-on
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