ENCOURAGING “NEWBIES” TO CROQUET
By Elaine Maiden
Born in Sri Lanka, Mano grew up there not involved in any serious sports but he played so&ball, cricket, snooker and billiards with friends. Concentra6ng on his studies was the passport to his steady employment, and in the late 70s he moved to the UK to gain further experiences and qualifica6ons. Moving around the UK with his profession, with young children and a busy work schedule there wasn’t 6me for any serious sports. A&er re6rement, and a move to Southwell to be nearer family, he joined the Southwell U3A where he was given the opportunity to join a new U3A croquet group that was about to begin. At that first session the group leader spoke about “a taster session” that was coming up at the Southwell Croquet Club (SCC), and Mano says “I jumped at the idea because in‐offs and cut shots on the billiards table told me that I would enjoy croquet”.
Shield singles GC compe66on aimed at “newbies” who had been playing croquet for under three years. It was refreshing to watch these newbies compete, showing dedica6on, progress and sheer love for croquet. What an amazing game that offers fitness, challenge and a compe66ve spirit.
Mano joined SCC straight away, where he found the members friendly and very welcoming. He says “At SCC there are excellent coaching opportuni6es available to teach you the finer points of the game”. At the end of August, Mano was the overall winner of the Derek Blow
Fancy a day of doubles associa6on croquet where every game is over in less than an hour on a half‐sized court in a warm sports hall? Add into this kitchen facili6es with warm lunches available and a well‐stocked bar and you would be hard pressed to find a be7er way to spend a winter weekend. Now imagine if the venue was just a few minutes from the M25 or a brisk walk from Ockenden train sta6on, it is almost a croquet dream, but it is a reality. Once a month this winter star6ng in November Old Brentwood’s Croquet Club will be hos6ng the winter indoor croquet season. Ten one‐day tournaments spread over five weekends. Come with a partner or enter alone and we will match you up with a partner. The courts are true and fast, the company s6mula6ng and fun ‐ so sign up fast before all the spaces are gone. Once you have tried speed croquet you will be hooked, and it is also a great way to stay in trim through the darker months. Hoping to see you there. Book your tournament www.oldbrentwoodscroquetclub/indoor‐ croquet Contact Paul Hetherington (paulhether65@outlook.com) or Alison Maugham (alison@alisonswebsites.co.uk) for more informa6on. INDOOR CROQUET JUST OFF THE M25
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