Croquet, also called Lawn Croquet, is a popular outdoor game, played on a lawn or court, with long-handled mallets and the players hit balls through a series of wickets or hoops.

The game evolved from paille-maille (French: “pall-mall”), which was played in France as early as the 13th century and introduced into England in the 16th century. It is thought that the actual game ‘croquet’ emerged from Ireland around 1850 where it was known as crookey, a word meaning ‘as a hooked stick’. The earliest mention of croquet in documentation is in a set of rules written for the game in 1856 by Isaac Spratt. In 1868 the All England Croquet Club was formed at Wimbledon and the very first meeting was held in Moreton-in-Marsh in Gloucestershire.

In a basic game of croquet, it can be played by two, four or six players. The object of the game is to hit your ball(s) through the course of six hoops in the right sequence in each direction and finish by hitting them against the centre peg. The side which completes the course first with both balls wins.

DID YOU KNOW:

• There were teams from 17 countries at the last croquet World Championships
• There is a French aperitif called "Croquet"
• There are two London streets named after a precursor of the game
• Croquet has even been played in Antarctica
• Croquet is a 3-dimensional game
• Wimbledon was originally a croquet club
• A single championship standard croquet ball costs about £100
• The Earl of Essex manufactured the "Cassiobury Croquet Set"

If you fancy having a go at croquet, you’re in luck! You have Ashby Croquet Club right on your doorstep. 

Ashby Croquet Club was formed in 1985, and since 2001 we have been based within the sports grounds of Moira Miners’ Welfare Sports & Social Club. Their main season runs from April to October, and membership is open to people of any age. New recruits are always welcome, and all members have the use of the equipment as well as access to coaching from more experienced players.

So, if you have a passion to try something new and are looking to join a successful and competitive local team, please get in touch on enquiries@ashbycroquetclub.org.uk

Introductory sessions are also held - usually in May and June, where the lawns are open to the public to try the game. They can also organise taster sessions at other times, just ask!

**SAVE THE DATE** A Festival of Sport

Ashby Sport Funday 

Saturday 3^rd July 2021 10am till 4pm

The Bath Grounds, Ashby de la Zouch

Free entry