SWANAGE Croquet Club’s new season is now up and running and the club is thriving with around 70 members playing both social and competitive croquet. 

The club, which was originally established 14 years ago, found a new home in 2023 as it entered into a partnership with Swanage Primary School.  

Part of the school field at the top of Bon Accord Road has been developed into two full sized competition standard lawns.  

Social croquet and practice games take place throughout the week and at weekends.

Organisers say that most players play just for fun and enjoy the social side of the game.  

Anyone interested in joining the club should visit the club website, www.swanagecroquetclub.com, and then contact the club via the website for an introductory session. 

Chair of Swanage Croquet Club Greg Vaughn receiving the South of England winners shield at Bath in 2022. Picture: Swanage Croquet Club

The club is a member of Croquet England, whose mission is to see ‘More people playing more croquet in more places.’

Organisers said: “It is a sport which is not only inclusive to all genders, abilities and ages, it also helps individuals improve their mental and physical wellbeing.

“Croquet is a game of tactics, skill and accuracy and has been growing in popularity here in Swanage.  

“There are also those who like the competitive side of the game so the club has two teams competing in the South West Federation.

“The all handicap team was the South West Federation champions in 2022. The high handicap team was a finalist in 2023 and the new season is now under way.”

The club has 70 active members. Picture: Swanage Croquet Club

Competition Results 

The all handicap team is comprised of five or six players who have the lower handicaps and recently played their first game of the season and ran out 19-1 winners against Budleigh Salterton of Devon.

The all handicap team then went on to beat Exeter away 11-9 in early June to make it two wins in a row. They play their next match at home against Taunton Deane.

The high handicap made a great start to the season, winning at home against Winterborne Valley 13-7. Their next match is at home to local rivals East Dorset.