The gentle tonk of willow on ball down at the peaceful village green on an early warm spring evening conjures up a series of pleasant images that can be seen on the croquet lawns of the Waikanae Croquet Club.
The Club is situated in the picturesque ground of Waikanae Park. The club is hopeful more Kāpiti residents will join them on these beautiful grounds in Park Avenue and learn to play this enjoyable and challenging sport.
Club President Gary Lloyd says while croquet can be a very competitive sport it is also quite social as well.
“Newcomers will find it is relatively easy to learn and the sport is designed to suit all levels of players and we have a good system that places players of similar abilities against each other.”
Mr Lloyd says croquet is not an expensive game to play. There is a modest annual subscription and all that is required to start, is a pair of flat soled shoes and a mallet (which can be borrowed from the Club for the first season). He says the club also has free lessons for those interested in having a go and for those who go on to join the club a first year, half-subscription fee is offered.
To help promote the club and the sport the Waikanae Croquet club are holding a Have-a-Go Day on Saturday September 10 (see poster below for details – DATE CONFIRMED is SEPTEMBER 10
Mr Lloyd says there are two versions of the game, Association Croquet and Golf Croquet and both games are played on the Club’s 5 lawns at 60 Park Avenue Waikanae and attract players of all ages and gender.
“We have members who enjoy their Croquet on a purely social level for the fun and friendship and others who enjoy the challenge of competition, which if taken seriously can lead to National and even overseas Tournaments.”
He says the perception of it being a retirees sport can be misleading.
“A lot of the top players at New Zealand rep level are in their 20s and 30s so it really is a game for all ages and abilities. We have a lot of working age players and there are college age players as well.
“We are also an active social club and the Twilight sessions on Friday evenings during the season are very popular,” says Mr Lloyd.
