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10
May
The Ripon croquet club looking to redefine the sport
As we enter the sunnier months, summer sports begin to creep back into our lives. The cricket season has just started up again, and the annual influx of running club members will start to rise.
But a sport that often goes under the radar is croquet.
Played with a wooden mallet; the aim of croquet is to hit balls through a series of wickets before your opponents.
Although it is a popular sport in Britain, there is somewhat of a stigma around Croquet – many people believe that it is an affluent sport that only older people play.
Ripon Spa Croquet Club want to redefine this.
Operating on specialist lawns on the Studley Royal Cricket Club, the club has recently started its season.
With 20 members, some of whom compete at national level, the croquet club is keen to attract a new diverse range of members this year.
The Stray Ferret recently spoke to Andrea Widdison, publicity officer for Ripon Spa Croquet Club, who told us what it was like to play the sport:
I love it. It’s just a really fascinating sport. It combines elements from snooker and golf; it’s very tactical and there’s lots of thinking.
It can be quite vicious at times too. Not between players, but you’re really trying to whack other people’s balls out of the way.
Croquet can be played casually or competitively and has several rule variations – the most common of which are Association Croquet and Golf Croquet.
Association Croquet is more strategic – players can take multiple shots trying to hit other balls until they miss – and takes longer. Golf Croquet is much faster paced, only allowing a player one shot per turn.
Ms Widdison told me that while Ripon Spa Croquet Club plays both variations, they tend to prioritise golf croquet as it is faster and more sociable.
Nine of the club’s members currently compete in tournaments outside of the club. This could be in international tournaments, regional tournaments or club tournaments. Ms Widdison told me that she currently represents Ireland.
Andrea Widdison (top right) representing Ireland.
And the club wants to restart its own tournaments, which it used to host on its previous premises.
For nearly 10 years, the club operated from the Ripon Spa Hotel on Park Street. But when it was taken over by the Inn Collection Group in June 2021, the club had to find new grounds.
Now that the lawns at Studley Royal Cricket Club are in good shape, Ms Widdison says that the club will be hosting a Yorkshire tournament.
The club offers three ‘club sessions’ and two ‘team sessions’ per week.
On club days players play three games in the morning, have refreshments around lunch time and then start playing again. Ms Widdison said that these days are very sociable and games are relaxed.
The team sessions are more focused, for players who might be competing in tournaments.
Tactics and specific shots are worked on and games are played competitively.
National Croquet Week
With National Croquet Week fast approaching, from May 19-25, Ripon Spa Croquet Club have decided to use the opportunity to try to encourage new players.
The club will host two free trial sessions to the public, on Tuesday, May 20, from 2pm-5pm, and on Friday, May 23, from 5pm-8pm.
All equipment will be provided, with Ms Widdison and other members of the club providing tutoring and advice for those interested in learning the sport.
A full year’s membership for the club costs £180. All equipment will be provided throughout the year.
Ms Widdison encouraged people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to attend the club’s upcoming free sessions, saying that it’s a sport you can get addicted to very quickly.
If you would like to join a trial session, please contact secretary@riponspacroquetclub.org giving your choice of session.
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