Ripon Spa Croquet Club is enjoying a renaissance in its new surroundings of Studley Royal Cricket Club.
Covid lockdown from March 2020 and the subsequent sale of Spa Hotel, where the croquet players had been based for almost 30 years, signalled the need for relocation.
The move to SRCC is now complete, with hoops in place to play on a lovingly-tended surface adjacent to the cricket pitch.
The aim is to build on the club’s heritage, which saw international matches and world-class players do battle on the lawns of the hotel’s gardens.
The club’s international pedigree
Formed in the early 1990s as Ripon Spa Hotel Croquet Club, It was founded by Croquet Association Federation officer Keith Smith, hotel owner Andrew Hutchinson and managing director Samantha Currie.
It soon attracted players from across the district, including Harrogate, Knaresborough, Boroughbridge and Pateley Bridge.
By 1997, Ms Currie, Mr Hutchinson and clubmate Syd Jones all achieved world rankings and took part in the GC World Championships in Cairo.
While the club’s historic achievements provide many happy memories for its older members, the emphasis now is on the future.
Chair and chief coach Ted Flexman told the Stray Ferret:
“With the fabulous facilities that we have at the Studley Royal ground, there is the potential to create one of the best croquet clubs in the north.”
One man went to mow – Studley Royal Cricket Club groundsman Trevor Rose.
The club is offering two free introductory taster sessions on April 25 and 27 to attract new members. The sessions are open to people of all ages and anybody wishing to attend should contact the club in advance. Further details are available by clicking on this link.
Club secretary Sue I’Anson said:
“This is a great game for people of all ages and abilities, with the more seasoned players helping newcomers to master the technique of swinging the mallet and making good contact with the ball.”
This has certainly been the experience of member Rod Grant, who added:
“I’d never played croquet before and then Ted invited me have a game and I have enjoyed taking part ever since.”
Sue I’Anson is pictured with, from the left Ted Flexman, Roger I’Anson and Rod Grant
Top facilities
SRCC, with teams in the York & District Senior League Premier Division and 3 more in the Nidderdale League divisions 2, 5 and 7, has one of the best clubhouses of any amateur cricket club in Yorkshire and its pitch among the biggest in the county.
Mr Flexman said:
“We have been made very welcome here and look forward to a long and happy relationship as we play our complementary sports side by side.
“Both require good hand/eye coordination and we hope that some of the bowlers and batsmen try their hand at swinging a mallet.”
Roger I’Anson, who is in the process of obtaining his coaching qualifications, added:
“As well as the joy of taking part in the sport, whether a beginner or experienced player, it’s a tremendous way of making friends, with the clubhouse providing an excellent venue for pre and post-match socialising.”
Harry Whitaker, the owner of Mastachoice Fencing and Fabrication and apprentice Charlie Lister, constructing a storage shed that will be used to store croquet equipment
Roger I’Anson, who is in the process of obtaining his coaching qualifications, added:
“As well as the joy of taking part in the sport, whether a beginner or experienced player, it’s a tremendous way of making friends, with the clubhouse providing an excellent venue for pre and post-match socialising.”
Read more:
