By Jena Carr
Belmont Croquet Club will open its courts up to the public to come and try the sport to celebrate World Croquet Day.
The free event will take place at the club’s 161 Francis Street, Belmont, location from 10am to noon on May 4 for the public to try croquet, with tea or coffee and biscuits available afterwards.
Secretary Janelle Morris said everyone was welcome to come along for the day but asked people to wear weatherproof and flat-soled shoes to go onto the court.
“The event is about celebrating this elegant and ancient game, and Belmont is opening the sport up to the public to get a taste of it,” she said.
“Anybody who’s never tried the game before can come in, we have players who have been at the club for some time, and they can guide people to give them a taste of what it is.”
Ms Morris said everyone was welcome to attend the free event but asked that a parent or guardian accompany children under 18.
“Croquet is a game of strategy and skill and sometimes, when the ball hits the mallet, people surprise themselves,” she said.
“It uses your mind and body, and even though it’s relatively passive, it’s a sport that requires you to think about what you’re doing.
“It’s not just, see ball and hit ball; it’s also about the camaraderie of fellow players and the challenge as you compete against yourself to progress your own abilities… It slowly hooks you in.”
Ms Morris also said the Belmont Croquet Club had international croquet player Stephen Forster as a life member who also maintains the court’s high standards.
