[First published in the Croquet Gazette Issue 394, December 2021]

Article by Stephanie Ferguson

Yorkshire’s Ben Rhydding CC has been reaching out into the community and teaching members of their local U3A how to play golf croquet.

Having survived flooded lawns and a damaged pavilion, plus Covid-19 lockdown, the club, which is situated beside the River Wharfe, got back in action at the end of May with a four-week course for Ilkley and District U3A.

Headed by club captain and coach Penny Clark, with fellow coach Cathy O’Brien, the course was a great success with 23 students taking part helped by experienced players.

More than half of the participants have signed up to join the club so far!

“We couldn’t run the course last year because of Covid-19 and we have had a great response this time,” said Cathy O’Brien. “We had two groups a week and several people are very keen and show promise for the future.”

The newcomers were able to learn the basics with a new set of Croquet Association mallets, thanks to a generous U3A grant.

“We are delighted to have had the support of the U3A,” said Ben Rhydding chair Alan Ebbutt.

“When learning to play it is important to borrow a good mallet before buying your own and U3A support has ensured new players get a good start.”

Several participants enjoyed the social side of the sport and said they enrolled as they wanted get out and be active after lockdown.

Other people, many of whom had previously played (18 hole) golf, were competitive and joined the club for the rest of the season.

“The University of the Third Age, U3A, offers a wide range of interests for older people nationwide and we were delighted to to help these seniors get fit and active,” added Ben Rhydding Membership Secretary Stephanie Ferguson. “As we know croquet is the ideal sport for all ages both physically and mentally.”

Ben Rhydding fields teams in Yorkshire Federation matches and also takes part in friendly contests with other clubs across the county.