AS summer is approaching the members of The Palace Croquet Club are once again on the lawns of The Bishop’s Palace most afternoons of the week.
Members were delighted that Bishop Michael, who is President of the Club, found time recently to come on to the lawns at the Palace to officially open the season. This is a bit later in the year than usual because the Bishop had a much more important duty to carry out at Westminster Abbey. Bishop Michael also found time to play a game of croquet with members and to demonstrate his skill in the game.
Members of the club enjoy playing both Association Croquet and Golf Croquet. The club plays friendly matches against other local croquet clubs and organises social club tournaments for members.
Croquet has been played regularly on the lawns in front of The Bishop’s Palace since 1976 when Horace Southwell approached the newly appointed Bishop Bickersteth about allowing croquet to be played on the lawn at the Palace. The Bishop was very keen as he thought that croquet would fit well with the character of Wells. At first it was just one afternoon a week and then two. Now members play five days per week and at the weekends with friends and new members.
The club welcomes new members. Introductory lessons are given so no experience is necessary. Anyone interested in joining the club and playing in the beautiful surroundings of The Bishop’s Palace should contact Club Secretary Jonathan Rendel on 01749 345355.