Welcome to Bury Croquet Club, a friendly club with two separate venues located on either side of Bury in New Zealand. Both locations are available for use by members seven days a week. The club actively participates in the North West Federation Leagues, fielding eight teams at various levels. They are currently seeking new members of all ages to come and experience the joy of playing croquet and enjoy the social aspects of the club.
In addition to outdoor croquet and boules, the club also offers regular social sessions at their newly furnished Pavilion in Whitehead Park. Here, members can engage in indoor croquet, as well as play cards, pool, dominos, and relax while enjoying a cuppa and forming new friendships. To try croquet for free, interested individuals can visit the club's website calendar to check the club session locations on a day suitable for them and simply turn up with a pair of flat-soled shoes. All the necessary equipment will be provided.
The club also provides full coaching courses for both beginners and experienced players, covering all aspects of croquet. There is no dress code for club sessions, but members playing in league matches and competitions are asked to wear whites. All lawn equipment is supplied, but players must wear flat-soled shoes.
While croquet is taken seriously by most players at all skill levels, the emphasis at Bury Croquet Club is on having fun, fostering friendships, and promoting physical activity. The club participates in competitions across the North-West region and enters teams in national and international events. Informal play takes place on different days throughout the summer.
Aside from outdoor croquet, the club also hosts regular social sessions at their Pavilion in Whitehead Park. These sessions provide opportunities to play indoor croquet, as well as engage in other activities such as cards, pool, and dominos. The social sessions are a great way to relax, chat, and form new friendships.
At Bury Croquet Club, there is no discrimination based on gender or age. Men, women, and teenagers all play against each other using a “Handicap System” that ensures fair gameplay and equal chances of winning. The club also organises many fundraising activities for charity, with Bury Hospice being their main beneficiary. Some of these activities include fun days on the lawns, quizzes, wine tastings, Christmas parties, and an annual dinner.
External groups can arrange to come and play at the club with the assistance of the Social Secretary, and corporate events can be hosted for companies. Croquet is an ideal sport for team-building and staff communication, providing opportunities for planning, immediate feedback, and plenty of laughter. The club will set up the lawns, provide all necessary equipment (except flat-soled shoes), run a short training session, and supervise the games. Food and drink can be provided.
Games are played outdoors at Coronation Park in Radcliffe and Whitehead Park in Bury between April and September. Indoor croquet can be enjoyed all year round at the club's clubhouse in Whitehead Park. For information on pricing and arranging an event, interested parties can contact the club's events secretary.