As part of a Community Cohesion development, Bury Croquet Club hosted an inaugural friendly croquet tournament for the Queen’s Jubilee Bury Croquet Cup at Whitehead Park. The event was attended by Bury Council, Community Hub Managers and Community Engagement Champions who played against members of Bury Veterans Hub. Also in attendance were local ward councillors Dene Vernon, Jackie Harris & Shahbaz Arif.
Most of the competitors, many of whom had not played croquet before, quickly grasped the rudiments of the game and some competitive and close play took place. The trophy was in the end lifted by The Veterans team following a penalty shoot out.
Cllr Richard Gold, cabinet member for finance and communities, said: “We were delighted to help organise this event, giving people a chance to learn a new sport and get out into the fresh air. Well done to the veterans, who fittingly lifted the trophy on the Queen’s jubilee!”
Croquet Club Chairman Roy Spencer commented that the club is pleased to have worked in conjunction with Council Community team to organise this event, as it fits nicely with our “Opening Doors to Croquet” initiative.
Pleased to say it was a successful well attended event which introduced croquet to a number of people who would never previously considered playing – which is the prime aim of the programme, and a number of the visitors have expressed an interest in taster sessions and visiting again. Thanks are due to a number of the club members who assisted.