Province 18 is running a fun croquet event on 22 May 2010 to build on the already significant demand for croquet at Circle levels. The competition will give all Circles the chance to send (a) mixed team(s) to play, have fun, and provide a Province-wide context for brothers and ladies to socialise in a very pleasant setting. Croquet has the distinct advantage that all participants - men and women, young and old – play on an equal footing and there is much scope for chat and commentary! The skills needed are ‘touch’ and ‘guile’ more than great strength. The game can (if properly attired) be played in all weathers. The venue is Sussex County Croquet Club (SCCC). It is a premier club (11 lawns, catering and bar), will make all necessary lawns and equipment available, and provide lunch, teas and a cash bar for our competition on Saturday 22nd May. SCCC has an excellent (and for us central) location opposite Shoreham College and close to the attractive Southwick Town Centre and St Julian’s Church.

Haywards Heath Circle (167) is managing the event. It has held ‘Fun Croquet’ evenings at Southwick for the last two years and these were greatly appreciated by 167 Circle brothers and their ladies. Bro. Alan Rew, Treasurer (167), is the principal contact for the competition. He can be contacted on: alan_rew@yahoo.co.uk; or 01444 811507.

Timetable
Please select your Circle’s team of four players by Friday 26th March and then email alan_rew@yahoo.co.uk or phone 01444 811507 with their names together with any needs they may have for further information, travel details etc or put them into contact directly with Brother Alan. He will be happy to answer any of your questions and/or provide further advice to your Circle.

Please Select the Team to represent your Circle!
You are now invited to send at least two ‘couples’ from the Circle to make up the team of four that will represent you in the competition. (In certain circumstances it may be possible to include an additional team of four from a Circle.) Brothers with their ladies are welcome as, equally, are Circle widows and single Brothers. The aim is as much fun as it is serious sport. Each team will play a number of short games. A ‘Swiss format’ competition will allow winners to play winners and losers to play losers until there are clear results. For the high achieving Circles there will be a trophy and prizes.

We will play Golf Croquet. This is a type of croquet in which the basic strokes and rules can be learned in five minutes yet can also provide tactical puzzles and challenges for very skilled players. SCCC plays it to international level; and hosted the World Golf Croquet Championships in 2005. The club also hosts the UK’s Croquet Academy (devoted to Coaching) and is uniquely placed to receive a Catenian contingent of forty to fifty players with varied skill levels. It has considerable, very well-regarded, experience in hosting many corporate events, for example for Rotary and Probus clubs. Since teams will be travelling to Southwick from across the Province, a Saturday late morning and afternoon session with lunch has been arranged. There will also be tea and coffee etc. and ample time for chatting and just watching. The SCCC bar provides Dark Star beers on tap and a good range of reasonably-priced other drinks. The food will be a two course buffet and players can either lunch inside or outside depending on the weather.

Player Requirements and Costs

The only equipment /clothing items that players need provide are totally FLAT SHOES, no heels; these are compulsory to avoid damage to lawns. Do also bring rain gear and sweaters. We can expect excellent sunny weather on the day with dining outside; but do bring the other clothing just in case… All other equipment and provisions for the day will be provided. The total cost will be £20 per person