SWINDON Croquet Club members are celebrating the opening of their new clubhouse with an open day at the club’s lawns in Moredon Playing Field.

The event will take place on May 5, and people are welcome to come along at any time between 11am and 4pm for an informal game of croquet and a cup of tea and biscuits.

Wear something warm and flat shoes, all other equipment and coaching will be provided. If it is really good weather you could even bring a picnic and stay all day.

For anyone interested in learning more about the strokes and techniques, the club is also running a beginners’ course on six successive Fridays, starting on May 2.

This will run from 10am until noon and costs £20 which will be reimbursed if the participant subsequently joins the club.

Mary Bedells, publicity officer for the club said: “Croquet is a fun and sociable game which is suitable for both men and women and for all ages from five to 95.

“You can get the idea and have a game in five minutes, but it can take a lifetime to master all the strokes and become really expert.”

For more information visit the club’s website at www.swindoncroquet.org.uk or telephone the club secretary, John Airey, on 01793 873026.