Enfield Croquet Club (CIO)

Enfield Croquet Club (CIO) is a nonprofit organisation and registered charity (charity number 1181309) dedicated to promoting community participation in healthy recreation through the sport of croquet. The club is based in Bush Hill Park Recreation Ground, Enfield, London, and has been active since 1993. It operates as the largest croquet club in North London and offers opportunities for both social and competitive play[2][3][5].

History and Location

Founded in 1993 on the site of a former pitch-and-putt golf course, Enfield Croquet Club has grown steadily and established itself as a prominent centre for croquet in the region. The club maintains three full-size lawns at its grounds in Bush Hill Park, located off Southbury Road in Enfield[3][5].

Objectives and Activities

The club’s primary objective is to promote healthy recreational activities within the community, especially through providing facilities and opportunities for playing croquet competitively and socially[2]. Croquet is characterised as a game requiring strategic thinking, skill, and hand-to-eye coordination, often described as "snooker on grass"[3].

Membership and Community Engagement

Enfield Croquet Club welcomes players of all skill levels and ages, from complete beginners to international competitors. The club actively encourages new members and provides free introductory courses, particularly in April each year, designed to teach newcomers the basics of the game. These sessions include all necessary equipment and are conducted by experienced and friendly club members[3][5].

Competitive Play

The club participates actively in league competitions, including those run by the East Anglian Croquet Federation, and hosts a number of internal competitions. Members have achieved success in local, county, national, and international competitions. The club fields teams for league play and encourages both individual and team competitive opportunities[1][5].

Social and Recreational Aspects

While competitive play is a significant part of the club’s activities, many members enjoy croquet as a relaxed and social pastime. Club days occur regularly on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons, providing a welcoming environment for casual games and social interaction[3][5].

Notable Events

Enfield Croquet Club holds annual competitions and special events, such as the Sheila Rudling Cup. In recent years, members have competed fiercely in various matches, with notable victories and close contests reflecting the club’s active and engaged membership[1].

Enfield Croquet Club continues to foster an inclusive and vibrant community around the sport of croquet, encouraging participation from all ages and abilities while maintaining a competitive edge at regional and national levels.

[1] http://www.enfieldcroquet.org [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/about-the-register-of-charities/-/charity-details/5131865 [3] https://mylife.enfield.gov.uk/directory/providerdetails/211530 [4] https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/CE016017 [5] https://enfielddispatch.co.uk/everything-is-going-to-be-croquet/