Take-Off to Roade

by Northampton Croquet Club in Northampton, Northamptonshire, United Kingdom

We did it
On 28th January 2022 we successfully raised £20,430 ( + est. £1008.00 Gift Aid ) with 146 supporters in 42 days

Our aim to is develop a new home for Croquet at a site in Roade, Northamptonshire and encourage wider participation for all.

by Northampton Croquet Club in Northampton, Northamptonshire, United Kingdom

 New stretch target

The next step on our journey would be to establish a club house both to escape inclement weather and provide facilities to enjoy a hot drink on a cold day or a cold drink on a hot day.


Take off to Roade

In order to be able to continue making croquet accessible to all, we urgently need to establish our club in a new home and bring it into use.

Take-off to Roade is a play on words since a Take-off is a match winning tactic in croquet, where you take a ball into a strategic position to go through a  hoop or to use another ball and secure a win. Our plan is to establish a new home for croquet in Roade, Northamptonshire. With your help we believe our Take-Off will be a winner !

About Croquet: 

  • Croquet is an activity that can be enjoyed by all. 
  • It appeals to people of all ages ,abilities and crosses the generational and ethic divides.
  • It promotes gentle physical and mental exercise as well as an increase in well-being encouraged by safe social interaction -it is also a great family experience.

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About the Site: 

As you can see the site we've found is one of natural beauty  which we'll preserve and enhance with the introduction of a wild flower garden.

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About the Plan: 

Our approach for developing the site is in 3 phases. The picture below shows the planned layout that will take a few years to achieve.

  • Phase 1: Establish 2 lawns (labelled 1 & 2 below) the main thrust of this campaign. A croquet lawn is smaller than a bowls green but ideally developed to the same high standard for truly fast paced games. We have also planned for the necessary secure storage, lawn care equipment; including a water supply and of course toilet facilities.
  • Phase 2: Fund and install a suitable club house (a stretch goal of this campaign) ; to escape inclement weather as well as provide a base to prepare that hot drink on a cold day or cold drink in the summer. We’ll also prepare a patio area for spectators to enjoy our sport and this fantastic space.
  • Phase 3: The final phase will see us preparing the lawns labelled 3 & 4. This will allow us to return to the national competition arena for a truly inspiring club.

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About us: 

  • Northampton Croquet club was established in 1986, playing on a single lawn in Becketts Park, Northampton. After a few years with increased interest, it moved to the grounds of St. Andrews Hospital and thrived to build the club capabilities from 2 to 4 lawns and a strong membership that crossed the 60 member barrier.
  • At the onset of COVID-19, our hosts required the land that we had occupied for over 30 years for other uses, so we began our search for a new home and after visiting well over 100 sites we believe we have found a space to develop for the future. 
  • We are particularly encouraged and pleased to be able to introduce croquet to a wider group of younger people, an avenue denied us due to the nature of the residents of St. Andrews (no under 18's permitted on the lawns). 
  • We have sought advice from both other clubs faced with similar challenges and other sources to ensure that we are also equipped to maintain and support what we build. 
  • So please review how you might help us and even if you cannot support us financially be assured you will receive a warm welcome from the club if you want to give croquet a try. 
  • You can take advantage of our qualified coaches as well as be partnered with a 'buddy' who as an experienced player and club member can ensure you get the most out of your experience and will introduce you to other club members. 
  • We have all the equipment you need so no need for any investment and if subscriptions are problematical the club has a policy to offer reduced fees to those in need. 1638728089_glynis3.png

and finally..

Yes, it is true after a day on the lawns in competition we like to adjourn for that deserved cup of tea and a slice of cake and catch up socially with those we haven't played with or talk tactics for the next session.

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Thank you for your support.

Rewards

This project offers rewards in return for your donation. Please select a reward below.

£92 or more

3 of 6 claimed

Reg Bamford Signed Letterpress Poster (Unframed)

This is a unique opportunity to own a letterpress poster featuring a quote from Reg Bamford a key player in the sport of Croquet. The letterpress posters have been designed and printed by graphic designer and croquet player James Skelton at Milvus Press using wood and lead type. In this limited first run copies have been signed by Reg himself. Size 34 x 50cm (image size: 23 x 38cm). Printed on 120gsm Zerkall mould-made paper. Note Unframed.

£2 or more

£2 Donation or more: Show your Support

If you simply want to show your support, maybe because you've enjoyed one of our sessions or visited with your friends or have played us competitively then we'd be pleased to acknowledge your donation with our thanks.

£10 or more

£10 Donation or more: Croquet Taster Session

An invitation to a croquet taster session either at our current temporary home or wait until we are established at Roade. The session lasts for approx. 2 hours and everything is provided; so no extra costs for kit hire, just wear some flat soled shoes or trainers.

£15 or more

3 of 10 claimed

£15 Donation : Invitation to our Grand Opening

Receive an invitation to our grand opening at Roade, come along to see the fruits of your donation on this special day.

£20 or more

22 of 40 claimed

£20 or more donation: Supporter's Lawn Square

This level of donation allows you to have your name or that of a loved one on a lawn square (40 Squares per lawn) that will be displayed both on our web site and when we establish a club house we'll frame an image of the squares and display it in our clubhouse. So your contribution will be there for all to see.

£25 or more

7 of 10 claimed

£25 Donation or more: Guided Tour of Stoke Bruerne

The Victorians with their engineering skills built many great modes of transport like the Grand Union canal, a major water artery linking London with Birmingham. Stoke Bruerne is a Northamptonshire hub for canal enthusiasts, boaters and tourists alike. Step back in time with a tour of this historic canal and its associated locks, museum, and of course local pubs, presented by a local lock keeper. Dates to be arranged with donators.

£25 or more

1 of 6 claimed

£25 Donation or more: Card Crafting Session

An afternoon of Paper Crafting: Similar courses -£50. Join Sandie from Crafts2Dye4 for an afternoon of paper crafts where you can make unique cards and gifts for friends or family from paper, card and acetate. Sandie has run her own business for over ten years, dyes her materials, and will pass on her tips and knowledge. The session will be arranged to fit in with those donating against this pledge. All materials provided.

£30 or more

5 of 10 claimed

£30 Donation or more: Masterclass Coaching Session

Receive two, 2 hour coaching sessions from the Croquet Association's coach of the year 2021. Either code of croquet can be accommodated with this exceptional coach, whose services demand much higher payment. We can accommodate you at our current location or wait until we move to Roade!

£30 or more

1 of 2 claimed

Smith & Canova leather hip flask

This reward is for a NEW Smith and Canova leather hip flask in its presentation box kindly donated by a member of the club. Value in the shops in excess of £34 + p&p.

£75 or more

1 of 2 claimed

£75 Donation or more: Letterpress Experience

Spend a day learning the craft of hand typesetting and letterpress printing. Bring your favourite poem, saying or song lyrics and take away your own unique hand printed version. The day starts with a short introduction to letterpress printing. Followed by the basics of accurate hand-setting lead type, locking up in a printing ‘chase’, ink mixing and preparing to print. All materials and light lunch and refreshments are included. (Typically £100)

£75 or more

0 of 5 claimed

£75 Donation or more: Group Session on the Lawns

This is for a group of up to 16 people to join us on the lawn for a croquet experience. You'll all receive tuition and advice as you go. All you need is a flat pair of shoes and your competitive spirit! Such an experience would normally be £120+!

£1,500 or more

3 of 4 claimed

£1500

A lifetime membership of Northampton Croquet Club. Donate and you wont have to budget for future subscription increases. (subscriptions are very unlikely to reduce in the future!)

£5 or more

1 of 1 claimed

£10 Voucher for 'The Roade House'

A £10 gift voucher for The Roade House, against food, yoga or in the hair salon. Take a look at https://www.theroadehouse.co.uk/. Thanks to Paul and the team at the Roade House for the donation.

£7 or more

1 of 1 claimed

£10 Wine and Chocolates

Kindly donated by T & H Newsagents, Roade. A nice bottle of 'Distant Vines' Sauvignon Blanc wine and a tin of Quality Street Chocolates (650g). Please only donate if you live locally as any postage will negate your kind contribution.

£8 or more

2 of 2 claimed

£10 Voucher for Beckworth Emporium

This donation secures a £10 voucher to spend at the locally renowned Beckworth Emporium, Northampton (https://www.beckworthemporium.co.uk/). Especially useful for that special present or save it to set against a luxury cream tea in the summer

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