Take-Off to Roade

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

Thank you for your support.