NZ award to popular Barry Memorial

WELCOMING AND FRIENDLY: That is one of the main reasons Barry Memorial Croquet Club has upped its membership numbers and in the process won a Croquet NZ trophy for the biggest percentage increase in membership, Pictured with the trophy are club committee members. Back row (from left) are Jenny Barns-Graham, Christine McCullough, Chris Newton, Paul Stuart and John Wilson.Front: Rob Hayes, Maurice Allan (president), Ross Thomson (club captain), Croquet Hawke’s Bay president Geoff Vautier, who presented the trophy on behalf of Croquet NZ, and George Ebbett. Picture supplied

CROQUET

Barry Memorial Croquet Club has been awarded the President’s Trophy for having the largest membership percentage increase of any croquet club in the country in the past 12 months.

The Aberdeen Road club attracted 17 new-to-croquet members — a membership increase of 46 percent.

Last year’s winner, Taupo Croquet Club, was runner-up on 41 percent.

Croquet New Zealand executive director Jake Inwood has congratulated the Barry Memorial club.

“The Presidents Trophy is definitely well deserved. The fact that 16 of the 112 clubs in the country had an increase of 20 percent or more in membership indicates how popular the sport of croquet is becoming.”

“The award recognises the efforts clubs put into growing their membership and in turn the membership of Croquet New Zealand and lifting the profile of the game itself.”

Barry Memorial club captain Ross Thomson said there were probably several reasons for the growth.

“A determined effort has been made to encourage the community to come along to a club day and give the game a go.”

Club days continue on Friday and Sunday afternoons starting at 12.45pm.

“On club days everyone gets to play three games and the draw is arranged so players in each game are of a similar standard. Equipment and mallets are supplied free of charge.

“Players new to the game are paired with an experienced player, who coaches them along the way.

“Everyone is most helpful to new players and this is the strength of the club, which has a great reputation of being welcoming and friendly.

“We can all remember being beginners once and we encourage the fun side of the game.

“Croquet is a game families or couples can play and enjoy.”

The club has also hosted many local organisations from banks to Gisborne District Council.

‘The game has few rules and is very easy to learn,” said Thomson.

“While many sporting codes are experiencing a downturn in participants, croquet, and particularly Barry Memorial Croquet Club, are bucking the trend.”