Special celebrations at Whanganui croquet season opening

Mayor Hamish McDouall (right) tried his hand at golf croquet at the Wanganui Croquet Club's season opening day on Saturday.

An 18th birthday cake was part of the celebrations at the Wanganui Croquet Club's opening day on Saturday.

As well as marking the beginning of the season, the club also celebrated 18 years since golf croquet started, golf croquet club captain Judith Francis said.

"We had a wonderful day and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it," Mrs Francis said.

"Mayor Hamish McDouall came along to do the opening and had a hit as well."

About 40 people took part in the opening day event, with Velga Coley and Margaret White emerging the winners.

The club, which predominantly plays golf croquet, has about 70 members and has coaching available for people who would like to learn to play. Golf croquet has simpler rules than association croquet and games take less time to complete.

Club days are held on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays with club competitions on Tuesdays. Club members are involved in interclub events with Levin, Palmerston North, Feilding, Marton and Rangatira throughout the season.

Anyone who is interested in learning to play can contact club coach Roger Law, phone 345 3877.