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WHAT’S ON
Nene or Neen and croquet!
Following the croquet match between Northampton and Peterborough Croquet clubs, which made it into The Times, we have been keen to find out more about this historic game. Membership of Northampton Croquet Club stretches far and wide along the River Nene and a member has supplied this information.
So, you play what? Croquet! But isn’t that a game just for old people? Certainly not, more and more youngsters are taking it up, and most of the top players are under 40. But it is a game that you can play well into your 90s – a former chairman was still playing at 97!
I know it was once an Olympic sport, but surely few people play now? No, it’s really popular in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Egypt and the States. Over the last 10 years, it’s taken off in Europe – Spain, Portugal, Austria, Germany, Russia, Latvia, Norway
and Sweden. You can even take a Greek island holiday and play in Corfu. There are now over 200 Clubs in the UK.
So can I play locally? Yes, Northampton had a Club here since 1984, first in Becketts Park and later until June 2020 in the grounds of St Andrews Hospital. Unfortunately the hospital
had another use for the lawns so we now have a temporary home in Wellingborough, and are in the process of developing a new site.
Can you play now under the current Covid restrictions? Yes we’re back playing, croquet being a non-team sport like golf and tennis, is able to continue. You play with your own mallet and your own two balls, you don’t have to go near your opponent and we follow all the necessary Covid measures. During the summer last year, sales of croquet sets and equipment from the national Croquet Shop rose by 120% as many people took up garden croquet. Were you one?
So how can I find out more? Contact Secretary of the Northampton Club, Mike Hills on 01604 467780 or email: mike7hills45@gmail.com.
THRAPSTON CHARTER FAIR
THRAPSTON
CELEBRATES
Saturday 11th September 2021
Our comeback Charter Fair will have a street party atmosphere to celebrate and support Thrapston and surrounding villages businesses and producers after a difficult year. Entertainment, fairground rides, singers, art and photography exhibition, as well as food and drink with bistro seating areas available.
WATCH THIS SPACE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Subject to current Government Coronavirus guidelines.
THRAPSTON GARAGE SALE
We will be holding a Garage Sale
on July 10th
from 9am-1pm.
It’s only £5 to register, please email: theburchbunch@uwclub. We will be at the July Thrapston Farmers Market for you
to register too. Maps available on the day opposite the Plaza from 8.30am-10am.
All our proceeds to the Shoebox Appeal.
Get rid of items no longer needed or just come along and browse.
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