Guests and Group Events Policy
Any guest or casual caller is welcome to watch croquet at any time.
Casual callers should be made welcome, offered a free cup of tea, and chatted to about the game, the club, and their interest in it.
- If they would like to try playing, are wearing appropriate footwear, and play permits, they should be offered a supervised opportunity to strike a few balls
- If they show interest, they should be referred to the Membership Secretary, who will liaise with the Beginners' Coaching Coordinator to arrange a structured Taster Session
Guests Wishing to Play or Try Croquet
- Playing Members may bring up to four Guests to play or try croquet
- More than four should be arranged under the Group Event policy
- The Playing Member must always accompany their Guests
- Guest Fees: Guests may try croquet twice for free (i.e. maximum of 2 sessions). Otherwise, fees apply:
- £6 (one guest)
- £10 (two guests)
- £12 (three guests)
- Payments may be made by BACS, cash, or cheque
- Cash/cheques must be placed in an envelope marked for the Treasurer's attention and left in the Committee Messages slot
- The date, names of the Guests and Member, and the fee must be recorded in the Guest Book
- Booking and Limits:
- Guest sessions must be booked in advance via the Court Booking System (CBS) for a maximum of three hours
- It is recommended that Guests play only on small lawns, unless they have a Croquet England handicap
- Each Guest may play a maximum of five times per year
- To play more, they must become a Club Member (if experienced) or take the Beginners' Course
Guests at Social Events and Activities
- Family and friends of members are welcome at club social events
- Frequent visitors should consider becoming Social Members
- The Member must accompany their Guests and ensure that any applicable fee is paid
Table Tennis
- All Members (including Social Members) may play table tennis without additional charge (except any refreshment charges)
- Family and friends of Playing Members may play table tennis, but:
- Guests may attend a maximum of three sessions, paying a fee of £3 each time
- To play more, they must become a Club Member
- Under-18s are not permitted to play table tennis (for insurance purposes)
Group Events
- A Group Event is hosted by a Club Member for up to 16 friends or family
- Events involving others (e.g., businesses) fall under Corporate Events
- They may have exclusive use of one or two lawns (max. 8 attendees per lawn) for up to three hours
- May use the clubhouse and kitchen, but must tolerate use by other members
- At least one Member per full-size lawn equivalent must supervise guests at all times
- Refreshments:
- Guests may bring their own
- Reasonable alcohol consumption is permitted, but not for sale
- Booking:
- Applications should be made to the Club Secretary and will be discussed by the Committee
- The Committee will set the charge for each Group Event when details are known
Corporate Events
- Have exclusive use of one or more lawns and may also have exclusive use of the clubhouse
- Members might be restricted from playing during these events
- Max. 8 people per lawn at any time
- Guests may bring refreshments; alcohol may be consumed but not sold
- Booking and Fees:
- Require a non-refundable deposit at the time of booking
- This is credited against the final charge or refunded only if the Club cancels the event
- Applications must be made to the Club Secretary for Committee approval
- The Committee will set the charge for the event
- Supervision and Coaching:
- The Committee will designate at least one Club Member per lawn, though one per four non-members is preferred
- Designated Members will provide golf croquet coaching and supervision