A NEW clubhouse has been officially opened at Crake Valley Croquet Club, Greenodd.

The club welcomed the Chair of the National Croquet Association, Roger Staples and his wife, to the opening.

Over the last six months passers by will have seen the transformation at the croquet playing lawns near the main A5092 roundabout.

The old, run down, 100 year old rotten hut has been replaced by a modern and functional clubhouse with electricity.

"With the uncertainty as to when the event may take place if we postponed it Roger felt it safe and appropriate to go ahead," said Jim Allcock, Crake Vally chairman.

“We are pleased he and his wife came across from Middlesbrough to perform the duties.

“ He was ever so impressed with the new facilities and wished us well in our proposed plans to introduce croquet to more people in South Lakes once the current restrictions are relaxed.

“At Roger’s request, there were only four members to witness the official opening.

“We will, however, hold a celebration for members, guests and funders later in 2020.”

The opening was held on Saturday, March 21.

Funding for the new facility was financed through successful grant applications to both national and local organisations.

Local funders include Orsted (Walney Community Extension Fund), The Hadfield Trust, Frieda Scott Foundation, Cumbria Community Foundation and Cumbria County Council.

The club also received financial support from several local councillors and the landlord of Penny Bridge Hall Estate.

Crake Valley Croquet Club are members of North West of England Federation of Croquet Clubs.

Croquet is a sport that involves hitting wooden or plastic balls with a mallet through hoops embedded in a grass playing court.

The sport has particularly strong followings in the UK, US, New Zealand and Australia.

The club plays competitively in different formats of the game and are the current 'golf croquet' champions for the whole region.

In golf croquet, a hoop is won by the first ball to go through each hoop.

The club also welcomes social play with the local U3A regular visitors.

The intention is to introduce the game to more people helping physical and mental wellbeing in the community through free taster sessions and low cost group activities later in 2020.

Details will be shown on www.crakevalleycroquet.org.uk