From John Hampson, the Group Leader:

"My wife and I moved to Southport just over a year ago and haven't regretted it for a moment.  And joining U3A has really helped us to meet new people and make new friends.  Southport U3A has such a wide variety of activities to keep us entertained at all times.

But one activity that I have discovered and have really enjoyed is playing Croquet.  I was surprised that many people don't know that there is a Croquet Club in Southport; it is hidden away just off Rotten Row in Victoria Park in a beautiful setting with lawns and a clubhouse built in 1904.

Croquet is easy to learn and great fun to play.  It is a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors, get gentle exercise, and meet new people in a friendly and relaxed setting.  And it can be played by anyone: no physical strength or stamina is needed; the Croquet mallet does all the work.

So I thought that I should give something back to the U3A and give members the opportunity to play and enjoy croquet by setting up a U3A Croquet group.

I plan to run the Croquet group on Tuesday afternoons from 2 pm to 4 pm at a cost of £8 starting on 2nd June.  No experience is needed; all tuition and equipment will be provided please wear flat shoes or trainers.

But if you have not played Croquet before, you must attend one of the Familiarisation sessions that we have organised in June so that we can show you how to use a mallet safely, hit a ball accurately, run a hoop, and explain the rules and tactics of the game. Just book yourself onto one of the events listed.