In 1986 the World Croquet Federation (WCF), was formed and as a consequence of discussions with its members about the lack of interest in Golf Croquet throughout the UK the general impression was that this was a game more suitable for women. The outcome was that in 1988 complete sets of croquet equipment were despatched by the CA to a random sample of Village Women’s Institutes across England, and it so happened that Sapcote WI was one of those which had been selected.
The then secretary contacted John Hansen (who is our founder member and still playing) knowing that he had played garden croquet when he was a child, suggesting they form a croquet club in the village. Which they did and were delighted to learn there were eight more people interested in playing. However, the GC rules which accompanied the equipment, had been modified to provide a ‘gentile game for the ladies’, and no longer followed the logical sequence of progression that had been incorporated within the WCF rules.
The Club has flourished at times and many members were very successful in tournaments. However, approximately four years ago the membership was down to just four players who decided that they would play just one more year. Fortunately our current Chairman made contact with the Club with a view to starting a U3A croquet group. He contacted like minded U3A members and sufficient numbers became involved and became members of SCC. We now have a stable and growing membership. we have an affiliation with Hinckley U3A and members of the U3A are always welcome to play at SCC.