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Exeter Croquet Club

Pinces Gardens

By Joy Nield

Pinces Gardens, a little green oasis amid the houses of St. Thomas, is the last remnant of an old and renowned commercial nursery and garden. The land was bought by the City Council in 1912, and converted to a pleasure garden, which included tennis courts. Happily, the magnificent pergola and wisteria were preserved, and the original wooden supporting structure has recently been replaced with a strong modern style metal support.

The Exeter Croquet Club at Pinces Gardens

In 1982 the tennis courts were converted to two 3/4 size croquet lawns, a pavilion built, and the Exeter Croquet Club was founded.

Although croquet is mainly a summer game, it is often played in the winter, when weather permits. One lawn is therefore kept in playing condition, while the other is rested during the cold months.

The playing season starts in April, and there is usually a very good turnout of members on opening day. In 2007 we were blessed with glorious sunshine, but sadly opening day in 2008  was a complete washout!

Entertaining our visitors

As part of RAMM's brilliant 'Garden Party' on May 10th, the Croquet Club was open to anyone wishing to try the game, and they came by the dozen! I doubt if there have ever been so many people on the lawns at one time in the club's history.

Visiting groups may hire the lawns for a fee, by previous arrangement with the secretary. A group comes from South Wales each year, and local  organisations sometimes bring their members for a recreational outing. Children do need to be accompanied by a responsible adult, but they are very welcome.
There is a strong competitive element in the club, and matches are played throughout the season against other clubs within the Southwest.

The game of croquet and our club

There are two different games of croquet, Golf croquet, which many people can play on their garden lawns, and the more complicated and longer game of Association Croquet. Both games are played in Pinces Gardens.

The club pavilion is well equipped for the welcome cup of tea or coffee, mid-session, or after lunch when teams visit.

The club has plenty of very good equipment for members to use, and it is not necessary for beginners to buy their own. Our general secretary is also an excellent and enthusiastic coach, and spends many hours encouraging members.