Cold weather fails to daunt croquet players at Syngenta

Jan 3 2009 by Henryk Zientek, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

MEMBERS of Huddersfield Syngenta’s croquet club braved freezing conditions to play their first game of 2009 on New Year’s Day.

Club president Rena Souten said: “Although many people think of croquet as a genteel summer sport, several local players gathered to play at the Syngenta sports ground on Leeds Road – proving that you can play croquet all year round.

“Conditions were not ideal, but we had a thoroughly enjoyable game. After the game, the players enjoyed a warming glass of mulled wine to toast in 2009.”

Pictured taking part are (from left) Marjorie Eldon, Maggie Sowerby, Denise Hoyle, Rena Souten and Anna Giraud.

Rena added: “Some of the other croquet clubs round the country play during the winter and we wanted to start the year as we mean to go on. Fortunately, the groundsman at Syngenta looks after our lawns well so we were able to play.

“During the season, we play two or three times a week against teams from all over Yorkshire.”

The club was formed more than 20 years ago and is keen to welcome new members.

It launches its 2009 croquet season at Easter. Anyone interested in learning to play croquet can ring 07929176610 or email huddscroquet@btinternet.com.