Bury Croquet Club has announced its annual Bury Hospice fundraiser will take place in Radcliffe this April.  

The club, which turns 35 this year, will be raising money for the hospice through its yearly open day event at Coronation Park, New Road, Radcliffe, on Saturday, April 22.  

Roy Spencer, the chairman of the club, said they want to encourage more people to join them as the club celebrates turning 35 this year.   

He said: “There is an association with croquet being a posh sport for rich people and I can show you it is not, we are a very friendly club. 

“We are still recovering from the pandemic as we had to cancel a few because of lockdown and I feel like that caused it to fall off the radar slightly.” 

The Bolton News: Roy Spencer, the chairman of the croquet clubRoy Spencer, the chairman of the croquet club (Image: Public)

Although still recovering from the pandemic, last year, the club saw a record turnout, raising £700 for the hospice.  

Roy said: “This is our third since the pandemic and last year was a record year so we are hoping to beat that. 

“We don’t normally set a target but it would be great to beat £700 by raising £1,000.” 

The club's anniversary will also be incorporated into the day which will include stalls, a tombola, children's games and tea and coffee.  

Rachel Krafft, community fundraiser at the hospice, said: “Thank you so much to Bury Croquet Club for choosing to support Bury Hospice again this year at their annual open day.

"The croquet club members are loyal supporters of the hospice and have been holding this annual event for many years.

"I’m sure this is going to be another fantastic event and we are looking forward to being part of the club’s 35th-anniversary celebrations.” 

The club was founded in 1988 and has two separate venues, situated in Whitehead Park and Coronation Park.  

It will also be holding another public event open day as part of National Croquet Week on Saturday, May 27 at Whitehead Park, Elton. 

Roy said: “We still have a few things in mind for it but it is coming along nicely and we're all very excited.  

“Anyone, no matter age or ability can join, even if you have never hit a ball before in your life but make sure you have flat shoes to play in!”  

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