Ref. 29984-59WHILE tennis, cricket and soccer are the traditional summer events, there's a more sedate sport becoming increasingly popular in Swindon.

An open day held by Swindon Croquet Club last week to kick off the summer season proved popular with young and old alike.

John Airey, who organised the day at Moredon Playing Fields, said: "We had 14 children here this morning, and quite a few adults have come along to have a go too."

John, who discovered croquet in 1988, said: "We coached more than 500 local children last year, and regularly teach pupils from Moredon Infants School and Hreod Parkway School to play.

"Croquet is a game played by individuals, but we have introduced a game called Kiwi croquet, which is played by teams, for children."

Croquet is a tactical game often compared to snooker.

Each player must get his or her balls through a set of hoops in a specified order before hitting a winning peg.

"It's like snooker in that you have to think about where the ball will stop," said John, of Volpe Close, Freshbrook.

"It's all about thinking ahead, which is a bit like chess. "Most games last about an hour, but the longest I have played was for six hours, against a team from Oxford University."

John also enjoys the social side of the club, which has 27 members and plays in a local south west league.

Among those who were trying the game for the first time were Anita Green, 67, of Rosebery Street, Swindon, who said: "I'm a bowler, so I thought I would take up a similar game.

"I have really enjoyed it, and have quite a good aim.

"It's very difficult because there is just 3mm clearance to get the balls through the hoops."

Her friend, Freda Hodges, 66, of Ganton Way, Stratton, said: "I've got a few through the hoops, so I think I'll probably come again."

The club meets at 5.30pm on Tuesday and Wednesday nights at Moredon Playing Fields.

Call John on 01793 873026 for more details.

Tamash Lal