Club Award Winners
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Croquet England makes club awards to clubs that have made exceptional progress in providing a good playing environment over the previous two years.
2025
Townsend Award: Leicester Croquet Club
Sponsored by DB Mallets.
Leicester Croquet Club, founded in 1985, has grown steadily during the 2022-2024 review period, increasing membership from 44 to 54 and securing a £3,600 grant from Active Together to support long-term sustainability.
The club has developed a Membership Development and Action Plan based on member-led ideas, produced new promotional materials, and expanded internal competitions from four to nine. Coaching initiatives now include Short Croquet as a pathway to Association Croquet, with teams re-entering local Federation competitions.
Accessibility has been improved with new ramps and the launch of a Hoops for Health scheme in partnership with GP surgeries, offering free sessions as prescribed exercise.
The club has run taster events for over 130 people, gained local radio publicity, and celebrated the success of a member ranked 8th in the European Ladies GC tournament. Alongside negotiating a longer playing season and pursuing a second lawn, these achievements highlight Leicester's commitment to growth, community engagement, and the promotion of croquet.
Apps Heley Award: Tisbury Croquet Club
Sponsored by Croquet and Cocktails.
Tisbury Croquet Club, established in 2022, has shown remarkable progress in just two years, growing membership from 17 to 27 while transforming its facilities through extensive volunteer effort and successful fundraising. Members restored neglected equipment, overhauled the lawn, refurbished the clubhouse, and created a rota of "merry mowers" to sustain regular maintenance. Most notably, they replaced a dilapidated 60-year-old cabin with a new £11,000 wooden building, supported by grants from Wiltshire Council, Sport England, Croquet England, and local trusts, alongside a crowdfunding campaign that boosted both funds and community awareness. The club now offers trial sessions, runs both Golf and Association competitions, and participates in South West Federation events. With its strong community spirit, volunteer-driven achievements, and ambitious plans for further expansion, Tisbury Croquet Club has demonstrated rapid development and a sustainable vision for the future, making it a strong candidate for award recognition.
Millennium Award: Bude Croquet Club
Sponsored by Dennis Mowers.
Bude Croquet Club has transformed disused tennis courts into four high-quality lawns, built a member-funded pavilion, and grown its playing membership from 21 to over 30 between 2022 and 2024. The club has strengthened coaching and refereeing, raised playing standards, and successfully entered two South West Federation League teams, with one topping its section. Alongside competitive progress, the club has fostered strong community links through U3A sessions, local group activities, youth engagement with the community college, and partnerships with neighbouring clubs. With dedicated volunteer effort, successful fundraising, improved facilities, and growing participation across ages, Bude Croquet Club demonstrates sustained development and community impact, making it a strong candidate for recognition.
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