Plans to expand Peasedown St John’s croquet club have received the backing of the village’s Bath & North East Somerset Councillors.
Cllr Sarah Bevan (centre) and Cllr Karen Walker (left) at the Camerton and Peasedown St John Croquet Club
Croquet has been a regular feature of local recreational and sporting life in the community for at least the last decade, during which the Croquet Club opened in 2012 on the lower grounds of the Peasedown St John Cricket Club.
With large numbers of people taking an interest in the sport, and now a membership of more than 60 playing regularly, the club’s 4.5 metre square clubhouse is too small to cater for the community’s needs.
Last week, local Councillors Sarah Bevan and Karen Walker were invited to visit the club and look at the expansion plans.
Cllr Sarah Bevan (Independent) said: “The Camerton & Peasedown St John Croquet Club has given lots of residents a new opportunity to get out of the house, take part in regular exercise and make new friends.
“As well as that, in these uncertain times, it’s one of the few sports that can be played under Covid! Players can easily socially distance, and games are played outside.”
The club’s plans involve the installation of a new, much larger clubhouse where members can meet.
Cllr Karen Walker (Independent) added: “The club’s plans for a much larger club house will not only meet the needs of their ever expanding membership but will also enable the club to achieve its objective of more people playing this fascinating sport – one with health benefits.
“Activities like croquet are good for mental health as well as physical wellbeing. It tackles loneliness and isolation, particularly among older members of society.”
B&NES Council’s Planning Department is expected to make a decision on the plans by the end of November.
