Nailsea Croquet Club's new season got off to a good start on March 31. The fine weather brought out so many members that by 2.10 pm the courts were full and members who turned up late were queueing for lawns.

Last Saturday the Club started a three week refresher course for last year's beginners and other high handicapped players and 20 members turned up to be coached by 7 experienced players. The course will continue for the next two Saturdays starting at 2.00 pm.

Last year the club had its most successful season ever. In May its new pavilion was opened by Dr Liam Fox, MP. A strong recruitment drive yielded fifty new members, almost doubling the club's membership. The club also did extremely well in the South west Federation leagues winning both the Intermediate and 'B' leagues and coming third in both the Advanced and Federation Leagues. In the winter two members of the Club won the indoor pairs speed croquet Championships at RAF Innsworth and their other team came third. In March the club learned that it had won the Apps-Heley Award for the most improved club in the country over the last two years.

The club caters for all standards of players from complete beginners to 'A' class players and is holding an Open Day on Saturday, May 1, starting at 2.00 pm. During May and June the club will be holding classes for new beginners. The club situated off Avening Close, Trendlewood Way, Nailsea. For further information ring (01275) 853153 or 854804.