Nailsea Croquet Club has learned that it has gained the Apps Heley Award, a prestigious award given by the Croquet Association (CA) to the club they consider has improved the most over the past two years. The Nailsea Club beat strong competition from four other club's in the country to win this top award.

Two years ago the Club learned that it had been successful in obtaining a lottery grant. This together with grants and loans from Nailsea Town Council, North Somerset Council and the CA together with money raised by members themselves enabled the Club to build a new pavilion and purchase a large mower, a scarifier and an aerator.

The pavilion was officially opened by Dr Liam Fox, MP, early in May last year. This was followed by a vigorous recruitment drive. 50 people came to an Open Day, over 50 people attended beginners classes and most of these joined the Club almost doubling its membership.

The Cub won the National Short Croquet Team event for the fifth time - more often than any other club in the country. It also had its most successful season in the South West Federation (SWF) Leagues, winning both the Intermediate and 'B' Leagues and coming third in both the Advanced and Federation Leagues.

The Club has close links with Nailsea School Croquet Club, which uses its lawns and equipment, and provides coaching for members of the school. Last year the Nailsea School Team won both the Level Play and Handicap National Schools Croquet Championships.

Amongst individual successes, Kristian CHAMBERS won the National Junior Championship for a record third time, was captain of the victorious National Junior Squad, winner of SWF Golf Croquet Singles Championship and came 22nd in the World Golf Croquet Championships. He also gained his CA Gold Award. ALEX LEGGATE came 4th in the Spencer-Ell, the third of four CA Invitation Events and is currently ranked 31st in the country. ROGER BROOKS gained his CA Silver Award and was winner of the All England Area Final, JAMES DIXON was a member of the National Junior Squad and GRETA STRINGER gained her CA Bronze Award.

The Nailsea Club caters for all standards of players from complete beginners to 'A' class players and welcomes new members. It is holding an Open Day on Saturday, 1 May, starting at 2 pm, followed by beginners classes in May and June. The Club's lawns can be found off Avening Close, Trendlewood Way, Nailsea. Further information can be obtained by ringing (01275) 853153 or (01275) 854804.