Club's chairman Neil Chalmers said: “These rents are not only unrealistic, but unsustainable. Our membership is currently 40 to 45 and largely retired people.

“At a time when every effort is being made to encourage pensioners to remain active, these heavy charges will have the opposite effect.

“We must either find an affordable place to play during the next two years or hang up our mallets. I believe there are several bowling clubs in the Norwich area in similar straits which might be looking for partners.

“Bowls and croquet can co-exist perfectly satisfactorily on the same greens/courts provided there is a willingness to make it work.

“Therefore we would like to hear from any bowls clubs, preferably within the city or immediate environs and, ideally, with two greens which might be interested in working with us.”

A City Council spokeswoman said: “Our open spaces and sports development team have been working very closely with the croquet club to find a way they can continue to use the facilities. We hope the support we are providing will help the club to strengthen and develop their membership so croquet can continue on Eaton Park.”

If you can help Mr Chalmers, contact him through norwichcroquetclub@talktalk.net or by post at Neil Chalmers, Chairman, Norwich Croquet Club, 80 Norwich Road, Salhouse Norwich NR13 6PB.