Forget Wimbledon or Royal Ascot. Croquet is the name of the game at Oriel Securities, which recently hosted its inaugural croquet set tournament.

Norwich Croquet Club has issued an urgent appeal in the face of a threat to its future unless it can find a more affordable place to play.

It has played at Eaton Park for about 30 years, but has been hit with a big increase in lawn rental - tripling to £3,900 for this year and next and at least doubling again to £8,000 from 2012.

The rental is paid to Norwich City Council, which says it has had to make a number of efficiency savings because of the global recession.

It said it was forced to review, in consultation with the public, some of the discretionary services it offered, and some of the services that were underused or unsustainable had been stopped.

THE launch of the 2010 season at Budleigh Croquet Club went ahead despite heavy rain

Once we had inspected the lawns it was obvious that play would not be possible until they had a bit of time to dry out.

It was somehow predictable that once the message had been sent out to members the weather improved!

After hasty discussions it was decided to proceed with the official opening at 2pm using Lawn Number Two with the Exmouth Town Mayor striking the first shot of the new season.

There were no Flamingos or White Rabbits on Saturday morning but Stephens Croquet Club, Yeronga Park players had a “wonderful” morning as they won Round 1 of the 2010 Brisbane Metro Association Croquet Pennants against Windsor Croquet Club.

 ENFIELD Croquet Club, situated in Bush Hill Park, are looking for new members.