CLUB HISTORY
To 1989
Tunbridge Wells Croquet Club was founded in the mid 1960s by Gerald Williams, a croquet enthusiast and member of the Croquet Association, in the grounds of his mansion at Shernfold Park, Frant, East Sussex. He established two lawns and a clubhouse for the enjoyment of relations and friends. The setting was delightful. Fringed by magnificent fir trees, the lawns overlooked the surrounding Sussex countryside.
Tunbridge Wells, being the nearest town, seemed a logical choice for the naming of the club.
When Gerald Williams sold the mansion house to a property developer to be converted into apartments, he stipulated that the croquet club was to continue. This verbal agreement, although not legally binding, was honoured, the club paying a peppercorn rent to the Residents' Association of Shernfold Park and the club, affiliated to the Croquet Association, continued to operate with a modest membership for many years.
Elaine Dell, a founder member, was President and loyal member of the club for some years during which time Gordon Drake became Chairman. In 1985 Peter Howell took over the chairmanship, striving to maintain and improve the membership. The number of members reached 32!
In 1987 the AGM Minutes notes that 70 ladies from the WI had had an introduction to the game at the club. With only modest club funds available, the clubhouse roof was renewed. One week later, during the night of the 16th October, an infamous hurricane devastated South East England. Forty trees in Shernfold Park were uprooted, many falling across the croquet lawns. One fell across the new clubhouse roof rendering the building a 'write-off'.
During the next two seasons, the club struggled to survive, repairing the lawns as finances would allow; but in February 1989, a further storm brought down two additional fir trees across the lawns and neither the club nor the Residents' Association had sufficient funds to repair the damage.
On behalf of the club, the Chairman approached Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to request a venue for croquet within the borough. For the 1989 season, the Council allowed a corner of grass at Hawkenbury Recreation Ground to be set aside for croquet, with the uses of a room in the communal clubhouse. Although the lawns were far below standard, the club was able to survive but it was difficult to attract new members, due to the poor facilities.
At this time the word 'Royal' was added to the title as the club was sited in the Royal Borough.
Copyright © Royal Tunbridge Wells Croquet Club 2003-2008