CLUB HISTORY
To 1989
The current club, originally called the Tunbridge Wells Croquet Club, was founded in the 1965 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, at a cost of £1,000 paid by by Mrs Phyllis West. 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.
The Croquet Association Gazette reported: "The Tunbridge
Wells Club was formally constituted and opened on Monday May
2nd at Shernfold Park, Frant. It was a most lovely day and the
grounds were at their best. The two croquet lawns, with
extensive views for miles, looked gay with their new equipment
and an excellent pavilion erected under the trees proved not
only useful but an attractive addition. There were about
30-35 people present most of whom played some time in the
afternoon - and 18 members were enrolled. There was a good
attendance of the press and the Croquet Association were
represented by the Chairman, Hon. Treasurer and the
Secretary."
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. Gordon Drake was Chairman for many years during this time, finally retiring in 1985.
Elaine Dell, a founder member, took over as President from Gerald in 1982 - she became an Honorary Life Member in 1985. In 1985 Peter Howell took over the chairmanship, striving to maintain and improve the membership. The number of members reached 32!
In 1986 the post of President seems to cease (without comment in the official records). We participate in the first year of the Southern League (now a SECF competition?), starting with a home match against Ramsgate on 4th May. The new concept of a green fee (at £1) is introduced.
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'. Despite this, we became one of the founder members of the South East Croquet Federation.
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.
Peter Howell 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 use 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. [Ed: technically this is incorrect - the Borough is not Royal, but part of central Tunbridge Wells is, luckily this part includes the current location in Calverley Grounds!]
Note: The early part of this history, up to 2004, is
taken from the Club Archives. The quote from the CA Gazette is
taken from the 50 years ago section in the September 2016
issue!
Copyright © Royal Tunbridge Wells Croquet Club 2003 -