It’s a game that is a unique blend of physical skill and strategic thinking, where men and women compete equally.
You can play it socially or compete at local, interstate or even international level.
The East Launceston Croquet Club was established on our present site in 1916 and in its first year of competition club secretary Miss E. Burrowes won the Tasmanian Ladies’ Championship, with club captain Mrs. Fraser winning the Tasmanian Doubles Championship.
The lawn at East Launceston has been in continual play for more than 100 years and the Club has produced many state champions and members of the Tasmanian state team.
The Club is situated on the corner of High and Adelaide Streets, East Launceston, adjoining the Bowls Club and just up the hill from the Launceston Aquatic Centre.
The club has around 40 members and is run by a small Executive Committee, elected each year at the Annual General Meeting held in February.
It is affiliated with both Croquet Tasmania and the Northern Tasmanian Croquet Centre at St Leonards.
Croquet is a healthy outdoor sport which is low cost, easy to learn and both fun and challenging to play. It’s a sport based on co-operation, friendship, inclusiveness and mutual support. New players are always welcome – contact the Secretary at eastlcc@gmail.com to organise an introductory session with one of our members- you will be made welcome and there is no charge – the Club can provide equipment. Every player says “I wish I’d started sooner” so don’t put it off!
Full Club membership is $200 per year due in January, with a $4 green fee when you play (capped at $8 per week). New members receive three free sessions with our accredited coaches. Club mallets are available until you purchase your own. At the moment, members play exclusively Golf Croquet, with regular Club play open to all members on Wednesdays from 1.30pm and on Sundays from 10am. As a member you receive a key to the Club and may book the lawn for play at any other time.
The club enters teams in the Open, B and C Grade northern inter-club Pennant competitions. There are several other club competitions run both at East Launceston and St Leonards throughout the year. You will be given a handicap for your first competition and can improve that as you become a better player.
Details of competitions are posted in the clubhouse and advised by email.
For Pennant play, Club colours are green and white or beige. Flat heeled shoes must be worn at all times.
The Club has an active social program with several BBQs and other functions each year. During the summer twilight croquet and wine tasting evenings are popular.