The newly-formed Algarve Croquet Club launched their plans with an impressive cocktail party at Quinta dos Poetas, Arretorta (Pechão), just seven kilometres from the bustling waterfront town of Olhão.
Chairman William Weber outlined the aims of the Algarve Croquet Club and acknowledged the tremendous contribution that the late Lita Gale had made to the sport. The Lita Gale Lawn will be a lasting legacy to her passion and vision for the sport in Portugal.
Club membership, under the stewardship of Trevor Morgan, is fast approaching the hundred mark. With plans well advanced to create a complex of international standard lawns, grants have been promised and final negotiations are taking place to secure a venue near Tavira which will provide a croquet lawn, bar, restaurant and accommodation.
William Weber added: “Croquet is a fun game and can be enjoyed by beginners and experienced players alike, informally or formally, and should be enjoyed in a stress-free environment alongside a healthy social calendar. By starting small with one lawn and creating solid foundations, we can achieve this with minimal investment by the club which means the ability to play almost limitless games of croquet for only €100 per year.”
Martin Walsh, the Honorary Secretary, and Mark Shreeve, the Honorary Treasurer, also elaborated on future plans. Barbara Viney, the Social Secretary and Ladies Captain, announced that training for absolute beginners was available.
For more information, visit www.algarvecroquetclub.com
By CHRIS WRIGHT
