NEW lawns were opened in Hazlemere by Wycombe MP Steve Baker last week – to the delight of a croquet club which had been homeless.

High Wycombe Croquet Club celebrated the opening of two new lawns at the Hazlemere Recreational Ground last Saturday.

The club had played for 30 years in High Wycombe but with the expansion of Crown House School, which includes the lawns at Bassetsbury Manor, the club became temporarily homeless in 2013.

Mr Baker said: “Sport plays a key role in so many peoples’ lives. It allows people to be active and involved in the community.

"For any sport to flourish it needs to have good facilities, and I am delighted High Wycombe Croquet Club has a new home in Hazlemere."

The lawns were funded by Wycombe District Council, Sport England, The Croquet Association and Bucks Community Foundation grants.

WDC leader Cllr Richard Scott attended the ceremony, alongside club officials – including Quiller Barrett, president of the Croquet Association Development Fund, who had the honour of taking the first shot.

An open day will be held on May 26 between 10am and 5pm.

For more information or to join the club visit www.hwcroquetclub.com or call 01494 858202.

By Richard Craig