A GAME of croquet on a summer lawn under blue skies is an iconic vision of rural England.

It is happening in Ludlow as the season for the game that is best described as a cross between golf and bowls moves towards its conclusion.

Perhaps even more accurately it has been known as ground bowls.

Well into another season, Ludlow’s fledgling croquet club spread its wings by welcoming a team from Eardisley Croquet Club earlier this month for a friendly golf croquet match.

All three lawns were in use, with Ludlow fielding a team of seven pairs against the eight players who made up the Eardisley team. The match was played over four rounds, each lasting half an hour, and at the close, it was the greater experience of Eardisley which won the day.

“It was all great fun, and played in a really good spirit,” said Bob Purcell, who organised the event. At the close, everyone tucked into a wonderful spread prepared by the hosts – a perfect conclusion to a delightful occasion.

As one of the Ludlow tennis club players who came to watch the croquet after an afternoon’s tennis said: “what a wonderful advertisement for relaxation in Ludlow – ladies’ afternoon on the tennis courts, a dozen or more youngsters enjoying a tennis coaching session, and 30 or 40 croquet enthusiasts on the croquet lawns. Sublime!”

The croquet season typically runs from April to September, although some clubs may have some play during the winter months when weather allows.

A normal size of court for garden croquet is 17.5 metres by 14 metres. However, it can be played on other size lawns to fit the particular characteristics of your the space available.

The longer the grass and the rougher the surface, then the smaller the court area should be.