Mallets at the ready, croquet is coming to Cheam.

The future of the Cheam Village Bowling Club was in doubt due to shrinking membership.

However, Sutton Council approached the Croquet Association to see whether it was interested in starting a croquet club to make use of the bowls in Cheam Park.

Married couple Jean and Ian Cobbold from Cheam have joined with some members of the bowls club to set up the new croquet club.

Mrs Cobbold said: “The popularity of croquet is growing fast and it is one of the few sports where men and women compete on equal terms.

“A game of skill and tactics, croquet is a sociable sport which appeals to people of all ages.”

The group will hold a taster weekend on March 24/25, 10am-4pm each day at the bowls green in Cheam Park, next to the children’s playground.

No special clothing is needed but you must wear flat-soled shoes or trainers and be 18 or over.

The group will hold a meeting on Tuesday, March 27 at 6.30pm in the former bowls clubhouse in Cheam Park.

The meeting is vital for the project because if they do not have enough people enrolled by the end of the evening the club will not be able to go ahead.

The proposed subscription is £70 and will include use of all equipment and free coaching.

If you are interested but cannot manage these dates then phone Jean on 0208 642 0533 or e-mail Cheamcroquetbowlsclub@gmail.com.