The Club exists to allow members to enjoy the game of croquet, played according to the rules of the sport’s governing body, in a friendly and considerate manner. This list of rights and responsibilities should be read in this spirit. 1. Membership of the Club runs for each calendar year with the playing season usually between April and October. Club games are played at these times: Tuesday 10 am to noon Wednesday 10 am to noon Thursday 2 pm to 4 pm Friday 6 pm to 8 pm Members may play outside these times but may not have access to the Cricket Clubhouse. All members will have access to the equipment store for this purpose. Members must consider the requirements of the groundskeeping staff and the use of the cricket pitch by our hosts Wantage Cricket Club, when playing outside Club times. 2. A Committee will represent the interests of members during the course of the year. It will consist of a Chairman, Hon. Secretary and Assistant, Hon. Treasurer, Captain and up to 5 other members. These will be elected by the members at an Annual General Meeting held each year. The Committee may co-opt others onto the Committee as required. 3. Membership fees (currently £45) are to be paid as soon as practicable after the start of the playing season. Junior members (under 16) pay no fees. Prospective members pay no fees for 4 visits. New members joining after 31st July pay half of the yearly rate. Membership of the Wantage Cricket Club is included in Club membership. 4. Members are entitled to use the Club equipment free of charge and should ensure that all equipment is returned undamaged to the equipment store at the end of play. Remember that it is expensive to replace. 5. Flat soled shoes are to be worn on the lawns. White clothing is encouraged and is essential for play against other clubs. 6. Any damage found to equipment or the playing surface of the lawns is to be reported to a member of the Committee without delay. 7. Subject to the agreement of a Committee member, and in consideration of the Club’s needs, members may bring guests to the club. The member concerned is responsible for paying the guest fees (currently £5) and for the conduct of their guests during the visit. Guests must be recorded in the ‘Visitors Book’ located in the Clubhouse, to the left of the bar. 8. Competitions are arranged each year. All members are entitled to take part. 9. Players taking part in competitions should be able to indicate a preference for which lawn to use, and, bearing in mind completion dates required, should be able to ask for priority on a lawn over normal social play. 10. Matches are arranged, from time to time, against other clubs. No visitors’ fees are charged, as the arrangements are usually reciprocal. 11. Refreshments (tea or coffee and biscuits) are provided at a nominal charge (currently .50 pence) at the end of each days play. Members are encouraged to assist with the preparation, clearance and washing-up involved. 12. Members are encouraged to purchase their own mallets. The Club Hon. Secretary will facilitate this through the Croquet Association. 13. Members are encouraged to assist with the care and maintenance of the playing surfaces. 14. Members are encouraged to share the duties of setting up lawns for play (putting out hoops and flags) and for clearing away at the end of play. It is helpful and good manners if equipment is cleaned (where necessary) when it is returned to the store. 15. A notice board in the Clubhouse is used to bring information to the attention of all members. Any notice posted here will be deemed to have been seen by all members. In addition, telephone, e-mail or conventional post will be used, from time to time, to disseminate information. |