I have been going to the Bela Romao Croquet Club for about a year or more now. They organise fun nights and the food is good! Until yesterday, I have never put my foot on the croquet lawn. The club creates fun events and Sarah, the Californian trained Chef, creates innovative dishes and Tapas plates from around the world, she tells me “ the food changes seasonally and is based on the slow food movement”. As a club member, I have eaten there a few times and the food is incredible.
Both Sarah and Lita, the club owners, along with other friends have been trying to persuade me for months, to give it a try. Resistance was fairly futile, especially as the sea view pulls you onto the lawn. When I was invited to the Ladies day to learn how to play croquet, I could not immediately think of a good excuse, so turning up seemed the only sensible response. Please note the spelling. I have already had to change crochet to croquet. This is a game that involves balls and mallets, not pins and wool.
I turned up yesterday, unsuitably dressed in my red fleece and black leggings. Note to self, people wear white when playing croquet. Nevertheless, i thought at least I will not get hit by a disorderly ball. I was to learn that the balls, have such a nature, that they roll elegantly across the lawn and disorderliness is not their forte.
A Ladies Day, of course, meant we were all women - a group of 8. I was pleased about that, not that having the odd man there would have been a problem, but something sometimes happens when a group of women get together. Anyway, whatever, for me it felt good.
Patricia was the coach for the morning and we started on time at 10am. She gently explained, in a calm, kind way, how the game works. She answered and anticipated all the newcomer questions. Within a few minutes we were split into two groups and Susan became our coach, leading three of us, to explore the rudiments of swinging a mallet between our legs, “just like a pendulum”.
Patricia led the other group and we danced separately around the lawn. As I played I had flashes in my mind of the Queen in Alice in Wonderland. She did not turn up, but us belles at the ball, had real fun anyway.
I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. I was even more surprised that my long shot whack went through the hoop and won the game. Lucky or what! Anyway us girls are going to meet once a month to continue to learn the intricacies, technicalities and hilarious opportunities that make up the game of croquet. Next game is 28 February, but there are opportunities to play or learn before the girl only morning. Call the club, they are very friendly and give it a go.
Must say, what also added to the enjoyment was that Sarah made lovely scones which were served after the game, with cream and jam and of course a cup of tea or coffee. Sitting down to warm scones, overlooking the sea on a warm sunny day, having just learned something new, is my idea of a good day.
The club is for private members and guests of the club, therefore if you are not a member and interested in visiting, you can email them and put your name on their guest list, even if its just to dine in the Bistro or have Afternoon Tea.
The website is often updated with new menus and ongoing events: www.belaromaocroquet.com.
E: belaromaocroquet@yahoo.com
