Croquet Ladies’ Day at Southwick

The 2026 SE Fed Croquet Ladies Day was held at Southwick on Wednesday 1st July with a full house of 14 teams competing for the trophy.

Our Aldershot Traction team certainly had a tough schedule, facing the top three finishing teams during our six matches. Although it made for a challenging day, we thoroughly enjoyed every match and appreciated the opportunity to play against such strong opposition.

Congratulations to Chichester, who were worthy winners of the Ladies’ Day Trophy and a big thank you to everyone at Southwick for organising such a well-run event and for their warm hospitality. The lovely green lawns, welcoming atmosphere and perfect weather all contributed to a great day.

Mid – Season Bowls Report

We have now reached the halfway stage of the league season and have many positives to report. Firstly very well done to all our new bowlers who have been introduced to the league format and hope you are enjoying the experience👏.The A team sit proudly at the top of Division 2 so far undefeated, keep going and promotion awaits🤞. A difficult season for the B team who certainly don’t have the same luxury of maintaining a consistent team selection as that of the A team. As for the F&D Mixed Triples once again are sitting pretty at the top of the league after narrowly missing out on promotion last year we’re determined to finish the job this season👍. The club internal competitions are progressing very well and we still players representing the Traco in a few County and District competitions so good luck to you all make us proud👏. Finally thank you to everyone involved from both Croquet and Bowls in the maintenance of the green which is in great condition. Thank you🙏

A chilly but enjoyable croquet match against Woking

Many thanks to our friends from Woking for a great match and good company on a rather chilly day at the Traco. We were delighted to edge a closely fought contest, but shot of the day undoubtedly belonged to Woking’s Ian, who somehow managed to strike a ball firmly out of the jaws of the hoop from around 30 metres across the lawn. Had to be seen to be believed!

2026 Bowls Season Up and Running

Firstly a warm welcome to our new members to both the Bowls and Croquet teams. Certainly for some of our new bowls members it’s an immediate introduction to league matches, some may say it’s the best way to learn🤷‍♂️well done for stepping up to the plate! As per normal in the National and County cup competitions we were drawn against Premier Team Farnborough so we’ll forget about those competitions for this year and move on to the League. Shall we say a slow start for the B team (fielding new inexperienced bowlers) but they will improve🤞. As for the A team off to a good start sitting in 2nd place in the league👍. After winning all their games so far the Wednesday Triples team are proudly at the top of the league👏. Well done to everyone involved, keep going and ENJOY!

One thing that is obvious this season is the improvement to the green largely due to the installation of our irrigation system but also a big thankyou to our greenkeepers for the work they continue to do👏👏.

I’m sure that all the players involved in the various external competitions would appreciate your continued support in their upcoming matches, you can see these home games scheduled on the lawn booking site.

The draw for the internal competitions was conducted early this year to hopefully give people more time to arrange their matches in the timeframe given , please take into account that croquet matches will increase this year possibly restricting access to the rink you want when you want it so it’s advisable to get your matches arranged.

Members take advantage of expert coaching and championship croquet lawns

In April, 14 members enjoyed an excellent coaching session at the Club, led by the outstanding Richard Carline, Croquet England’s Coach of the Year. With plenty of laughter and expert guidance throughout the day, members left with sharper skills and noticeably improved shots.

The busy week was followed by a successful handicapping visit to the superb lawns at Sussex County Croquet Club (“Southwick”), a venue renowned for hosting major croquet championships. Twelve Aldershot members enjoyed a series of close games along with helpful advice, and the Club extends its thanks to everyone at Sussex County for their warm welcome and hospitality.

There’s still time to sign up for the 2026 season and join future events and coaching sessions.

All set for the new season!

The lawn/green is looking fantastic ahead of the new 2026 season! 🌱👏

A huge thank you to our brilliant team (Andy, Bill and Doug) for all their hard work over the winter — your effort really shows.

Can’t wait to welcome everyone back onto the green very soon. Who’s ready for the new season? 🌞

Dates for Your Diary

Green Opens on – Fri 17th April 2026

Bowls & Croquet Open Day – Sat 18th April 2026

Bowls & Croquet Social Day – Sun 26th April 2026

A & D League Programme starts – Tue 12th May 2026

F & D League Programme starts – Wed 6th May 2026

Bowls Triples Day – Sat 13th June 2026

Croquet Club Finals Day – Sat 19th Sept 2026

Bowls Club Finals Day – Sun 20th Sept 2026