Club

Croquet

Wrest Park

Groundwork, or filling the holes

There was a time not so long ago when after heavy rain the car park next to the pavilion resembled the Lake District in miniature and getting out of one’s car without getting wet feet could necessitate a broad jump. It had got so bad that some visitors were complaining about it. Something had to be done.

 Last year we took the first step by ordering two 800kg bags of MOT Type 1. This somewhat obscure sounding name refers to Ministry of Transport Type 1 (there are also Types 2 and 3). Type 1 is a sub-base material composed of aggregate up to 40mm, including finer material  which makes it suitable for compaction. This greatly  improved the surface of the car park and it was decided to repeat the treatment this year.

Another 1600kg was delivered on Thursday 24 April, and as it was more than enough to fill in the remaining depressions in the car park the rest was used to fill in various holes in the track and thus avoid the need to slalom around them when arriving or leaving. Our thanks to smoothing operators George Collin and Peter Rothwell, who were among those playing when the material was delivered and emptied and spread the contents of both bags.  

Type 1 spread in the car park and along the track. Photos by Peter Rothwell.

© Wrest Park Croquet Club