Camerton and Peasedown Croquet Club (CPCC) are launching a series of beginners' courses as they prepare to open their new lawns.

Building began on four full-size lawns last year at the new club but members have still been able to play in Peasedown in the meantime.

"While the grass has been growing, we have been playing on smaller lawns, kindly donated by the cricket club," said CPCC chair Mo Boys. "But our membership and supporters, which includes a strong contingent of local people, are really looking forward to playing on our fantastic new facilities

"The wonderful thing about croquet is that it is suitable for everyone. Age does not matter and there are clear benefits if you cannot take part in a strenuous sport or you are not as mobile as you used to be.

"The club welcomes people not only from Peasedown but also from the wider community – our members come from Norton Radstock, Midsomer Norton, Frome, Bath, Corsham and Bristol."

The beginners' courses will be led by experienced and accredited coaches, with new skills and techniques introduced at each session.

A series of five sessions starts on Sunday, March 18, from 2-4.30pm and another course of five sessions begins on Monday, May 14, from 6-8.30pm.

"The 2011 beginners are now challenging the club's better players so come along, learn new skills, make new friends and, most of all, have fun," added Mrs Boys.

"There are no barriers – all equipment is provided but please wear flat-soled shoes."

The cost is £20 per course of five sessions but £10 will be refunded for anyone who joins the club.

For more information, contact Mo Boys on 01225 708540 or Ros Key Pugh on 01225 427525, or just turn up on the day.

Meanwhile, the club have been given £400 from Bath & North East Somerset Council's Ward Member Initiative Fund to buy new croquet mallets.

The cash boost should mean that more people can enjoy a game at the club's Redpost Ground, on Whitebrook Lane in Peasedown.

The money came from the fund of Councillor Nathan Hartley, who said: "The Camerton and Peasedown Croquet Club provides an invaluable source of recreation – where people of all ages can try out the sport and enjoy getting together for a bit of fun.

"Therefore I'm delighted to use money from Bath & North East Somerset Council's Ward Member Initiative Fund to support the club to buy some new equipment and hopefully encourage more people to give it a go."

Brian Wilson, a member of the club, added: "We're really grateful to Cllr Hartley and Bath & North East Somerset Council for helping us to improve our equipment and we look forward to welcoming even more people to the club.

"We're running sessions every Monday, Thursday and Saturday from 1-4pm ahead of our new four-lawn facility opening in March. You don't need to book or bring anything along – just turn up in flat shoes and warm clothes."

Bath & North East Somerset Council's Ward Member Initiative Scheme has allocated £2,000 to each ward councillor during 2011/12 so that they can respond quickly to local community needs where a small amount of financial support can make a big difference